28 Mar 2018 · MoveAdvisor
1.0 out of 51.0
My nightmare with Superior Moving Systems of Wayne, NJ, began when they performed a phone estimate with a commitment of confirming this estimate before my move. The estimate for my small one bedroom apartment was $2777.82 for 18 items, 49 pieces including full pack with material, fuel surcharge, stairs, and a small “manager's discount”. There was a verbal commitment to packing and unpacking at that time. The promised estimate confirmation call was never received, even after I called numerous times. Throughout my experience with Superior, I nearly never received a phone call back when I left a message.
As my moving date approached, Superior made a verbal commitment to pick up my load on 03/14, but didn't show up until late on 03/16, not finishing loading until after midnight 03/17. Upon arrival, Superior claimed that items were more numerous than originally estimated and informed me that it was a $6,000-$9,000 move instead of the estimated total of $2777.82. When I told them I didn't even have that much money, Superior proceeded to make me choose between paying the $6-9k or leaving items behind and paying an increased price of $4561.25. Because I had to be out of my apartment by a certain time and had to sign the lease for my new apartment out of state, I felt I was at their mercy. I then had a long, agonizing conversation with the driver- in which I had to indicate very specifically which of my needed items could be left behind- including a desk and chair, side table, sofa table, bench, and a few pictures. After they loaded and left, it was discovered that numerous other essential items not discussed were also left behind- including all 3 trash cans, an 8-volume Bible commentary set, 3 keepsake Bibles, a collection of books, a nightstand that was part of a bedroom set (along with things in the nightstand), and 3 additional pieces of wall art.
I then received a verbal commitment from Superior that they would call me by 5 p.m. on 03/17 with my delivery time. I received no call for three days. Finally, a friend of mine became concerned and called Superior on my behalf. This friend was treated very poorly, and Superior committed to deliver my load on 03/19. I also had a verbal commitment that it was on its way. In a subsequent phone call, I was then told that the owner of Superior “wanted the truck for something personal”, so my personal property was offloaded into a storage container and I would receive my things between 03/21 and 03/23. Once again, when I called to get an update, I was assured it was in transit. My shipment did not show up on those dates.
My property was finally delivered on 03/27, 11 days after pickup. The driver had an inventory check off sheet that included only 29 items total (as opposed to original estimate of 18 items and 49 pieces). There was no copy for me to retain for my records, although I was able to take a picture of the Bill of Lading. Despite my having paid for the service, the movers would not unpack my boxes. After they left, upon unpacking, I found clothing dumped into boxes with dishes on top (instead of clothing on wardrobe hangers), more items missing completely (including irreplaceable family pictures), expensive lamps in a box with no padding and table legs on top, broken dishes, a broken lamp, and a broken antique glass book end from Scotland. There was no way of telling these things were broken before the movers left, since they would not unpack.
The BBB has at least 56 complaints against these scammers, but nothing seems to have been done about it.
The only final payment they would accept was a postal money order, so I have no recourse for the extra amount they charged. I do not appreciate the bait and switch scam they have pulled on an elderly veteran.
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