Western Van Lines

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS MOVING COMPANY! I AM SO SERIOUS, YOU WILL GET SCAMMED! This was the second company that I went through because I dodged the bullet with the first company that I believed tried to scam me out of my money, so I disputed the first company, US Standard & Storage (Internet/Broker Company). Unfortunately, this company was the same exact way. This being my first Out-of-State move. It was a complete nightmare. The initial conversation and negotiation I had with Michael Greene (Sale Representative) had a great quote using the manager discounts to get you an affordable rate. Of course, you put down an initial deposit and MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR CONTRACT. I read my contract through and through. It was not lengthy but read it carefully. They explained that they have their own moving Western Van Lines trucks, " meaning if you have a truck then western van lines printed logo on the truck like most moving companies. They hired movers to move my stuff in a rental Penske truck. The carrier was trying to upcharge me based on what he saw in my apartment. I literally had 30 boxes and my bedroom set. He said that this doesn't match the paperwork. I told him he was a liar and pulled up my paperwork with the correct items. I told him that he had the wrong list and they did not send him an updated list. He magically pulled up the "updated" list. Then, trying to rush me to sign paperwork and got mad at me when I was asking a lot of questions. He did not speak good English, so unfortunately that was not much help. I tried contacting Michael who supposedly available at all the time. He stops returning my calls and I could not reach him anymore to go over the issues at hand. I told the carrier he will be taking all my stuff and kept talking about leaving it here, leaving it here. I argue with him for about 30 minutes until he said he only charged me $250 instead of $400. My sister was in-route to come up there to help me deal with this situation. Unfortunately, I feel that something was up when they requesting cash or postal money order. They stated the estimate of the delivery was 5-14 days. The carrier said he will be the one moving my stuff all the way to Phoenix, Arizona. I took down his number and everything. On route to Arizona, I had contact Michael Greene and did not receive any response. I contact another number that was supposedly associated with the company. It was “Quality Insurance Company,” I realized I have been scammed. I kept calling and leaving voicemail about contacting my lawyer and bank to report company fraud (which I did anyway). After I arrived in Phoenix, another moving company based out of Phoenix contact me about my household items and delivery. Talking about they will be arriving in a 75’ feet truck. I am confused about why my stuff was being delivered in a long truck. The new moving company that supposes my stuff was bid off to was called, 500 Movers. They were explaining how there will be a $300 shuttle fee and a $300 for redelivery fee if their 75’ feet truck could not fit in the apartment complex. I am like what in the world. They already knew that their truck was not going to fit in my apartment complex. I am like that truck would not fit anywhere. A person name Laura contact me back in regards to the situation and saying that it is in the contract and I kept explaining to her that they provided for inaccurate information and try to tell me what I misheard things. I am not illiterate about things that are explained to me. She said she will contact, Jennifer Martinez, the manager to get in touch with me and that was a lie. The next day, they were screening my calls and how I know that because every time I call they were forward to a voicemail that was “so-call full.” When my sister called them, they picked up for her because they did not recognize her number. I was so angry with the poor communication, falsify information, and unprofessional service that this company had provided. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE AND BE AWARE OF COMPANIES LIKE THIS. THEY WILL SCAM YOU!! CONTACT YOUR BANKS AND LAWYER TO REPORT THESE FRAUDULENT COMPANIES ASAP!

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3000

WHEN PLANNING A MOVE: DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES:

Swift Van Lines DBA Western Van Lines, 706 NE 191st Terrace, Miami FL 33179; Western Van Lines, 950 W. Bannock St. #1100 Boise, IDA 83702.

Western Van Lines is a Florida Fictitious Name filed on October 18, 2019. The company's principal address is 706 NE 191st Terrace, Miami, FL 33179. The company has 1 principal on record. The principal is Swift Van Lines from Miami FL. Phone:

1-877-631-0660; 208-991-4903.

Also part of the scam: Western Van Lines,950 W. Bannock St. #1100, Boise, ID 83702; Josh Levy, supposedly Quality Assurance: Phone: 800-996-9533; 208-600-6749 (208 area code is Idaho) and Michael at Western Van Lines: Phone: 208-314-7188) Sales Rep.

This company took possession of my worldly possessions on June 19, 2020 in Richland, Washington and I have yet to receive any of my belongings. I am an 80-yr old widow moving to Tempe, AZ to live with my son. My goods were supposed to be shipped to Tempe, AZ for storage. When we were finally able to contact them on July 8, we learned that my goods were still in Washington state or who knows where. We were told that a supposed carrier would call us and we have yet to hear from them (as of July 14, 2020). I made the mistake of signing with this company based on Michael at Western Van Lines (Phone: 208-314-7188) that the rate would not exceed a certain amount, $9,313.95 (but it turned out this rate was good for only 24 hours IN WRITING). It was a come-on to go with their scam company. Tell you one thing but something else in so-called written agreement. Every time I dealt with them, the price went up and went up, from under 10,000 to over 12,000! And also, the terms changed.

They moved us on June 19th and have yet to receive any of my belongings -- and if I do, I expect them to have opened up every box and taken what they want to sell and then tell me it was damaged in shipment. I was not given time to read the final papers that I signed. Now that we are waiting for my stuff to be delivered, I have had time to read their "fine" print -- I.e., I hereby release Western Van Lines of all responsibility for my account bills, currency, deeds, evidence of debt, money notes, securities, jewelry, watches, and precious stones, unless these items have been declared to the carrier prior to the shipment." ONLY WAY CARRIER WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO ANYTHING LIKE THIS IS TO INTENTIONALLY OPEN THE BOXES. it also said that all charges to be paid in cash or postal money order before personal goods are relinquished by the carrier --- No protection for the consumer here. This company is a license to steal. They expect customer to abide by anything in writing – but they can change terms at whim.

When I packed each box, I made an Excel file and photo file for each box, so I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WAS IN EACH BOX I PACKED. Also, each box was taped to death – no reason for it to be ripped open!! I also have an overall list of all boxes turned over to the shipper, which was also provided to the shipper, So I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WAS STOLEN AND HAVE PHOTOS TO BACK IT UP.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $12088

It is so sad I am writing a one star review. I chose rhis company for the 75 years experience and good reviews.

My items were picked up June 29th and I still have not received them. I called frequently since July 15th and have been told someone will call you back.. no one EVER CALLED BACK. To make matters worse, when we asked why our items had not been on the road/delivered the only response we received was "We don't know ma'am. " ?? . Well into August we called again and again getting the same run around. At this point we were close to calling the police because as far as we knew - because no information was given to us - our stuff is lost or stolen. FINALLY TODAY, August 20th, I get a call saying my items will be delivered tomorrow and my balance is due. GREAT. But waiting 2 months and having to buy my husbands medical equipment/supplies because we couldn't carry it all on the plane - there needs to be an adjustment to my balance. After calling and having a rep tell me someone will call me.. AGAIN.. I wait. Then I get a call from the rudest person I have ever had to speak to. Laura, the shipping manager. She not only speaks down to me, but interrupts me, and insults me. I could not believe my ears. Having a wealthy, long lasting company you work for and speaking to a dissatisfied consumer like that is COMPLETELY unacceptable. I don't let my nephew speak to me that way much less a Karen in charge. I am still attempting to get a hold of someone in a higher position. We will see how that goes but I am devastated at my experience with this company. Hire someone else and save your sanity! Go with a company who respects you if you request a solution to your complaint!

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6000

I wish I could give negative stars to Western Van Lines to reflect the negative experience I had with this company when I recently moved from Seattle to San Diego. Apparently it's very easy to rip people off and give terrible customer service and stay in business "for over 15 years". I lived in a ~500 s/f studio apt. When I was getting the quote they told me I qualify for a "piggyback"move. Which by the way is a crock of sh*t. There is no such thing because they aren't piggybacking anything. It's just a way for them to hook people that live in small apts. The first guy I dealt with, Michael Greene, provided the initial estimate. He was personable, basically a typical sales guy. Nice to you so he can get you to sign on the dotted line and get the deposit from you. Later on if you have questions, he ghosts you and is unreachable. After the movers picked up my stuff I had a question about the initial estimate and he wouldn't return my calls and never answered his phone. Though, when he was waiting for me to sign the estimate he was very easy to get a hold of. About 3-5 days before your estimated pick up date, another person calls you, the Quality Assurance Manager. There's no quality being assured by this person. The QA Manager that handled my estimate was Josh Levy. Basically his role is to increase your estimate and lie to you. They ask you whether anything has changed since the 1st estimate. Adding items increases your estimate since it's supposedly based on the cubic feet they think your stuff will take up in the truck. My first estimate was for 342 c/f and then it went up to 501 c/f with Josh supposedly based on what I added. Josh also removed the piggy back discount and changed my move to a regular move and did not tell me this. I didn't notice the change when I reviewed the estimate because I didn't compare the two estimates side by side. If I had known he changed the move to a regular move I would NOT have gone with them. Also, Josh told me the final amount gets adjusted based on how much space you use in the truck. He told me when the movers pick up your stuff they measure out the space in the truck based on the estimate. After it's loaded they measure it again to see if you used more or less c/f than the estimate. Then the estimate gets adjusted based on how much you actually used. THIS IS TOTAL BS & a COMPLETE LIE. They DO NOT do this. Whatever your second estimate is, that is the minimum you will be paying. Your total amount will not go down. And it will most likely increase. I called Josh after the guys picked up my stuff and told him I had less stuff than what was estimated. There were some large things that I decided not to put in the moving truck. I told him it was probably more like what I gave in the first estimate. He said he would look into it and I never heard from him again. I asked the guy that delivered my stuff how many cubic feet he thought my stuff took up and he estimated less than 250. That is less than half of the 501 c/f estimate from Josh.

Another issue is your delivery date. They tell you that changing your date is flexible. This is bc they have no intention of delivering your stuff to you on the date you said you want it. You basically get it whenever they get around to delivering it to you. I'm not sure why they even bother asking when you need or want it delivered. It doesn't matter. Your stuff gets picked up & then stored in some warehouse & sits there until they can find someone who will deliver it. One of the fun fees that is added on later is the Long Carry fee. It's disclosed in the estimate but it isn't until your stuff is getting moved that you realize it's just a way for WVL to squeeze more money out of you. This is the fee for how far the movers have to move your stuff from your front door to the (I think) back of the truck. The first 75 ft is free & each addt'l 75 ft is $75. For example, If the distance from your front door to the back of the truck is 76 feet, you will have to pay $75. Since I moved from an apt to another apt a truck cannot be backed up to my front door. Or anywhere close to it. So I had to pay this fee when they picked up my stuff & when they delivered it. When my stuff was picked up, the driver calculated this fee would be $225. However, he said if I paid them in cash on the spot they would reduce it to $50. He didn't add it to my estimate so there's no record I was charged for it & paid it. Basically it was an extra $50 cash in those guys' pockets. When my stuff was delivered, I didn't get any kind of "cash" reduction. Thankfully it wasn't $225 the 2nd time around. The moral of this long review is that if you want to be lied to and pay a lot of money to have your stuff sit in a warehouse for weeks while you wait for it, then by all means go with Western Van Lines. They do, after all, have over 15 years of experience ripping people off. So they are good at it.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3900

This company is a complete scam. Do not use them.

Western Van Lines moving company has been holding my belongings hostage for over two months. Additionally they keep increasing the cost of my move. I hired Western Van Lines for my cross country move from San Francisco, CA to Brooklyn, NY. They picked up my belongings on September 10, 2020. Upon pickup they told me my move would cost over $1000 more than I was quoted because the space estimate given to me was incorrect (intentionally misleading). The sales person I dealt with is Marty Spector - he has several negative reviews written about him and how he has lowballed other customers who are charged much more for their move the day of pickup.

My belongings were supposed to be delivered within three weeks. It's been over two months, every time I called them I was told there were no drivers and there was nothing they could do to get my belongings to me. However, I was told that I was entitled to a reimbursement of $30/day for every day after the 30 day mark that the deliver was late. This totaled $450. Only once I threatened legal action, did they find a driver. Two days before my delivery the dispatch called me to let me know that there would be an additional $450 charge to cover "shuttle service", moving my belongings from the larger truck to a smaller truck to deliver them. This effectively negated the reimbursement I was due thanks to some very convenient accounting. I live on a wide street in Brooklyn that gets deliveries from semi-trucks regularly so there is no need for the additional shuttle service. I was told that the need for shuttle service was determined by the company and there was no way to change that. So after being initially taken advantage of with a fake-lowball quote, and living without my furniture and belongings for two months, I was then told that the reimbursement for the inconvenience that I was due was negated because of a service that they determined was needed and conveniently totaled the exact amount of the reimbursement due to me. This company is a fraud and seeks to take advantage of customers.

I have filed complaints with the attorney general of Florida (where this company is actually based), The Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This company should not be allowed to do business.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4000

You're reading reviews because you're deciding which moving company to choose - stop here. Do not choose Western Van Lines. Western Van Line is the worst moving company that we could have chosen, and I encourage everyone to read their reviews before booking, as they are all accurate.

We worked with a moving broker, US Standard and Moving company, who contracted Western Van Lines for our move from Florida to Mississippi. Western Van Lines is a fraudulent company with horrific customer service. They picked up our belongings on September 24th, and for 4 weeks, NO ONE could tell us where our items were and when they would be arriving. No one knew what state they were in, which storage unit and who would be driving them to us. Samantha and Jennifer, "customer service" at Western Van Lines were horrible at communicating with us and ultimately combative, regardless of how calm we were, and even ignored our calls and texts for weeks. We could not reach ANYONE who could tell us where all of our life's belongings were located. There is a reason they don't put their last names in their email signatures. On October 22nd, they called to tell us that they would be arriving and would not even attempt to deliver our goods into our apartment complex due to the size of the truck, even though both myself and the apartment complex manager assured them there is plenty of room for their truck, and even showed them another 18-Wheeler that was parked within the complex. They forced us to pay an extra $500 to even begin to deliver the items, and then would not even SHOW us our items inside the closed U-Haul until we paid in full, in cash - ILLEGALLY WITHHOLDING GOODS. They told us that they would be charging us an hourly rate while they transferred our items from the large UHaul to the shuttle UHaul, on the account of "waiting to deliver" - at this point, we followed them on their way to retrieve the smaller UHaul and we caught them riding around the town killing time, unnecessary U-turns, riding around backroads, etc. We then called the police to report our goods stolen, and at the sight of the police, the delivery drivers became aggressive and threatened us. We now have a police report filed with our city citing their comments and their threatening behavior. Did you ever think you would need a police report when working with a moving company? No? Us either.

They finally arrived back with our belongings AND MORE THAN HALF of our boxes were missing, not even loaded on the truck, and our large sectional couch and vanity were completely broken beyond repair. They broke their contract that specifically stated they had 30 business days, excluding weekends, to deliver our goods - therefore, we should have NEVER paid full price for a service that was INCOMPLETE. When I called Jennifer at customer service, they told me the contract says that they can deliver "most of" our items by the 30 days...this is inaccurate and downright stupid. They broke their contract. Magically, nearly a month later, now November 17th, they "found" our items and delivered the boxes absolutely crushed.

This company should be shuttered and internally investigated, as they broke their contract we both legally entered and we were forced to pay in full for an incomplete service and to receive our items broken, damaged, and in need of hundreds if not thousands of dollars of repair.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5355

Sales rep lied from day one about delivery. Hidden fees and additional charges appeared after signing the contract. Belongings were damaged in the move and other people's furniture was delivered to me. Terrible communication regarding pick-up, transit and delivery. Phone calls went unreturned, promises to call right back never came through. A promise by the sales rep for delivery date was complete bogus - once they had my belongings the delivery date turned into a "window" which left me with no belongings for 3 weeks. My entire experience with this company was terrible. DO NOT use them.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5500