Simple Moving Labor

I contracted SML to help load my moving truck in Maryland.  I then drove the truck and unloaded at the other end without their help.  The SMP movers showed up on time, moved everything very quickly, and were very curtious and professional.  My only non-positive comment is they did not come prepared to move a refrigerator and they were not ready for snow on the ground.  I had multiple communications with SML prior to the move and reminded them that we had a fridge that needed to be moved outside the house and it had just snowed.  (Moving up stairs would require removal of doors.) The movers ended up carrying the fridge around the house in the snow because they did not bring a dolly.  They also did not have boots, but the final result was they moved it and there was no damage.  I would strongly recommend SML in the future and I will use them for a future move if needed.
 
The other great thing is I rented with Penske and Penske paid for more than 1/2 of the total cost of the SML movers.  .

Service cost: $339

By no means are the men who unloaded the truck are part of my negative review. They were Great. The loaders are another matter. They took way to much time to load the truck & the space was not utilized. I had to rent a UHaul trailer to get the rest on. They spent the time having family come over with food While waiting for me to return. They also had others come over too during the day on several occasions. There was no room for my Plantation Shutters & offered to give me 30 minute off the bill for them. I asked about the breaks & lunch they took but was told that wouldn't constitute more break time. Those shutters cost me over $6,000 when purchased in 2008. I would think they probably made a lot more on them than 30 minute credit & their continual wasting of time. Jerry Miller.

Service cost: $1137

This company is the worst moving company I have ever dealt with.  I had 2 movers pack my truck, they were on time and nice guys but they did not use the 24 moving pads I provided on the most important items.  I had many items damaged on arrival but the worst was a brand new refrigerator, the door was completely dented because they did not wrap a pad around it!! And they shoved it up so hard against the side of the truck, it dented the door.  When I filled out all the claim paperwork, pictures, etc. they denied my claim!! They probably never pay out claims, why would they, they can always say it happened during transit, how can anyone prove that!!  Horrible Company!!

Service cost: $440

We loaded the Penske truck ourselves in Mohawk, Tn.  We drove to Savannah, Ga to unload.  The crew to unload was on time and courteous.  They were immediately concerned because they were told it was a first floor apartment when I very specifically told the company it was on the third floor with no elevator.  They said that they usually bring another person to help on a third floor unload so as to minimize the risk of overworking the crew.  I would not authorize addition cost since I specifically told the company it was a three floor move.  The company even called back to confirm it was a three floor move without an elevator.   The movers said they understood and said they would take it up with the company.  They continued with the unload and did a fantastic job. Somebody really broke down the communication link at the workers expense. in summary, the local people were excellent but somebody in the office messed up. .

Service cost: $350

I would highly NOt recommend SML for moving. I hired Pro-movers instead of just muscle that needed supervision, for an upcharge  of course. that was a waste of money. I had 60 moving pads to pack, 15 of which that were not used. So there is no excuse for lack of use. Furniture was stacked against furniture with nothing between them. Pictures were taken and sent to claims dept. to verify. Concret yard ornament loaded against leather chair, chairs loaded against old barn door without padding. the list goes on. Expensive matress torn by mishandling. when pictures were sent to claims dept., I was told it happended in transit, which is not covered becase they did not drive the truck. I have been driving a truck for 40 yrs., and the Penske truck was like new. And it was my fault? I was denied ANY REIMBURSTMENT. I WILL BE REPORTING THEM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU to file a complaint. Again, hire someone else that will accept responsibility when they are at fault. When I called to verify final amount owed, 2 days later $165.00 dollars was added on my charge card.

Service cost: $1600

SML did a pretty good job. The head guy (I think the owner) was great. He was professional, polite and pleasant. They showed up on time and worked quickly. The helper had a problem getting through doorways without bumping the furniture. It was quite aggravating especially with wicker furniture. Also, there was a problem with the dryer because of the loaders, a different co., so for some reason they didn't hook up my washer. Didn't notice until after they were gone. But otherwise I was fairly satisfied with SML.

Service cost: $384