7 Oct 2026 · MoveAdvisor
1.0 out of 51.0
Our interstate move from MA to VA with McLaughlin Transportation Systems, a Mayflower agent, was by far one of the worst service experiences we have ever encountered. We paid nearly $12,000 expecting our belongings and home to be treated with care and professionalism. Instead, we experienced extensive damage, careless handling, poor communication, and a complete lack of accountability that turned what should have been an exciting relocation into months of frustration and stress.
From the moment the crew arrived in MA, there were red flags. Floors, walls, and doorways were not properly protected, furniture was not adequately padded or wrapped, and fragile items were handled with alarming carelessness. We witnessed furniture being dragged instead of properly moved and immediately raised concerns with the crew as well as management after the pickup. Given the condition of the packing and loading process, we were genuinely worried about what would happen to our belongings while they sat in storage awaiting delivery to VA.
Unfortunately, our concerns proved well-founded.
When the truck arrived in VA, we were shocked by the condition of the shipment. Large pieces of furniture were inadequately wrapped, items had shifted throughout transit, and a 55-inch television was transported on its side and arrived with a completely shattered screen. Even worse, a master bedroom mirror that we had carefully packed and protected ourselves literally fell out of the truck when the doors were opened and shattered on the ground. This was captured on video and perfectly illustrated the overall lack of care shown throughout our move. The way this truck was packed was just unreal. We were smart to take pics and document this all but were extremely upset.
The damage did not stop there. Multiple pieces of furniture arrived scratched, gouged, dented, stained, and structurally damaged. Sofas stored in the upper portion of the truck arrived with moisture and staining issues. Various household belongings sustained damage ranging from cosmetic destruction to significant impairment of their value and functionality. To add insult to injury, there was also damage to walls, trim, and other areas of our newly occupied VA home during delivery.
One particularly disturbing discovery involved a sealed tote container clearly marked as packed by us. At some point during the move, the container had been opened, and fragile automotive collectibles and posters inside were damaged after heavy outdoor ornaments were placed directly on top of them. Finding items handled in this manner was incredibly frustrating and left us questioning how many other belongings had been treated with the same disregard. Or, opened and sifted through!
As upsetting as the physical damage was, the way we were treated afterward may have been even worse.
Rather than taking ownership of the situation and working toward a resolution, we encountered what felt like constant resistance, dismissiveness, and a shocking lack of professionalism. Our concerns were repeatedly minimized despite extensive documentation of the damage. The individuals we dealt with, including Donna, Marty, and Eric, were rude, unhelpful, and often seemed more interested in deflecting responsibility than resolving legitimate concerns. For a company whose reputation depends on customer trust, the level of customer service we experienced was truly astonishing.
We have extensive photographic evidence, video footage, written records, and documentation supporting our claims. The company itself acknowledged that damage occurred and that the move did not meet expected quality standards. Yet despite this, we have spent more than three months fighting through endless emails and delays in an attempt to obtain a fair resolution.
At this point, the estimated damage to our belongings and property exceeds $22,000, not including the countless hours spent documenting losses, filing claims, following up, and dealing with the emotional stress of watching valued possessions arrive damaged or destroyed.
What makes this experience even more disappointing is that McLaughlin operates as a Mayflower agent. We expected professionalism, care, and accountability from a company associated with a nationally recognized moving brand. What we received was the exact opposite.
We cannot recommend McLaughlin Transportation Systems under any circumstances. Based on our experience, we would never trust this company with our belongings again, regardless of price or promises made beforehand. There are simply too many moving companies available to risk going through what we experienced.
If you are considering McLaughlin Transportation Systems, our advice is simple: look elsewhere. Do your research, read reviews carefully, and choose a company that demonstrates respect for its customers and their property.
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