Brandon Gagnon says his uncle died and that he left behind a lot of belongings, including sentimental ones.
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“Everything from Vietnam, all of his medals, clothing from the [war], like suits and just all this stuff,” he said.
He says his family hired Global Trans Van Lines to move his uncle’s things from Maine to South Carolina and that he paid more than half -- about $2,000 -- up front.
He says they picked it up June 5. As for delivery: the paperwork says there’s no guarantee, but it estimated that the distance should take 3-14 business days (but to give it 21). Gagnon says he still hadn’t gotten them more than 60 days later. He says he got the runaround and that the company claimed it’s their busy season.
Action 9 emailed two addresses tied to the business. No one responded. So, Action 9 called and spoke with a representative who promised to pass it along. Three weeks later, no one had contacted Action 9.
“Emotional. It’s stuff that you could never get back,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing to swallow right now.”
Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke’s rules of thumb for moving:
- Get multiple estimates. And get them in writing.
- Read reviews.
- Be aware: the company you call may not be the one that moves you. Some are brokers.
- Read all the fine print.
- Don’t sign anything that has blanks.
- Moving out-of-state? The mover must be registered with the USDOT.
- Moving in-state? Your state may require a certain license.
- Your homeowners or renters’ insurance may not cover your belongings during the move. So, you may want to buy the insurance the moving company offers. Just make sure you know what that covers.