Simple Moving Labor

I hired SML for unloading labor in California. I hired two "Helpers" which were background checked, although not considered professional movers. My ONLY complaint was the cost with a 2-hour minimum. My loading-labor in Oregon was $100 and took nearly 2 hours. This team was very speedy and had the whole truck unloaded in under half an hour. I realize that unloading is quicker than loading, but was still a bit regretful to have to pay the full $236. One of the Helpers arrived early and went ahead and started unloading. They took direction well, were nice and worked fast/hard. I'd use SML again, but probably for the longer loading work due to cost. .

Service cost: $236

We hired the pro-movers in the Nashville area to move from one condo to another within the same building. They arrived on time, and we had no issues with them moving items. We only used them to move the furniture and heavier items. They had to move some very heavy items, and nothing was broken.  They were efficient with their time, and were very friendly. I would recommend and use them again. The one thing I did not like is that we were charged a $75 travel fee, and they did not actually use the truck..moved from one condo to another in the same building.

Service cost: $477

LOAD: The team was late; did not call ahead. Young men, appeared to have little or no "professional" moving experience.  Truck was poorly loaded, some damage to items during move because of this. UNLOAD: Completely unprofessional; younger of the two immediately (before unloading) began to hit me up for a $50 tip "to make sure everything goes OK". Later increased his pitch to $100.  Also said "don't tell my partner." Seriously damaged a piece of furniture while unloading.   Would never use this company again; both subcontractors were not worth the money.

Service cost: $650

We paid for two pro-movers to load our truck. Clearly one was experienced and the other was not.  One of the movers placed my portable BBQ unprotected on top of a patio chair seat cushion. What would that seat cushion looked like after 1,400 miles?  I had them re-pack, but should have been common sense.  Several furniture items were not wrapped correctly and were damaged. The leg of a dining room chair, night stand and dresser all have deep scratches and wood chipped away! Also a tear in our leather top coffee table!  These guys were not careful as they should have been. On the back-end with the helper movers who unloaded the truck. They came with NOTHING.  No gloves, no straps, nothing. Consequently, they worked way harder than they should have and took much longer carrying heavy items.  We recently had a dry delivered from Home Depot. The guys had the proper straps and harnesses. They easily maneuvered the dryer upstairs. where our help movers had to use all the brawn they could muster to push, heave, our washer upstairs.  Just not prepared. Again, taking more time and effort than they needed. Overall, we were not too pleased with the service we received for $700.

Service cost: $700

IN MY OPINION, The use of your helpers was a total disaster. You should not even use the word moving in the same context.  The two men that were dropped off at my door were found at the local mission or labor pool in my opinion and had never unloaded a moving truck before.  After I observed them for the first five minutes, (I am 67 and stronger than either one) I called SML and requested more experienced movers and did not want to use the two helpers sent.  I offered to pay whatever the cost might be.  But the truck had to be returned and you found me no one.  It got worse.  They could not move my two piece Armoire and I am waiting for the estimate from Furniture Repair, as I have pictures of the damage as does your on site supervisor.  They dropped my clothes washer and Sears Repaired for $143.00. A small lamp ($40.00) was found broken and seem hidden among the boxes.  I spoke with the supervisor several times and he took pictures of damage and said I would get an adjustment because the allotted time to unload should have been 3 hours.  It took these two 5 1/2 hours.  I color coded boxes red kitchen, blue bedroom, and plain for main room.  The boxes were just stacked.  I called the SML customer service line numerous times and got no help and it seems my notes have disappeared or lost. There was no adjustment. NO insurance and SML was of no help.  I have contacted Penske Truck Rental, since they have SML on their web site and I might be able to get some relief from Penske.  I have contacted My VISA Company and have protested any and all charges until I know my total damages.  I went to print out my contract from SML thinking the forms were safe and I was notified time had expired and I could not print anything.  Please forward copies of my contract, copies of my billing and copies of the forms I gave the onsite supervisor complaining of a horrible job performed by SML.   My contact information jahvoice9035@gmail.com   IN MY OPINION SML did not and does not inform the consumer but refers the customer to the fine print.  Horrible service, horrible attitude in my opinion.

Service cost: $415

SML provided an excellent working team to load my truck, and it took 2 men only 2 hours to load.  However, the team they provided to unload my truck into storage was a disaster.  Two young men, with no manual work experience, first day on the job, did not know what they were doing, my wife and I both 56 years old had to operate the dolly and move boxes because they mostly stood around, moving at the pace of snails.  I called SML and complained but they said "too bad" they are only helpers.  I released them at the 2 hour point and my wife and I worked another two hours unloading the truck because of incompetent help.  I requested a discount because of the poor service and haven't heard from them yet.  Also, these young men had NO TRAINING, and were only getting paid $8.50 and hour, while I paid SML $236.  I feel bad for these kids too.  SML should have matched them up with an experienced  worker.  Do not use this company - they are unethical.   Hire some young helpers from Church or families you know and pay them $25 an hour to work hard, not $8.50 so they can stand around and loaf.

Service cost: $472