Wednesday, March 6, 2013

AMSA Moving Company offers Discounted Long Distance Moves

Las Vegas’ Premier Moving Company, Triple 7 Movers, Recently Announced New Online Promotions

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, March 5, 2013
 
Las Vegas’ premier moving company, Triple 7 Movers, has recently announced their current online promotions.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) March 04, 2013
Las Vegas’ premier moving company, Triple 7 Movers, has recently announced their current online specials which include the following promotions: $150 worth of free packing materials off any long distance move over 3000 pounds, $100 off any long distance move over 2000 pounds, 5% discount off any long distance move over 2000 pounds, and 14 days of additional free storage for long distance moves over 2000 pounds.
These coupons are in addition to their already no extra charge quote that also includes 10% off the quote with no questions asked or commitment needed. The family owned and operated company in Las Vegas has been assisting families, individuals, and companies with their relocation needs for years and has been a part of the moving industry for over a decade.
Moving can be a stressful and time consuming project. The professionals at Triple 7 Movers are expertly trained and experienced with large scale commercial moves, as well as smaller household moves. They have developed signature moving strategies and put custom teams in place that cater to each unique move. These Las Vegas movers are certified with the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) and thoroughly background check with the Nevada Transport Authority. Their website also offers features a customer testimonials page, which provides feedback from their customers thus far.
With each move, the Las Vegas moving company puts together a specialized plan for the most efficient and effective results. Their services offer customers solutions to long-distance moves, local moves in the Las Vegas area, commercial moves, storage facilities, and automobile transportation service. Each of these services also provide optional professional packing services, secured short and long-term storage facilities, and all the moving supplies and boxes necessary to create a hassle-free move.
A long-distance are made as easy as a local move with Triple 7 Movers additional no charge services like furniture disassembly and reassembly, on-site estimates, storage, weekend and last minute moves, a custom tagging system specific to each individual move, and expert packing of fragile and breakable items.
For large companies and multi-office moves, Triple 7 Movers assigned a project manager that is dedicated to making a large complicated move run smoothly. They are in charge of pre-planning for every situation and utilizing time-saving systems and site surveys that make the necessary inclusions that ensure nothing is overlooked or left behind. Local moves are equally as simple. Each move receives a professional team that is efficient, safe and cost effective with three to four certified movers.
Additional services include storage facilities that are complimentary for the first 30 days, and an automobile transportation service that will put a customer in contact with trusted companies that specialize in car transports.
As one of the leading moving companies in Las Vegas, Triple 7 Movers has built a soild reputation in the industry and is improving its online site and entire company constantly. The company has received accolades from many customers and promises to be a force in the moving industry.

Affiliated link provided by : http://www.movingsalespros.com

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/Las-Vegas-Premier-Moving-Company-Triple-7-4327590.php#ixzz2Mm3HHQnM

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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Pro Mover Conference Final Day

The Mover Conference 2013

WELCOME
You are Invited!

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we invite you to participate in the 14th International Conference on Automated People Movers and Automated Transit being held in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 21-24, 2013.
Join us as we explore Half a Century of Automated Transit  - Past, Present and Future: look back over the past five decades, examine the current state of APMs and related ATS, and explore what the future might hold. Half a century ago the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 provided $375 million in matching funds for public transit in the United States - there began the history of the APM. The 1966 Reuss-Tydings Amendments to the original1964 legislation required, among other things, that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development "...undertake a project to study and prepare a program of research, development, and demonstration of new systems of urban transportation that will carry people and goods within the metropolitan area speedily, safely, without polluting the air, and in a manner that will contribute to sound city planning.”
How far have we come since that goal was set? Well, airport applications around the world from North America, to Europe, to Asia continue to increase, and enough advances have been made to Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) for it to be the focus of three entire sessions. These topics and more will be explored at this conference. Discover whether Robocars might overtake PRT as the hottest new ticket in the evolution of urban transportation. Brad Templeton will be heading a session on Autonomous vehicles so you can find out if they are the answer to questions of road safety, parking issues, and air pollution concerns.
Come share your opinion and hear what planners, inventors, designers, suppliers, builders, government officials, owners, and operators of automated transit of all forms have to say as all these technologies go head to head in Phoenix. Network with your fellow attendees at meals and breaks, and talk to exhibitors about what equipment and services they have to offer. Take advantage of the ASCE APM conference’s international collegial community to share experiences, reveal innovations, look to the future, and discuss lessons learned and the latest developments in automated transit of all forms.
Attending the technical program will make you eligible for professional development hours (PDHs) that can be used to show your commitment to maintaining your competency to licensing boards. And you can have fun doing it on a technical tour of the brand new Sky TrainTM at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the very latest APM to enter service.
Like the APM and ATS, this conference has been around the world: Yokohama (1991), Las Vegas (1997), Copenhagen (1999), Singapore (2003), Orlando, Florida (2005), and most recently, Paris. And now we look forward to welcoming you from around the world on April 21 - 24, 2013 for APM-ATS 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona where the sky is bigger, the stars are brighter, and the sunsets stop you in your tracks!

We hope to see you in Phoenix!

Steve Perliss, P.E., M.ASCE
Conference Co-ChairWilliam Leder, P.E., F.ASCE
Conference Co-Chair
Welcome Registration Program Call/Submission Important Dates Destination Housing Transportation General Information Keynote Speakers Short Courses Technical Tours Special Events Student Information Speakers/Moderators Exhibits Sponsorships Cooperating Organizations Organizing Committee
Contact Us ASCE Home T&DI Institute Upcoming Conferences
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Moving Industry Ups and Downs


Moving Services in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld has Been Updated


Over the next five years, the recovering housing market, falling unemployment and rising disposable income will stimulate demand for moving services. For these reasons, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated a report on the Moving Services industry in its growing industry report collection.

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Slow growth in residential construction and home prices has hurt industry revenue
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 26, 2013
The Moving Services industry has contracted over the past five years as a result of the housing market collapse and slow economic recovery. Housing starts and home sales slowed, and demand for moving services ground to a halt due to the lack of new homes on the market. Plunging mortgage rates were insufficient in stimulating demand as unemployment shot up and disposable income deteriorated. Consequently, in the five years to 2013, industry revenue is expected to decline an average 2.9% per year to $14.6 billion. In 2009, the housing market crisis hit the industry particularly hard, with housing starts and the house price index falling 35.6% and 11.4%, respectively. “Industry contraction was partly mitigated by existing home sales growth as many households moved to cheaper housing,” says IBISWorld industry analyst David Yang. “Revenue only fell 4.6% over the year.” However, the depressed real estate market and stagnant economic growth continued in 2010, and revenue declined about 17.6%.
The Moving Services industry showed signs of recovery in 2012, as favorable Federal Reserve policies allowed for a further drop in mortgage rates. Over the year, lowered interest rates and accelerating economic growth fueled home sales and housing starts, which in turn stimulated demand for moving services. These trends spurred revenue growth of about 8.8% in 2012. “In 2013, mortgage rates are expected to rise and economic growth is estimated to slow, leading to a more modest revenue increase of 1.6% for the industry,” adds Yang. “Nonetheless, profitability has considerably improved since 2008 as firms cut operating costs by reducing the labor force and restructuring operations.” The industry has a low level of market share concentration; most industry firms are small operators that participate in this industry as agents or subcontractors of larger companies or as local moving companies. Over the past five years, market share concentration has declined. Although large firms like major players UniGroup, Sirva and Atlas World Group fared better during the recession, these national operators had to scale down operations to focus on profitable businesses. As a result, the market share of very large firms has declined since 2008, contributing to a lower level of concentration in this industry.
Over the next five years, the recovering housing market will prove beneficial for industry operators. Although mortgage rates are projected to rise as the economy recovers, falling unemployment and rising disposable income will stimulate demand for housing. As a result, housing starts and home sales are anticipated to grow strongly from 2013 to 2018, leading to increased demand for moving services. For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Moving Services in the US industry report page.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189
IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
Companies in this industry provide moving and relocation services, including local, long-distance and international trucking and shipping of used household, institutional and commercial goods, furniture and equipment. Industry firms often provide incidental packing and storage activities as well.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visithttp://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772

Friday, February 22, 2013

Moving Company Scam. Old Man the Target.

Valley Man Ripped Off by Moving Company KLAS-TV.  His half-loaded moving truck disappeared from the front of his old home. "I had contracted with the company (AAA Movers), and they explicitly told me I had to drive the vehicle for my belongings to....
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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Moving Company begins To Offer a Bidding Service for Consumers

Even under the most trouble free circumstances, it is a drag. Packing up all one’s earthly belongings in boxes, deciding what goes and what goes in the trash, finding a trustworthy mover and shouldering their fees. It’s hard to imagine a way of turning a move into a pleasurable experience, but a new startup spun out of a company already established in the moving business seeks to take the edge off.

Sharone ben-Harosh founded Unpakt.com as a tool to allow clients the opportunity to shop around for the best prices offered by movers in their area while giving movers a much more accurate account of what needs to go where. ben-Harosh knows a thing or two about moving. He founded FlatRate Moving in 1991, a company that sought to find out as much as possible about its clients requirements in order to submit an accurate price and cut down on inefficiencies that irritated clients and cut into his profits.

Unpakt is a further step in that direction, offering the additional benefits of mover ratings and price comparisons of different companies that supply bids for a client’s move. “I started to see the possibility about five years ago when I saw that the moving industry became even more complicated than it used to be,” ben-Harosh said. That complication sprung from the proliferation of moving companies – some not so great – that could build an online presence and jump into the moving game. “It’s so hard to verify who is a good mover,” he said. “If I’m a client I wouldn’t know where to start.”

How It Works

Clients can audit the amount of things they want to move by themselves – counting boxes, listing every chair or sofa or picture – or choose to rely on a typical belongings estimate based on what an apartment or house of a certain size generally contains, according to the company’s experience.

Once that is established and plugged into the Unpakt site, various moving companies in the area that are part of the site’s network will submit estimates on a price for the move. Moving companies in the network are rated based on online reviews gathered from the web, reviews submitted by Unpakt clients and confirmation that a mover has the proper licensing requirements.

Once a client decides on a mover, the order is executed and the move takes place whenever the client wishes. As far as payment is concerned, clients pay Unpakt, which then passes the money on to the moving company after taking a 13 percent cut.

“It’s based on the fact that every mover spends about 25 percent on getting the client, paying for planning their move and following up and doing everything that Unpakt is doing,” said ben-Harosh.

Challenges

Getting other moving companies to join the network was a tough sell at first, ben-Harosh said, and required them to think differently about the guidelines of the industry. “No mover works with guaranteed pricing,” he explained. “They all work with hourly estimation.”

Ultimately, Unpakt built a second platform with a customizable algorithm so that moving companies could create their own checklists they would be comfortable using to guarantee prices.  “We teach them how to use the platform if it’s their first time using guaranteed pricing methods.”

Growing the Business

Right now the business has about 120 companies in its network in about 16 states, including California, New York, Texas, Florida and others, focusing primarily on metropolitan areas. The 15-employee company’s sales team is working to grow the network and an algorithm to offer services for international movers is in the works.

Unpakt.com will be looking to raise capital from venture capital to the tune of $10 million by selling a minority share. Meetings with investors will be taking place within the next month or so, ben-Harosh said. “One of the reasons I want to work with VCs is to use more strategic partnerships that everyone can see are available for us.”

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Moving Costs That are Not so Obvious

Moving Costs That are Not so Obvious

Reuters
Unexpected moving costs
If you're planning to relocate to a new place, whether within your state or across the country, you have a lot to consider. What should you take with you? What should you leave behind? Should you buy or rent in the new location? What are the school districts like? How much will it cost to move your stuff, and can you write off this move on your taxes?
That's just the tip of the iceberg. If you think moving costs are limited to just paying moving professionals to pack and transport your belongings, think again. Moving oftentimes comes with surprise costs. Here are some of the unexpected expenses that come with moving and a few tips for sidestepping them.
Auto insurance costs
Your auto insurance profile may change because of your new location. "When you move from a more rural market, less population, to a highly densely populated urban environment, you can see swings (in your car insurance rates) probably anywhere from 15% to 50%," says Dan Young, senior vice president of insurance relations for Carstar, a network of 400 body repair shops located in the U.S. and Canada. The exact amount depends on the area's accident rate and the customer's driving and claims history.
If moving out of state, you may have to buy more insurance coverage, too. Each state has its own minimum liability requirements and some require drivers to purchase personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage.
Also, if you're moving from an area where incomes are modest to a place where they're higher, you may need more coverage, Young adds. "In rural Iowa, you may not run into Lamborghinis or a vast amount of Mercedes Benzes," he says, "but you move to New York City and you're out driving around, you'd better be fully covered."
When planning a move, Young advises consumers to ask their insurance company about rate changes and whether they need to purchase more coverage.
Parking fees
Along with higher car insurance costs may come increased parking fees, says Bryan Pritchard, owner of Tricap Preferred, a luxury apartment locator service in Chicago.
"Parking is typically not included in rent," he says, adding that a primo parking space can easily tack on an extra $200 to $300 to your monthly rent in a big city.
The best way to avoid extra parking fees along with increased car insurance and servicing costs is to ditch your vehicle entirely, says Pritchard. While public transportation may suffice in larger cities, those living in areas without bus or subway access may be able to use car sharing and car pool services instead of having their own ride. If getting rid of your car isn't a viable option, make sure you're aware of what it costs to park in or near your building and workplace.
Health insurance hikes
Like car insurance, health insurance can change when you switch homes, especially if you're moving out of state.
"Not every health insurance company is licensed in all 50 states," says John Egan, managing editor of InsuranceQuotes.com, a Bankrate site. Even if it is, your insurance provider can change the plan you're on, the health care network you have access to and the rate you're charged. Egan adds that health insurance mandates vary among states, too. "There may be some types of (medical) procedures, for instance, that are covered in one state and that are not mandated to be covered in another state," he says.
Unless you're getting health insurance from an employer or spouse's employer, switching insurance companies as a result of a move will likely mean undergoing medical underwriting, Egan says, which could result in a substantial change in premium or a flat-out rejection if you have certain pre-existing conditions.
The only way to fight escalating health care costs is by careful comparison-shopping. An independent broker may also be able to help compare policies apples to apples.
Higher interest charges
Paying off debts with local stores is a good idea. Closing out those credit lines may not be. According to FICO, the company that created the FICO credit-scoring model, 30% of your credit score is based on the amount you owe in relation to how much credit you have available.
While paying off debt can improve your credit score, closing out an account and reducing the amount of available credit can hurt your score, says Gail Cunningham, vice president of membership and public relations for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, a consumer advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. For families who plan to take out a loan or mortgage after moving, a credit score ding can result in thousands of dollars in extra interest over the life of the loan.
"If you're on the cusp, if you're trying to build your credit, maybe you're moving to that new town and you haven't bought your house yet ... then you need to leave those accounts open," Cunningham says.
Contract penalties
Some moving costs can be easily overlooked. If you've paid for a membership at a gym, pool, country club, day care facility, after-school enrichment program or community association, ducking out ahead of schedule could cost you. Ted Stimpson, president and CEO of MyMove.com, a consumer information site about relocating, says that consumers oftentimes lose money by assuming that they can't get out of an annual or monthly contract.
"If moving is a qualifying event for allowing you to get out of your contract, they're going to want to see proof that you are moving," he says. "They're going to want to see some sort of documentation (such as the purchase and sale agreement) on the new home or that contract with the moving company that's proving you're actually moving."
Stimpson adds that managers may not know if consumers can break a contract without paying a hefty fee. Before taking "no" for an answer, review the terms and conditions of your membership to see if there's a loophole for members who move.
Missed security deposits
Along with forgetting about annual memberships, renters frequently forget to reclaim their security deposits. Depending on your state, landlords are legally required to return your security deposit anywhere from 14 to 60 days after you move out; however, tenants generally must provide a forwarding address in writing or a direct deposit account where funds can be placed.
According to Tenants Union, a nonprofit equal housing advocacy group based in Seattle, landlords may not subtract money from the security deposit for normal wear and tear done to the apartment, but they may subtract nonrefundable fees such as cleaning or pet fees if the fees were outlined in the rental agreement prior to move-in.
Should the landlord not return your security deposit in a timely manner or send a letter explaining why he is keeping all or part of it, tenants may seek legal assistance through an attorney or housing advocacy group.
Overdraft fees
Cancel your local memberships before you move, but leave your bank account open for now, Cunningham says. Even if you're moving to a location that your old bank doesn't service, leaving your account open after the move can prevent forgotten bills from incurring overdraft fees.
"Give yourself three months to let all of those cycle through," she says. "Don't put yourself at risk of incurring a nonsufficient funds (charge) by having closed that account." These fees can add a lot to your moving costs.
Once you know that all of the bills linked to that account have been paid and closed, remember to shut down that old bank account, too. Many institutions charge monthly fees on accounts with small balances.
Utility charges
The price you pay for basics such as gas, water and electricity can go up during a move even if you decrease your own use, says Pritchard.
Utility bills are not based on usage, he says. "It is based on a methodology that allocates a certain percentage to your apartment, and that is typically done based on unit size," he says. "If you have a two-bedroom, you're going to get charged more than a one-bedroom ... no matter if you sit in the dark all day or your house is lit up like a Christmas tree all day."
While apartment and condo tenants typically can't convince the building to reallocate utility bills based on usage, says Pritchard, they can be aware of how utilities are divided up, ask about average utility costs per month and choose to live in other places if they feel that the costs are too high. Such moving costs can be prevented with a little bit of planning.
Late fees
Mail mix-ups are common when changing abodes. So are the financial ramifications of not getting mail on time. Consumers who don't get their bills may be hit with late fees on multiple bills, likely resulting in a ding to their credit score.
Even if mail forwarding is already in place, Cunningham says those planning to move should switch as many bills as they can to online bill-pay until they're sure there's no problem receiving mail at the new place.
"Simply because they've moved and they forgot about a bill or the bill didn't arrive in the mail is not going to be an excuse that holds water with a lender," she says.

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/01/31/moving-costs-that-are-not-so-obvious/#ixzz2K6ICijEd

Monday, January 7, 2013

Moving Sales Professional's...with Shakira?!



Important Update! Apparently... Shakira has taken to tweeting about Moving Sales Professional's?? Whats next? Madonna? See below. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Moving Company Denied National Expansion




RI moving company looks to expand in Mass.
December 11, 2012 9:17 am By News staff

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) -- A Rhode Island moving company owner who lost a bid to operate in Connecticut says he will expand into Massachusetts rather than in North Stonington.
The Day of New London reports that Bob Romano, owner of Warwick, R.I.-based Coutu Bros. Movers, said bureaucratic snafus, paperwork and what he called a poor attitude at the Connecticut Department of Transportation were reasons why he decided against re-applying.
A transportation agency hearing officer denied Romano's application last spring. The official cited a possible negative impact on other area moving businesses and that Romano had not proven another moving business is needed.
Pro-business advocates said the agency's decision was at odds with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's efforts to create jobs.
Judd Everhart, a spokesman for the Transportation Department, said the denial was based solely on the merits.

Judd Everhart,connicut, transportation

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Consolidated Moves and why You Should NOT

Keeping a cross-country move smooth: Plain Dealing Sheryl Harris, The Plain Dealer 12/08/2012 12:00 PM

We contracted with Oasis Moving and Storage of Las Vegas for our move from Arizona to Ohio. A sales representative said our goods would be delivered no later than 14 days from pick-up.

It's been almost three weeks, and we can't get any answers about where our possessions are. We finally got through to a manager who told us the company has 30 days, not 14, to deliver. But she would only tell us the load was "in transit." We have no idea if they're still waiting to add another load to a truck in Las Vegas or whether the truck fell over a cliff on the highway in New Mexico.

Any chance you could help us track down our furniture, with the reassurance that we're going to receive it by the "estimated" delivery date?

Janet D'Agostino, Reminderville

I didn't fare any better than you did.

Customer service manager Morgan Brooks said that the company has 30 days to deliver and that you had been kept apprised of the move's progress. She said the company would deal only with you directly, but she added that you were due for an update.

When she called you the following Monday, you said, you still didn't get a firm date or answers about where your possessions were. Instead, you said, you were advised again that you would get a call 24 to 48 hours before the truck arrived at your home.

In the end, you got your furniture the Sunday before Thanksgiving, almost five weeks after the company picked up your possessions in Arizona.

Your real gripe with the company boils down to a lack of clear communication.

For starters, you were baffled about the delivery date -- and no wonder, because it's a bit of a moving target.

There are two contracts you sign when you move: an order for service and a bill of lading.

Oasis's initial contract gave you a binding estimate of the cost and reserved the date of your move. This contract says deliveries to the Midwest usually take one to 14 days, but that's just an estimate. And if you read the fine print, the clock doesn't run from the date your movers pick up your stuff. It runs from your "ready date," the first date you indicate you'll be available to accept shipment at your new home.

The second contract, which you and the mover sign when the mover picks up your possessions, is called the bill of lading.

The fine print in this Oasis contract estimates delivery about 21 business days from your ready date. Business days, according to the contract, don't include Saturdays and Sundays, even though, as you point out, the company clearly does business on those days. After all, you got your furniture on a Sunday.

Although the contract dangles 21 days as a possibility, it says the company may take up to 30 business days to get your stuff to you.

My understanding from regulators is that this is pretty standard across the industry, but no wonder you felt you couldn't get a clear handle on when your stuff would arrive.

It should have been obvious to Oasis that you were worried about your possessions. If the mover had done a better job of answering your questions, I doubt you would have been as dissatisfied with the experience as you were.

As you summed up when the move was all over: "If they had just been honest with us, said your stuff is sitting in a warehouse, we need to get enough stuff to move it across country -- but for three weeks all we heard was this lingo, your stuff is 'in transit' or in 'delivery process,' which means it's just sitting."

Consumer Wise The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is charged with regulating cross-country household moves, but the agency isn't known for its consumer-protection muscle.

That means the burden of protecting yourself falls on you:

• Check out movers' reputations before you sign anything. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Additionally, search for reputable movers and check companies' complaint histories at the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org/us). The BBB gives letter grade ratings to companies, and the reports will let you see whether a mover has trouble with a particular issue, like contracts or services.

• Be aware that rogue movers are a problem in this industry. These are fly-by-night companies that offer low rates for moves but then hold people's possessions hostage to extort more money from them. Avoid companies that don't have a U.S. Department of Transportation license (they should display one on their websites, sales materials and contracts) or who answer the phone with a generic "movers" rather than the company name. Don't let movers who show up in rental trucks or unmarked vans take your stuff.• Spend some time at www.protectyourmove.gov– preferably when you first suspect you'll be moving. The carrier safety administration's site contains helpful materials on hiring movers, understanding moving contracts, insuring and protecting your possessions and heading off trouble.

Additionally, the site lets you verify an interstate mover is licensed and insured. (Movers who operate only inside Ohio are licensed through the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.) Always check – some movers are unlicensed. You'll also be able to see whether customers have complained to the agency. Even small numbers of complaints can be telling. The agency gets only a fraction of the complaints the BBB gets.

You'll also find a "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" on the site. Cross-country movers are required to provide you with a copy of this pamphlet (in online contracts, they only need to provide a link). It's not the most reader-friendly publication, but it does contain important information. If you don't have Internet access, call the agency at 1-888-368-7238.

• Get bids from three reputable movers. A binding estimate means the price is locked in. A nonbinding estimate allows the company to charge you 10 percent more than the price quoted. When you're comparing costs, don't forget to factor in insurance. The standard coverage movers provide for broken or damaged goods is 60 cents a pound, which isn't going to do you much good if your prize possessions are damaged in a move. It's free, but your mover also has to offer you full-value protection insurance that will cover replacement costs for damaged goods. That costs extra. (See the insurance information at www.protectyourmove.gov to weigh your insurance options).

Many movers' contracts offer a nominal per-day payment to make up for inconvenience if they deliver late, but there's no federal rule that requires this. If you want a guaranteed date of delivery, you may be able to pay a fee to get a firm date.

• Don't rely on verbal promises. Ask the movers you're considering hiring to provide you with copies of their contracts (especially the bill of lading) so you can read the terms and conditions well before moving day.

• If you have questions about moving across state lines or want to file a complaint about a cross-country mover, visit www.protectyourmove.gov or call 1-888-368-7238.

Follow Sheryl on Twitter: @consumerwriter

On Facebook: PDConsumerAffairs

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Friday, December 7, 2012

MSP ALERT - Denver, CO Customers BEWARE. Even the Ones that Look like the Good Guys are Failing...





Denver movers caught on hidden camera adding charges, fake tax after giving moving estimate

CALL7 Investigators test company fined by state
  1. Posted: 11/20/2012 ast Updated: 17 days agoDENVER - When CALL7 Investigators went undercover to test a Denver moving company that has had nearly 200 consumer complaints and been fined by the state, the movers tried to charge us significantly more than the estimate.
The company, named 67th Ave. Moving & Storage, agreed to move us for $267 but then tried to tack on what they called an 18 percent moving tax, which state officials told us doesn't exist. A representative also promised that wrapping was free but the mover, when he arrived, said it would cost $25 per item.
Watch The Undercover Investigation Tonight At 10 p.m.
When we asked him about charges on hidden camera, he told CALL7 Investigator Keli Rabon that this was a common situation with clients of the moving company.
“He's just saying whatever he needs to say to get the sales,” the mover said of the person giving the estimates for the company. “When I get here that's the typical response for the last week because they're not telling people the truth.”
The company representative promised to provide free wrapping and said they would not charge us more than the estimate, but during the move the charges changed.
“Well, the only thing that they don't disclose is the 18 percent,” said a second mover. “This goes to the State of Colorado. Basically that's a tax.”
“This is how they get you," he said. "Bill Ritter, when he was on it, that's what he signed.”
“Oh, so Bill Ritter put it into effect?” Rabon asked.
“Yep,” he said.
But both the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Public Utilities Commission, which regulates moving companies, told the CALL7 Investigators that there is no 18 percent moving tax in Colorado.
Our cameras also captured that we were deceived about the free wrapping.
“Wow, ok, ma'am, they lied to you,” he said. “I can shrink-wrap everything for you, but that costs $25 per item.”
CALL7 Investigators rented a storage unit and hired 67th Ave. Moving and Storage to move us from the storage unit to a townhouse that we also rented.
When the movers arrived at the townhouse, they refused to unload our property unless we paid the additional alleged moving tax.
“I'm not going to pay for a tax that doesn't exist,” Rabon told the movers.
“Here's the thing, if you don't pay for the tax, I can't unload you,” the mover said.
“So you're just going to take my stuff?” Rabon asked.
“Exactly,” he said. “That's the way it is.”
“You're just going to drive off with a van full my furniture and my belongings?” Rabon asked.
“That's the way it is, ma'am,” he said.
We were not alone in getting an estimate and then being asked for additional fees and charges. The Better Business Bureau has received nearly 200 complaints about the moving company in the past three years, and the PUC fined the company $4,300 last December and $1,400 in August for not providing customers with accurate estimates.
Brithgee Doyel used the same moving company and was charged triple the estimate.
“We were stoked,” she said of the initial estimate. “We were like, 'We found an awesome price.'”
Jamie Pilcher is another customer upset at the tactics of the moving company.
“They gave me the best rate,” she said.
But the low price quote increased significantly once the move started.
“There wasn't much I could do, I got really upset, I was crying,” Pilcher said.
The movers drove away with Doyel’s stuff after she refused to pay the inflated charge. She eventually obtained her possessions, but said she had to pay triple the quoted price.
“I was so devastated,” she said.
Pilcher said the company charged her credit card during the move so she had no choice but to pay double the estimate.
Rabon went to the company's office to ask them about the added charges.
"If a driver came and quoted you a tax, he quoted that wrong," the warehouse manager said. "It is not a tax."
The manager said the 18 percent was a fuel surcharge and pointed to a copy of the contract that notes a fuel charge, but the contract we signed had the fuel surcharge blank and 18 percent charge was marked in another area of the document.
The employee who quoted us the tax, said he was directed to do so by his supervisors.
"You said over and over that there's an 18 percent state moving tax, and that's not true," Rabon said.
"That's how the old owner put it to me, ok?" the mover said.
"But you weren't under the old owner?" Rabon said.
"Oh now this is a new owner now, he just took over in August," the mover said.
Office workers told us the company's problems will be fixed because the company is under new management and owned by Leo Shifrin.
We caught up to Shifrin on his way to federal court to be sentenced for filing a false tax return, but he declined comment.
PUC spokesman Terry Bote said it is against the rules to charge significantly more than the estimate.
“That contract, per our rules that became effective August 1, cannot be more than 110 percent of what the estimate was,” he said.
Bote said after the interview that the PUC cannot do anything other than continue to fine the company. He said that the PUC can only revoke a company’s license if it fails to pay fines or annual fees, or if a company does not maintain proper insurance.
Former customers question whether regulators are doing enough to protect consumers from companies like  67th Ave. Moving and Storage.
“They shouldn't be in service,” Pilcher said. “They shouldn't be allowed to move people.”
------------

Statement from 67th Ave. Moving and Storage:

We acknowledge the exposed problems at the moving company. These problems were due to the mismanagement of the prior management team, which has been completely replaced as of August 2012.
We do not condone and never instructed employees to call a fuel surcharge a tax. Employees that have been caught misleading consumers were let go on the spot, while existing employees were provided additional training. This situation is inexcusable and we will be swift to react to any future problems of this nature.
In addition, we have retooled the way sales and marketing staff estimates moves. If a revision in the estimate is required the revised estimates are always given to consumers BEFORE the start of any move.
Any consumer who was misled as to the fuel charge being called a tax will be issued a full refund of the charge. Anyone consumer who’s goods were retained due to the fuel charge will be refunded the entire move and their goods delivered out of our warehouse free of charge.
The new management team has implemented strict quality controls and these issues should not occur in the future.
67th Moving and Storage management
7NEWS - Denver movers caught on hidden camera increasing charges after giving estimate - Call7 Investigators Story

Monday, December 3, 2012

Moving Company Videos

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 Moving Company Video Collections



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Check back each day for a new video from our collectio

Tuesday, December 4th 2012: Rouge Movers Exposed!


News Alert! This did not happen a year ago. This did not happen in an unregulated state. A stressful situation turned out to be an absolute bust. 

CBS13 News does a hidden camera investigation. We set the stage and sting an unscrupulous moving company. See how we do it, and what these movers do to squeeze more money out of our "consumer." It's a warning you can take to the bank.



Wednesday, December 5th 2012:  Two Men, a Truck..and a Bridge.


Here goes one of Americas most trusted companies. Shows that there is no BRAND name that can keep bad people off their staff.

Look, I go to Walmart all the time. If Walmart had the same customer service that my girflfreind gets when we are looking at cute cars for chicks....THEN you could say for sure - these guys are the only ones to use. Bigger does not mean Better.  

Press play and check these guys out.


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More to come tomorrow........