Tristate Moving and Storage

I would not recommend Tristate of Rockville. They will make you pay BEFORE unloading your furniture (and overestimate the hours). Their movers do NOT wear masks and one of their movers was moving in his socks. The movers (1) made several large HOLES in the walls (2) broke furniture - RIPS in a couch and BROKE A LEG off a credenza (3) understaffed and overcharged (4) blamed the customer for damage to the walls and couch. The manager will not pay for damages or refund fees.

The move should have taken 3 hours with three people. Instead with two people, it took 5 hours, with my help and the movers themselves were not equipped for this move, despite the manager given information what to expect in terms of furniture and stairs at both locations.

The damage: $838 charged to my credit card + holes in the walls in the apartment and hallway (greatly upsetting my landlord) + damages to a couch (retailed $1200) and a credenza + time and energy to write the landlord and file the complain to Tristate. The call to the manager after the move met with blame shifting.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $838

I ordered a full pack move from my home to their storage and then delivery to another place by the water which we just built. The crew came in on time and packed everything with care. They stored my things for a few moths and then delivered to the new location once it was finished. The crew was absolutely flawless. They didn't scratch a single item. I was also concerned about my new walls at the new place. not a single nick. Love these guys!!!!! The recommendation for the best movers in town worked.. My co-worker was also very happy with them.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1791

I hired Tristate movers for a moving service  for a move from  a 1-BR Apartment to a Residential home which is 3 miles away.  I asked for 3 movers and a truck and the sales rep told two people are enough and they will complete the service in 3 hrs of which 1 hour is travel time and they will charge 75 per hour for a total estimate around 300 dollars.
On the day of the move, after we reached our new home, the movers gave me a bill and said that I have to pay 778 dollars in total which is twice the initial estimate, prior to unloading our belongings. The hourly rate also increased from the initial quote of $75 per hour to $78 per hour  I called up a person at Tristate and was asking for an explanation. This person informed me that the conversation is over and if I don't sign the bill, the movers would not unload my belongings and take them to storage.  In short, Tristate was threatening me, by saying I needed to sign the bill in the next 10 minutes - which I found to be highly unprofessional.  I was forced to sign a bill, that was not properly explained to me and also had to pay before to my belongings had been successfully moved into my new home.  I still have not seen the itemized bill.  The movers also charged me for using tape to close my boxes, even though I was not informed of there a being a charge.  I am completely disappointed by the service I received, and appalled by the lack of professionalism and customer service experience from this company.  
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Service cost: $778

This move was a local move of a 2-bedroom apt. to a place about 2 miles away. It did include packing as well. Overall, after the move I had the feeling of being completely ripped off and taken advantage of. At the beginning of the move, the 3 movers arrived on time. They proceeded to start packing, but me and my parents also did some packing the day before. The estimate they gave me was ~ $800, which seemed reasonable. The movers themselves worked for 90% of the time, taking breaks here and there but granted I did not follow them outside to see if they were taking breaks there as well. I had the feeling they were taking longer than they should have. It took about 4.5 hrs to store everything in the truck and drive to our new home which was ~ 2miles away. HERE IS WHERE THE TROUBLE BEGAN: Once there, the lead person wanted me to give my credit card so he could charge for 8.5hrs (of which the last 1/2 hour was time and a half for "overtime") even though they had not even started unloading the truck. I asked the person how they knew how long it would take to finish since they hadn't even begun. The guy told me this was their estimate a wanted to charge me at THAT time for $1350.00. Charges included various items such as ~11 rolls of tape (of which I'm sure they only used 1-2--how could they go through that much tape!--it was a blatant lie IMO); overcharging for boxes like 7-8 bucks per medium box..I could go on and on. When I refused to give them my card, they got the manager on the phone (TOM PARCELLS) who proceeded to threaten me that he would tell the movers to hold my items (which is essentially larceny) until I gave them my card and would charge for time on top of that. At that point I was so stressed that I relented because it wasn't worth the pain and hassle to argue with them. On top of this, and I don't like using profane words, but I am quoting Tom Parcells saying to me "I am being that As**" when I refused to pay him for work that wasn't done. Finally, as insult to injury, he wouldn't give me a copy of the itemized bill, and told me he would email it to me. I never received the email. This is all COMPLETELY true and unembellished.

Service cost: $1300

As I was given a quote of 4.5 hours plus 1 hour travel at the rate of $77/ hour, I paid over $500 for 3 hours and 15 minutes of work.  Upon calling after the move regarding the incorrect amount a 'kid' first claiming be the manager then claiming to be running the entire operation asks if I am "cussing" at him when I ask to speak management and not a smart [EDIT].  I was never told about any of the charges this child was rambling about and my quote was obviously out the window.  Do NOT use this company EVER.

Service cost: $514

I had a local move of one-bedroom apartment within 3 miles. It was my worst move ever, horrible!! I had the same move 6 months earlier and it took 2.5 hour. With tri-state it took 5.5 hours. The company owner named "Tom" is the meanest person I have ever come across. He kept calling the movers every 20 minutes and keep the on the phone for 10 minutes to waste time and charge extra. They charged my credit card every 1/2 hour !! they charge you before starting unloading. The movers were very unprofessional with no experience. Tom has given me an estimate of $350 and I ended up to pay $550, They broke my dresser, scratched and damaged all walls and doors and left a mess. They left basement stuff at 2nd floor and bedroom stuff at basement!! Long story short, If you want to have the worst move in your life and deal with an as**ole, this is the company to go with!!

Service cost: $550

The worst worst moving company -- reporting to BBB and suing.  Took more money out my account than agreed and signed off on.  I pray God will come in and touch this Company and Tom -- I beg anyone -- please do not deal with this company -- SCAMMERS!!  SCAMMER!!  --  Thankful I worked in the legal field for over 40 years --  Tom speaks of being honest - please run from this Company -- if you want piece -- Want no one out of a job but if you have to SCAM people to think you are getting ahead -- it will come back on you in the worst way -- So I ask Jesus to come in and deal with this Company -- it is not my battle -- those that believe -- knows this is already taken care of .

Service cost: $766

I want to begin by saying that I full-heartedly recommend the Tri-State Moving Company. I give them 5 starts but that isn’t really enough to rate the value of work they provided for me during my move. I called the phone number listed and spoke with Jeff, who was immediately accommodating. I explained to him the difficult situation I was in, which was that I was not in control of when I could move, and that I would only know last minute based on my landlord at the time and my next apartment building. It was an incredibly frustrating situation, one that many other companies were not able to help me with. Jeff was friendly, told me to call around and if I couldn’t find a better price for the flexibility he was offering, that I should call back and he’d make it work. I kept in touch with him over the course of the week, hoping to move any day then. On Thursday (I had hoped to at least move by Tuesday) I called Jeff and told him the move had to be Friday, and it needed to be between 3h in particular — the exact ones when most people want to move because its after work hours when the weekend begins. Jeff kept his promise to me, and sent me two spectacular guys. The made the move in less time that I expected, with incredible professionalism and ease. 

When I first called Jeff on Thursday to set up the move, he said that he’d take care of me and that Friday’s move would make me want to “move every other weekend.” Well, I still don’t want to move every other weekend, but if I were to have to, I’d call Tri State Moving Company again. They were worth every penny. 

I know there are a lot of scams when it comes to movers - so to ensure that you believe my rating and recommendation, I’ve given Jeff permission to give out my phone number for those who want a personal account to prove this is true! Don’t hesitate to reach out. .

Service cost: $370

We moved an elderly family member from MD to about 400 miles north. The first sign of trouble was when two different family members received two different quotes from Tristate Moving and Storage for the same job, one of them being $500 more than the other. Jeff at Tristate Moving and Storage or whatever his real name is seemed reasonable nevertheless and we of course went with the lessor of the two quotes.

Moving day arrived and Tristate Moving and Storage began tacking on $20 here and there onto the bill so I called to let them know that we’re not a good candidate for “nickel & dime type fees”. This is when the first ‘train wreck’ took place. Jeff yelled continuously down the phone, threatened to hang up, didn’t let you get a word in edgeways and constantly interrupted any attempts to regain his attention, all of which took place in the first minute. After about five more minutes of this he calmed down and to my complete surprise he did a 180 turn and offered to remove the fees. Well it seemed we were back on track.

The truck left later than was first estimated as there was more ‘stuff’ to load than we thought, however the truck crew did a great job loading the truck ‘to the gills’, took off and arrived at the destination on schedule. They immediately began unloading, but about 30 minutes in I was presented with a bill that required immediate payment. It was a whopping $450 more than the original quote but the truck crew explained that it took longer to load and will take longer to unload than was first estimated. Fair enough, it was explained in a previous phone conversation that this could happen and it did.

As previously discussed with Jeff I handed over my credit card but also had $1500 cash on hand in case there was an unforeseen issue. Well what do you know, there was one. Tristate Moving and Storage does not accept American Express, which was fine as many people don’t but the bill was $1,914.00 and all I had was a credit card they would not accept, $1,500 in cash and I also offered to pay them directly through another credit card via my online banking institution; the funds would have been available immediately.

Because of numerous credit card disputes that Tristate Moving and Storage had with its credit card merchant in the past, Tristate Moving and Storage were only permitted to accept credit card payments using the ‘Old School’ carbon paper imprint of credit cards while at their customer’s location.

So my only option to pay these guys was with cash. While on the phone with Jeff I suggested that I would be willing to get additional cash from an ATM but the daily withdrawal limit is $300, leaving me short $114 which I said I could pay later. Jeff recoiled at the very suggestion, and told me to find a neighbor willing to lend me the extra money, (keep in mind this is a new neighborhood and I don’t know the neighbors), and he also instructed the truck crew to stop work and lock the truck. Incredible; fifteen more minutes of yelling, interruptions, sob stories over the phone of past customers who lost Jeff thousands of dollars. Left with no alternative I went to the ATM to get the $300 and also went looking for the additional $114. Twenty or so minutes later while trying to raise the $114, Jeff called me and said I no longer have to give him the $114, but by that time I was so shocked at what this man had me doing I could not find it in my heart to accept is “charity” so I eventually got all the money and also made sure I had something left over to tip the truck crew as they were kind enough to continue working while I went looking for the cash.

I paid the bill in full and had enough left to tip the truck crew. Read the negative reviews as well as the positive ones about this company before you part with your cash.

Check BBB's website and look at the last complaint, says it all:

Copied from BBB:
8 complaint(s) filed against business
Failure to respond to 4 complaint(s) filed against business
2 complaint(s) filed against business that were not resolved
Unauthorized use of BBB name or trademarks

Tristate Moving and Storage, 11904 Maple Ave. Rockville, MD 20852.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1914

Tristate Movers and Storage “Jeff the General Manager” originally quoted my mother 8-10 hours at $149 = $1,490 plus packing supplies which were not disclosed at the beginning of the move ultimately costing $852 in addition to the move. The total cost of this move was expected to be $2,342. A few items of concern, 2 days later they have escalated the cost of this move to be $3,474, now adding in a new over-time rate which was not disclosed, and we were not made aware of and did not agree to.

Now 24 hours later we do not have a formal bill based on the original quote and this company has all of our stuff. The story as to why the bill keeps going up is continually changing. They tried to force my mother to sign a blank invoice and blank supply list. She demanded to know the cost of the supplies which is why we know that the cost is $852.00. This company has countless complaints of the same billing practice all over the internet with every story being the same.

Under the FMCSA rights we have a right to pay the binding contract of 10 hours plus supplies $2,342. We have a right to not be overcharged beyond 110 percent of the bill. We are asking that an investigation be opened into this company who is continually taking advantage of and gouging the public especially elderly seniors like my mom.

Do Not Use: Tristate Moving and Storage
(877) 629-4040, (301) 468-6683
info@tristatemovingandstorage.com
www.tristatemovingandstorage.com
States of operation: Maryland, New York, Virginia, Washington DC.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2342

This is the worst moving company I have EVER encountered. They are crooks and I wish I had never used them. It took less than 45 minutes to move me into my new apartment in DC at 2pm on a Wednesday and they charged me $780. This was from their local warehouse to my new apartment and doesn't include the addition $670 they charged to move me out of my original apartment two weeks prior. When I questioned the charges the sales person, Tom, was rude, condescending, and told me that they were a luxury so I should have expected to pay luxury prices. When I explained that this was not what I had been quoted and that there was no way this pricing made sense because I didn't even have furniture and the cost to move me out of my apartment and into storage had been cheaper he said he didn't need to explain himself. I asked to speak with a manager and was told he had better things to do than contact me. I was supposed to receive a follow up call 5 days ago to follow up with my issues and never heard a a word. When I called again this morning I received no call back. This is a horrible company with terrible customer service that is only trying to swindle you. DO NOT USE THEM.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $1450

Tristate moving and storage, specifically Tom, is dishonest, rude, and extremely unprofessional. The movers arrived 2 hours late in a painted over Penske truck and did not have any equipment to conduct our move safely and efficiently. They did not wrap our items and it was obvious they were very new to the business because they packed wine glasses on the bottom of a box that contained a toaster. Needless to say, the glasses were all broken. I ordered several boxes and the movers stated they were not aware I ordered boxes (as indicated on the quote) We were charged full price for used boxes. Our furniture has substantial damage from rubbing and carelessness on behalf of the movers. The movers did not reassemble items as the website promises and this is also indicated on the quote. Be very weary of this company and Tom Parcells. They do not respond to emails and do not carry insurance as this is also mentioned on their home made, falsify web page. They do not provide the white glove service, their movers are inexperienced, and have potentially several hundreds of dollars of "hidden" fees. My advice, go for the bigger, more professional, known moving company. At least you know you have a better chance of being valued as a customer. I could go on and on about this horrific moving company but I I hope no one has to go through what we are going through with them, 4 months after the actual move.

Service cost: $1300

I am an international professional who shipped my home to USA about 8 years ago. In past 8 years I have moved from Houston to Denver then Washington DC and finally Philadelphia. In my last move, we had to move out from two apartments in Washington DC and Philadelphia to the new residence in Pilly. While I was looking for movers, a good friend of mine recommended Tristate Moving and Storage company. She was absolutely right, These guys ARE FANTASTIC. I got what they promised. They showed up on time, very professional helpers, No damage neither to the furniture and boxes nor to the walls in the new building. I had few big glasses and they wrapped them perfectly and everything delivered in the same condition as they were. Especial thanks to Pey, the salesman, for all your patience especially for helping me in changing the schedule twice since the building was not ready. You guys are going to be my only choice on my next move as well. Thanks again  .

Service cost: $2145

When confirming what the cost of the move and what services were include, Tom failed to mention the 10% fuel fee and the 5% administrative Fee. After informing Tom we were moving from a 2bedroom apt (3rd Flr) to a townhouse, and items to be moved including boxes; Tom stated it was equivalent to a one bedroom. Tom quoted a price of $456.00 and stated the move should take no longer than 5 hours. The movers had the truck loaded in 2 hours 45 minutes. Arrived at new home @ 1:14pm movers stated unloading truck @ 1:30pm and finished at 4:00pm. Total move was 7 hours including the 1 hour fee for travel. Total Cost was $635.92 @ $79.00 per hour. When movers arrived at Townhouse,they moved slower to stretch time out, plus they wrapped furniture at the apt. In past moving experiences it always took half the time to unload. Tom was friendly when booking truck but very rude when asked how they calculated the fuel fee. Which is 10% of the total bill.

Was disappointed with Tom and his attitude.

Service cost: $636

Tom is the man that I dealt with.
This is not a business. If you are then respond to customer complaints. You quote this and that then turn around and throw in more charges at the 23rd hour. Those additional charges are factors when people decide to choose a mover. They were so desperate to offer me a 10 % discount after. I didn't accept !! To those that are considering a move in the near future I would hire a bunch of kids before these so called professionals. They have not returned a 100.00 charge and they never responded to my emails until after the date I was scheduled to move and claimed they had some men to work. What a scam. Anyone considering any mover , check with the BBB, I have filed a complaint and Tristate has yet to respond!! To all of those that are considering this company run!! Good Luck.

Service cost: $1449

I booked with this company because of there excellent sales and customer service . But after reading the reviews on this site I called back to ask more questions. I asked Mr.Tony about the bad reviews and he explained in detail the reasons customers were not satisfied . He guaranteed me that I was going to be satisfied and if I had a problem he would come to our location the day of the move personally and finish the move for us . I went with my heart and gave them a chance . Well the moving guys arrived right on time then they walked around the house to eye my items. They started work and about 15 min. it there work I could tell these guys knew what they were doing . Mr. Tom called me 2hrs later and then again in the 6th hour. When the guys got to my house they figured out the bill and I really didn't want to pay them before the finished my job but they told me if they finished earlier than the hours they were charging then they would refund me the remainder at the end. The move actually went over the time they collected for about 45 min but tristate did not charge me extra . Also I wanted to get rid of my sofa and the guys took it away with no extra charge. I had a very hard move and I also own a very expansive piano . The guys were amazing and for the guys at the office to call me a few times I think I had the best exprience. I really can see where the complaints arised in the other moves but I will use Tristate moving and storage again for my future moves . If you are a customer looking to move and want to contact me regarding this move I would be happy to talk to you. Thank you Tony and tristate for taking care of my household items. Goodbye!

Service cost: $2000

I was very nervous about booking Trisate after reading the online reviews. But Tom did an excellent job explaining the process to both my husband and myself. There were no surprises. The quote was right on and they did a wonderful job wrapping a few items (including our large screen tv). Pablo's team arrived on time, and worked VERY hard from start to finish WITHOUT breaks. Our furniture arrived in terrific condition! KUDOS to Tom,Pablo's team, and the entire Tristate Moving Company! JOB WELL DONE!!

Service cost: $1000

Sparing the boring details..we were quoted a 4 hour move price with 3 men and a truck for a "special" of $99 an hour. The job took from a little before 9am (0845) until 1230. But they charge a minimum of 4 hours. Fine. $99 x 4 = $400 (round up). But wait! They tack on an extra hour transport charge. Fine. $400 $99 = $500. But wait! The shrink wrap they used (which I never asked for) was an extra 120 ?!?! Even do. $500 120 = $620. Where does a bill of $751.06 come from?!?! These people are liars and thieves. Please God don't use them!!

Service cost: $751

We dealt with Tom Parcells who seemed to be professional when we booked the service. However, the day of service he did a complete about face. I guess he was all about bait and switch. He quoted us one price ($105) on the phone and the day the movers arrived, he listed a difference price on the contract ($115).

He also estimated that the work would take about 5-6 hours, but his movers told us the move looked like an all day job (9 or 10 hours). His workers showed up to my home in a Penske truck rather than a company van and when we I asked Mr. Parcell to provide me with their names, he told me to go and ask them myself. Yes, he really did.

Two movers did not speak English and one appeared to have a nasty cold. I was livid that this business would send a sick person to my home as I have a young child. Also, I was not upset about them moving us in a Penske truck but prior notification would have been appreciated as we wanted to make sure this was a legitimate move.

Beware of their contract terms. They make you sign away any liability for damages. Their contract terms indicate that you must agree not to dispute any charges on your credit card.

They can compensate you for 60 cents per pound of the specific area of the item damaged. Meaning you don't get anything. Also, the contract is very unprofessional in appearance and they don't provide you with copies. It has typos, doesn't have the name of the company or carbon copy. When I attempted to make a copy of the contract, the movers said I could not do so.

I requested copy of the contract from Mr. Parcells and still have not received one and I do not believe they have a real claims department, because when I asked Mr. Parcells to forward me a claims form, he has not to this date.

The DAMAGE-
Their movers broke my alarm system, dented our basement walls, scratched up our wood floors, chipped our door, soaked and stained our new carpet (from moving our washing machine) scratched up our leather sofas and broke the netting on our patio door. They were extremely unprofessional. And very unapologetic.

When I called Mr. Parcells to tell him what happened he got very nasty with me, accused me making this up (for what purpose I have no clue) and told me to fill out a customer survey. I requested to speak with the owner of the business about their conduct and haven't heard a peep since.

You are much better off spending a bit more and getting quality and professionalism with another company. Tri-State should not be allowed to get away with their shady business practices. I am sure that the positive reviews about them are not real ones.

Will add photos of the damage at a later date.

Service cost: $900

Don't use this company. It quoted my moving for one price and charged the double, like $100 dollars of 2 tubes of tape. The driver could not drive safety the truck, which does not belong to the company, but rented from Penske, and had to stop in a McDonald to eat, besides taking 3 hours from DC to Baltimore. And I had to pay all this time!! The movers did not speak English and did not want to put my bed together in the new place, because were afraid of their boss in getting late to return the Penske truck. In the end, my mattress was damaged, the company did not do anything about. This is the most unprofessional company I ever been involved with.

Service cost: $1000