Independence Van Lines

We chose Independence Van Lines after hearing scary moving stories about other very large national moving chains. Our move from Detroit to Miami went smoothly and wonderfully well. Independence Van Lines movers packed up our delicate Grandfather Clock, artwork and other belongings with such great care and delivered them to our Miami apartment and storage unit without a hitch. Nothing was damaged or lost. Their office staff were kind and helpful in providing our move estimate and patiently worked with us as our move expanded. I would highly recommend this moving company!

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5500

Despite representing themselves multiple times on the phone as a “full-service, white-glove moving company” I learned through the fine print of our binding estimate that this company is a broker.

I contracted a move 3/9/2021, revised 3/30/2021, and paid a cash-only deposit of $1242.00 for a binding estimate of $3233.33 for 485 cubic feet of items and packing services.

On Moving Day, 4/4/2021, the actual moving company they contracted with arrived with day laborers, "eyeballed" our inventory, and upped the estimate dramatically by 95% for extra packing and 400 additional cubic feet that our move did not actually use, demanding an additional cash-only payment of $2,600 up front and $1,733.77 upon delivery.

The foreman did not measure the actual dimensions of the items moved or actual space occupied on the truck at any point—either before packing or during or after loading. We measured and documented each of the 76 moved items upon delivery 4/15/21 and the occupied space on the rented Penske truck was only 453 cu ft., not the 885 we were charged for.

I have learned since filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Motor Carrier Carrier Safety Administration, the American Truckers Association, and the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services that the company contracted by Independence Van Lines for this move is not even licensed in the state of California to do moves for household goods. State records show their application for a permit was denied 2/13/2020.

Because this move was contracted to an unlicensed moving company, under California's Business and Professions Code, Section 19237, subdivision (b), I am entitled to recover all money paid for this move due to the movers’ lack of licensure.

I reached out multiple times to my several contacts at Independence about a refund for my $1,242.00 deposit since they contracted my move to an unlicensed carrier and I have been ignored.

Do not under any circumstances use this broker.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5957

Independence van lines is nothing a broker who says they are a carrier. They bad mouth all other carriers. Once they get their booking fee they continue to promise delivery date but they don't fulfill their promise. I had text confirmation that furniture would be delivered to Florida by may 13 because my wife was flying to Florida to meet the truck. The mover was scheduled to pick up furniture april 30 and did not show. They finally came may 1 and we told them again our delivery schedule of may 13. Furniture is sitting on a truck in phoenix with no driver assigned.

Independence raised their booking fee from 1400 to $2900 plus deposit for actual move and said all this would be applied to moving cost. When movers came they charged us another 3600 and told us we would owe an extra $2500 at the destination. A move that originally estimated by CHRIS KANE( " THE MOVER" OH I AM THE BEST) to be $4500 is going to cost $10,000. Independence is a SCAM.

THEY CONTRACT EVERYTHING OUT AND DO NOT HELP YOU GET CONTRACTED MOVER TO DO ANYTHING. The mover was S & M Relocation. Not to be confused with S & M Moving.

My wife is spending 2000 to fly to meet furniture and it won't be there.

DO NOT USE INDEPENDENCE

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $10000

All companies get bad reviews, but when you see a reoccurring theme in the bad ones...watch out!

I dealt with Tye who came across as professional/credible. I brought up the reviews and Tye stated that they were under old ownership.

Tye gave me an $1800 estimate. When we spoke the next day it was $2900. Spoke to mngr (Connor) and settled at $1900. Unfortunately, driver came and said $6000.00 or no pick up, blaming Tye for getting it wrong.

So I get on a 3-way-call with whoever George is @ ext 954-320-6921 and the driver (Ivan, Igor or something). George is giving an aggressive attitude, blame-shifting and asking "so are you refusing the pick up?".

Being an expert negotiator, I notice the specific wording he wants me to cop to on the recorded line, so I ask directly if he's attempting to justify keeping my $789.00 deposit. He says yes, I say "we'll see about that", he says "yeah, we will see about that".

I called my account immediately and got the money back. BEWARE, for the purpose justifying keeping your money, they do an ACH charge instead of a regular debit charge in order to look as if it's a regular bill and services Have Been Rendered!!!

What a bunch of Jacks?

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6000

Recently used Real Movers Moving & Storage to move from Miami up to New Jersey to be closer to my family and it was a wonderful experience. They were punctual and professional, and really delivered on their promises. They showed up on time and ready to work, and took very good care of my things. Took the stress out of what would have been a huge ordeal. More importantly, they were affordable. If you’re looking for a mover you should give them a call. I couldn’t have been happier with the service they provided, and I would definitely use them again.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3900

Profoundly suggested. I have been using their services for a long time. A month ago I reached out to Reliable and got a home moving quote. It was not high rate. Graham and Diana helped me a considerable measure. They are extremely dynamic and resourceful. Each time they satisfied my everything demand. On move day, they began pressing boxes and furniture from half past nine. They likewise connected wrapper and boxes. Numbered the greater part of the cases. Conveying and stacking was a hard assignment yet they did it an inventive way. They dropped all items in auspicious form. Helped us to settle the furniture in opportune places at our new home. In spite of the fact that my report is tardy, yet I generally recommend Independence Van Lines to all my clients and relatives.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3600

Our experience was atrocious, they confirmed a time, then changed the day at the last minute. When they showed up the truck fit about 1/3 of our house and they tried to charge us 3 times the quote. When we examined the quote, there was nothing excluded. They accused my wife of lying, even though the inventory sheet matched what was in the house. They took no responsibility and made no effort to correct the situation. They collected a large fee and provided no value. We ended up moving 2/3 of the house ourselves.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5800

Sales rep left items off and worded confusing so you don't find out until it's time for your move and then they tried to double my quote. Sales uses pressure to rush you into signing contract. Was assured multiples times that move would happen on scheduled dates, but this didn't happen. When I asked for my deposit back was told no the refund is not refundable and it doesn't matter what I was told by sales or customer service. In my opinion this company has no integrity and intentionally looks for ways to scam customers. I recommend finding a different moving company.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3200

My family used Independence Van Lines when we had to move from Texas to Canada quickly. I was nervous using professional movers only because no one has ever handled our family’s things in a move but us. Then again, how do you move a family cross- country in a week on your own? Independence Van Lines showed up and packed up all of our heirlooms, electronics, and all as carefully as we would. By five hours later, everything was packed away and loaded on the truck. Later that week, our truck arrived safe and sound at our new home. If they set me at ease, they deserve your business!

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2600

I contacted Independence Van Lines on 11/19/2020 to schedule my move. We spent 2 hours on the phone going over full detail of the items in my home to get an accurate estimate. The gentleman helping me, Jeff, assured me the price would not change unless I add services last minute. As I elected the full suite of services, he assured me the price would not change. I gave him EXTREME detail about the items and amount of stuff in my home, and received a quote of just over $7,000. Great! I gave them my info for the deposit, $2700, and agreed the rest of what I owed would be split into 2 payments. One at pick up and one at delivery. Works for me. Flash forward to move day, 12/29, the company that Independence contracted with shows up and says, "They really under quoted you, looks like it will be $3900 more due to size and labor" so I called Independence van lines, spoke to Megan a manager who told me that bc they need more cubic feet in the truck that the price will go up....and not $3900 like the movers said....but up to $14,000. So now, rather than the $2500 I was expecting to pay today, they are asking for $5000, but offered me free storage of my items for 30 days while I find a way to pay them the rest of the $7000. Where will I come up with $7000 in a month when I am UNEMPLOYED MOVING OUT OF STATE?! I am moving out of state, buying a home, I got have an extra SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS over what was quoted. I had a very strict budget since I am working in the constraints of the home buying process. I am not left with the decision of leaving HALF OF MY BELONGINGS or RENTING A UHAUL MYSELF to move. I find this utterly unprofessional and completely unacceptable.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7100

Independence Van Lines was a life saver. I was displaced abruptly from my job and forced to move with little notice to new store. As I had very little time between locations, they helped me pack, load and unload all in time to get back to work. They were extremely courteous especially when making the arrangements, making sure every detail was taken care of. The gentlemen that came for my things were a huge help. I was so pleased to have someone get me through this. I recommend Independence Van Lines to anyone needing to move in a hurry. I am definitely returning the next time I have to move.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3600

Just finished my move to Chicago and used Independence Van Lines to take of it.This was a bit a complicated. I'm a carpenter by trade and have my workstations in my home. Although they calculate moves by weight and size, they gave me a reasonable price. They took my 2 bedrooms, kitchen table and 2 work tables for just $2480 plus I tipped the movers. Since I know my equipment, I helped the movers place my machines on the truck, and everything made it home in good condition.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2900

My experience attempting to use Independence Van Lines was horrible! I ended up canceling on the day they were supposed to pick up my things. I feel so stupid for having trusted them in the first place and I was very naive. It was my first out-of-state move and their lack of service, reliability, and credibility caused me an enormous amount of inconvenience in preparing to move (time & money). They gave me a pick up time between 9 - 11am. They insisted that they could not provide the name of the carrier and that they were not obligated to do so, leaving me as their customer in the dark and at their mercy. I wouldn’t be able to know until this unknown carrier arrived to my location for pickup. The unknown carrier was an hour late. We had to call several times to try and get at least an ETA and further information from Independence Van Lines. Turns out the carrier was delayed finishing up another job and had trouble with their truck. NO ONE thought it important to contact us and keep us abreast. We were waiting in the cold at a storage location away from home. The customer service agents did not provide customer service at all. I felt very uncomfortable and no longer safe to trust them or their process for doing things. $838.20 is non-refundable deposit. The customer service agent and manager didn’t start to show an ounce of concern until I said I wanted to cancel. Even then, I felt they were more concerned about the money than me. I will encourage anyone and everyone I know not to use them, do extensive research so you won’t get taken advantage of, and go with a reputable mover company not a broker.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $1950

They were professional from the start. Provided a great service in a timely, efficient manner. All my items were well cared for during the move and nothing was damaged. The staff was helpful and considerate throughout the process. Upon pickup of my items they were ready to break everything down as necessary with proper tools. They took their time to take everything apart the right way and didn't try to rush things by just throwing furniture into the truck without breaking it down properly. They utilized padding and blankets to ensure my hardwood furniture remained unscratched and safe.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3400

Look at all the negative reviews on multiple sites. It is a scam. I wish I would have heeded others’ warnings. The salesman will say whatever they have to in order to get the deposit. Our move was then subbed out to another mover who tried to quadruple the price the day of the move. Mover blames independence and independence blames the mover leaving you no choice but to pay or lose deposit. They claim there is no contract but an estimate. The mover plays semantics games over what a box is and the load list vs the cubic feet etc. Bottom line is they underbid then try to jack up the price. If you go with someone else they steal your deposit.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $5000

If I could give more than 5 stars I would Independence Van Lines over delivered on everything they said that they would do. They said they would be at my home at 9:30, they were there at 9:15. They said that they would have 8 men, they brought 9. They said the move would take 9 hours and they got it done start to finish in 7.5 hours. movers were completely professional and so were their crew. They took care of my furniture like it was their own. They have been in the moving industry for over 15 years and have started their own company to provide the type of customer service that the “big name movers” don’t provide anymore. I admire that initiative and I am extraordinarily happy about the service, the cost, and the care they took of my belongings.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4600

I would absolutely NOT recommend working with Independence Van Lines for your moving needs. I have moved a number of times, but this was by far my worst experience. Independence VL is a broker and unfortunately won’t take responsibility for abusive and unprofessional practices of the moving companies they work with.

I scheduled my move from Los Angeles to Chicago through Independence VL and was asked for an initial deposit based on an estimated volume. Having previous experience with moves and wanting to avoid stress and additional fees the day of my move, a week before my move I provided an updated inventory list. We recalculated volume and I provided an additional deposit per their request. The day of my move, a company called Map Express Logistics showed up and told me the volume calculations were wrong and I had an additional 536 c.f.!!! (DOUBLE the volume on my original estimate) and they needed $4,000 more to proceed with the move.

I decided to cancel my move and lost the $2,387 deposit I had already paid to Independence VL.

For reference, I ended up hiring a different moving company which at pick up calculated an additional 80 c.f. and charged $300 extra from the quote they had given me. Nowhere near the additional 536 c.f. and $4,000 this company wanted to overcharge.

Stay away from Independence Van Lines and their partners. Moving companies have always been known for shady practices and their partner relationships are a grey area. Go with a moving company that owns their own equipment and charges a fixed deposit at the time of booking.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2387

I was quoted $1700 for my 49 items listed. Delivery in 5-7 days. The driver loaded my “50” items and told me I was 600 cu ft over my contract and had to pay additional $1300. My items were picked up March 20, 2021, I called today March 25 and no one can tell me where my delivery is! My first call I was told it was still sitting somewhere and had not been transported yet! Third call I was told they could not get in touch with mover they contracted out to. I will be contacting again tomorrow and provide an update to review.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $3400