Overcharge by moving companies

[fcgiii]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh?

[retiredguy123]

If that is what you signed, then I don't think you have anything to complain about. You made agreement based on an estimate. How are you being overcharged?

I just wonder what you moved that couldn't have been replaced with new stuff for less money.

[JMintzer]

Es·​ti·​mate | \ ˈe-stə-ˌmāt \
estimated; estimating
Definition of estimate (Entry 1 of 2)
transitive verb

1a: to judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth, or significance of
b: to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of
c: to produce a statement of the approximate cost of


Estimate | Definition of Estimate by Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estimate)

[Bill14564]

Just curious, did the moving company come to your house and look at what you had before estimating the weight or did they make the estimate based on information you provided?

Our move was based on information we provided. If I remember correctly, our estimate was adjusted to the final number after packing and loading. I don't recall how much ours increased (not much) but a friend had their increase about 50%. Your increase of about 10% doesn't seem outrageous.

[PennBF]

I believe that Florida has established a rather new law governing Moving Companies and holding a person(s) belongings hostage is a rather serious violation of the law and there are serious consequences. :ho:

[tvbound]

We once had a mover, who after quoting a price and signing a contract for a small truck within the same town, stopped unloading at about half-way, then demanded full payment that was about 30% above contract agreement. We had no choice, their plan obviously, to pay it at the time but got lucky in that we won in small claims court, but I'll bet most people caught up in this obvious scam don't even bother to fight it.

[Stu from NYC]

Since the moving part went up only about 10% they were within their rights to charge more.

Years ago when we moved from NY to Va the same thing happened but they were limited to a 10% increase over estimated weight.

BTW did you ask more than one moving company to quote and if so were estimates close.

How many pounds of stuff did you move? When we moved here last year we had what we thought was a ton of stuff and only paid just over 5 thousand.

[retiredguy123]

Since the moving part went up only about 10% they were within their rights to charge more.

Years ago when we moved from NY to Va the same thing happened but they were limited to a 10% increase over estimated weight.

BTW did you ask more than one moving company to quote and if so were estimates close.

How many pounds of stuff did you move? When we moved here last year we had what we thought was a ton of stuff and only paid just over 5 thousand.
Wow. A ton of stuff (2,000 pounds) for $5,000. That's $2.50 per pound, which is about 5 times the going rate for a long distance move. (Just kidding, but accurate)

[villagetinker]

Not sure what is going on here. In 2013 we moved from PA. Estimated cost was around $8000, this was for 1/2 of a large (60 ft?) truck packed full, and a second truck with a car. When the stuff arrived we were told they under estimated the weight, but our contract (United Van lines) was a fixed price contract. Gave the crew a nice tip but it did not cover the added cost.

[DAVES]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh?

My sister at one time was the bookkeeper for a moving company. So I had the inside information.

It is sort of like you stepping into the ring with a professional boxer. They know and use all the angles. Typically they send an agent, a paid salesman. He pulls out his laptop and counts what you have couch two, tables seven. His program puts in the average weight of a couch a table etc. They then print an estimate. They will not tell you but it is based on what is called the tariff rate. They must file that number with the government it is based on weight and mileage. They will not give you that number. You can easily figure it out as they must estimate the weight and the estimate shows if the weight is honest what the tariff rate is Honest weight does no really matter if you are using the estimate to figure what the tariff rate is.

You contact several companies and compare the quote. Obviously if they underestimate the weight their quote will be lower. For a comparison you want to compare the tariff rate. Which you can easily figure for yourself.

As you ride down a highway you will see exits marked weigh station. A truck must stop at regular intervals and be weighed.

The gocha works two ways. If, the tariff rate is say .57 a hundred pounds. They can and do charge you more for weight over the estimate. For us, if I recall .57 was the rate we paid. Our salesman worked the scam backwards. Since he knew I knew about tariff rate, I moved some heavy machinery. He told me he could not estimate the weight of my machines so he would add in extra weight and it would be credited back when the actual weight was determined. What he did not mention they were charging me .57 per hundred pounds but the credit as in the fine print of the contract is .13 cents per hundred.

My point, they can only steal from you if you allow it. My first name is David. I'm sure all know the story of David vs Goliath and who won. A lot of work, a lot of time but I got the overcharge back.

[DAVES]

[QUOTE=villagetinker;1961036]Not sure what is going on here. In 2013 we moved from PA. Estimated cost was around $8000, this was for 1/2 of a large (60 ft?) truck packed full, and a second truck with a car. When the stuff arrived we were told they under estimated the weight, but our contract (United Van lines) was a fixed price contract. Gave the crew a nice tip but it did not cover the added cost.[/QUOTE

Interesting, read my previous post. My mover was Mayflower. United Van Lines owns Mayflower or the other way around.

[Stu from NYC]

Wow. A ton of stuff (2,000 pounds) for $5,000. That's $2.50 per pound, which is about 5 times the going rate for a long distance move. (Just kidding, but accurate)

In Va a ton of weight equals 9000 pounds in a month that starts with a letter from the first half of the alphabet and 10,000 pounds in a month starting with the second half.

All bets are off in a leap year for a reason nobody remembers.

[DAVES]

We once had a mover, who after quoting a price and signing a contract for a small truck within the same town, stopped unloading at about half-way, then demanded full payment that was about 30% above contract agreement. We had no choice, their plan obviously, to pay it at the time but got lucky in that we won in small claims court, but I'll bet most people caught up in this obvious scam don't even bother to fight it.

Law is different for interstate movers. Small claims court. I've used it twice in my life and collected both times. To do it right, to win and be able to collect takes a fair amount of time. If, I recall it cost me like 12.00 to file a case. I posted than once and someone corrected me. In Florida, I looked it up, the fees are far higher and they go up with the amount of the case. A major problem is collecting after you win.
Not sure if they help you to collect and that justifies the far higher fees.

[gweisheipl]

Moved to The Villages using one 16’ pod packed floor to ceiling. Total cost around $2500. Bought some lighter colored furniture after we moved in. Don’t spend $20,000 moving. That is just pure insanity!

[Jimmay]

I worked in the moving and storage industry for 50 years before retiring. Movers give you an option of two estimates, one is binding one is non-binding. Apparently the option you chose was non-binding. Therefore your final bill is based upon the actual services rendered not on the estimate.

[jedalton]

Had same problem. Called my attorney and was told they all do it. I was overcharged about the same amount. When they arrived in TV 1/3 of my things were missing. Big mistake.

[bowlingal]

yes, it is based on estimate. I went with the truck before and after my stuff was loaded to get weighed at the weigh station and got the actual weight and charge, Then the company credited my credit card the difference. Liberty Van Lines did right by me

[mrichardwebb]

This estimate procedure is normal. Usually it is more accurate if they input into their estimation software based upon an actual visit. If you provided the estimates you probably could expect a deviation. I wouldn’t object that much but you can try to negotiate. I’ve moved 6 times with professional movers I know well.

[Foxmaxg56]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh? Pods are the way to go way cheaper

[MOMOH]

When I moved here from New York, someone had advised me to make sure I had a "price cap". In other words, a clause in the contract stating that the mover could not go above the stated price. I think they are counting on you not knowing that you can do this. It worked out well for me, and I would never hire movers who wouldn't give me that.

[J1ceasar]

Or simply do what I did and call and threaten to call the police

[J1ceasar]

I'm sure you had some heirloom furniture that your wife really wanted to have in the house. So I have to congratulate you on spending all that money to make your wife happy. However that said I would have told you in advance to sell everything and simply buy new here it would have cost a lot less and your wife would have the fun of spending more of your money. If you only got charged $2,000 more or so and you could have afforded the $18,000 you were already spent God bless you for helping the economy. I really wouldn't worry about it and just Chuck it up to experience. Next time simply say I want to fix price and I'm getting estimates. You need a two-line contract that way with no disputes possible

[Gmb727]

We had similar issues with our move. A few K more then estimate for some "reasons" that were buried in the fine print on the contract. Somehow they didn't anticipate these overages when estimating. I think it's pretty common in that line of work.

[CosmicTrucker]

“As you ride down a highway you will see exits marked weigh station. A truck must stop at regular intervals and be weighed“

The State weigh stations are mainly looking for Overweight and improperly permitted vehicles. This has zero bearing on the rates a mover will charge it’s customer.

[Freehiker]

That’s not uncommon. The initial quote is just an estimate and until they weigh it they don’t know.

That said, unless you had a LOT of stuff, you were ripped off. That’s a crazy amount.

[Girlcopper]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh?
You signed the contract with an “estimate”. Youre fault for agreeing to it. You have no grounds to blame the movers

[Girlcopper]

Or simply do what I did and call and threaten to call the police
Why call the police? Its a civil matter. You signed an estimated contract. Its not a police matter. Everyone feels calling the police is their solution to everything

[M2inOR]

Moved with 2 12 foot pods for part 1, and 1 pod for part 2.

Contract limitation was 7000 lbs per pod.

Fixed quote for loading and unloading, stating 2 hours for each end of the move. Provided cost for extra hours.

We did all the packing on our end at start of move, as well as padding blankets, rope, and tie-downs.

Pods from 1-800-PackRat, load/unload help hired from HireAHelper.com

Contracts spelled out all the details, and what was covered/not covered if something went wrong.

When pods were picked up, they were weighed. Slight issue - one pod was overweight. Pickup delayed for a few days so we could remove a few items that we decided weren't really needed - item value was less expensive than cost of another pod.

Pods made the trek without issue. Stored in air-conditioned warehouse in Orlando until we were ready to receive goods.

We got multiple bids, reviewed contracts, read all the fine print, evaluated insurance options, etc.

No issues, great service, and bonus: on loading end, crew asked why we weren't moving everything from original home in Oregon. We said we didn't need it, and we asked the loading crew if they wanted any of it. They brought in another truck and took it off our hands. That was our tip. We didn't need to worry about disposing of the unwanted items - sofas, dining room chairs, table, and china cabinet, bed, and a few other items.

Beforehand, we also made the folks at Habitat for Humanity quite happy, too. We have a lot of stuff away to neighbors and friends.

With all that, we still moved too much stuff to Florida. Gave a lot away to Goodwill here.

Neighbor here helped us run a garage sale, and we donated proceeds to Wildwood Track Team.

Moving to Florida after 45 years in Oregon was the most stressful event of our lives so far.

Sooo happy to be here!

[merrymini]

Never had a move where the cost was not increased at the end. Your furniture is hostage. As to selling everything, some pieces have sentimental value but some of my furniture is really, really good stuff and the junk they sell now does not compare. Sometimes, keeping some select things is worth it.

[Mqtsnowdean]

There are at least 2 types of moves - “binding estimates” (also called fixed price) and estimates. After first move and we did 5 always selected the “binding estimate”. Move to The Villages resulted in an almost 3,000 lower than actual and it was on the moving company.

[Chrissy55]

Sell everything and buy new. Probably won’t fit right in your new house anyways.

[chasandvalr]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh?

I have had several nightmare experiences with moving companies!!!! The company we used moving to TV was no exception. BUT - with social media - I blasted this company every where possible. I turned it into a hobby warning others about them. IT WORKED!! The owner of the company phoned and made a deal with me if I'd take down all of my "warnings." We came to a nice financial agreement. Give that a try and hopefully it will work for you, too.

[cbmerl]

I have moved 14 times in my life. I have always gone with a mover who will give me a definite price not an estimated deal. It is always worded as "Not more than" and believe me, it has never ended up being "less than" but I am never caught off guard. Lesson learned!
I'm sorry you feel taken advantage of but I think you just didn't know what your options were.

[cassjax2]

Family members just moved back to MO last week and same type of thing happened. When movers arrived (Route 66 Movers) they said they gave a ball park figure for packing so they “adjusted” the price up another $2,500.

[OhioBuckeye]

We once had a mover, who after quoting a price and signing a contract for a small truck within the same town, stopped unloading at about half-way, then demanded full payment that was about 30% above contract agreement. We had no choice, their plan obviously, to pay it at the time but got lucky in that we won in small claims court, but I'll bet most people caught up in this obvious scam don't even bother to fight it.
Well I do know for a fact that NOBODY can hold your private belongings hostage. Ask any lawyer!

[davem4616]

that's a lot of money to pay to transport old stuff to a house with a different floor plan
I hope it included at least a baby grand, and an automobile and they packed everything for you

but doubt you have any recourse, as you agreed to a deal based on an estimate...

word of advice, don't ever agree to a 'cost, plus contract' with a builder...as you'll own all the cost overruns (and there will be many)

[tvbound]

Well I do know for a fact that NOBODY can hold your private belongings hostage. Ask any lawyer!

Which is why I eventually won in court. However, I do know for a fact that a lawyer won't do you much good at 9:00pm, with the moving truck in your driveway, the workers having closed the rear door and are saying that without the full inflated payment right then - they will be driving back to their warehouse.

[cj1040]

When we signed the deal with a moving company in Northern Virginia they estimated $17,369.65. We are being charged $19,728.31, an overcharge of $2358.

Their explanation:

"Your initial Interstate estimate was based on an estimated weight. Your delivery to FL was based off of the actual weight and packing. Atlas charges and the non binding estimate are based on the actuals. Your local portion was higher because there was an increase in the packing when your shipment was picked up. "

They offered no details. So a moving company can estimate X to get you to sign, then charge you X + Y when the delivery is done.

Sweet business model, eh?

Same thing but with Wheaton and almost every single piece of furniture was banged up. Just listed almost 50 items on my damage report. Be sure to take photos too. They just did not pad things properly. We should have gotten a couple of pods.....definite pricing and you control how things are packed and padded.

[OhioBuckeye]

Which is why I eventually won in court. However, I do know for a fact that a lawyer won't do you much good at 9:00pm, with the moving truck in your driveway, the workers having closed the rear door and are saying that without the full inflated payment right then - they will be driving back to their warehouse.

Yes, I knew someone from Ohio that didn’t get rent money so they went into the renters place & thought they could hold some of their personal belongings hostage. Renter took owner to court, judge said, you couldn’t break into someone’s home & take things. So the owner was ordered to pay for things that no longer existed, pay court cost! Judge said no state in the country that you can hold anything that someone owns & blackmail them. He said in any circumstance!

[DAVES]

Yes, I knew someone from Ohio that didn’t get rent money so they went into the renters place & thought they could hold some of their personal belongings hostage. Renter took owner to court, judge said, you couldn’t break into someone’s home & take things. So the owner was ordered to pay for things that no longer existed, pay court cost! Judge said no state in the country that you can hold anything that someone owns & blackmail them. He said in any circumstance!

We tend to confuse law with right and wrong. Clearly that is false.

[DAVES]

yes, it is based on estimate. I went with the truck before and after my stuff was loaded to get weighed at the weigh station and got the actual weight and charge, Then the company credited my credit card the difference. Liberty Van Lines did right by me

As I've posted elsewhere, you have the estimated weight and the estimated bill. Simple math to figure what the estimate was per 100 pounds. Then check the credit they issued per 100 pounds. People do not understand how it works so do not see how and where they gocha.

[tvbound]

Yes, I knew someone from Ohio that didn’t get rent money so they went into the renters place & thought they could hold some of their personal belongings hostage. Renter took owner to court, judge said, you couldn’t break into someone’s home & take things. So the owner was ordered to pay for things that no longer existed, pay court cost! Judge said no state in the country that you can hold anything that someone owns & blackmail them. He said in any circumstance!

Apples to anvils comparison, to my posted experience with a moving company in the middle of the move.

[Irishmen]

I worked in the moving and storage industry for 50 years before retiring. Movers give you an option of two estimates, one is binding one is non-binding. Apparently the option you chose was non-binding. Therefore your final bill is based upon the actual services rendered not on the estimate.

Expert testimony. Thanks for the info.