American Choice Vanlines

Scamming military families

Our moving experience with American Choice Vanlines was a total scam and we want to warn everyone of their fraudulent and unethical behavior.  We are a military family ... Read More Our moving experience with American Choice Vanlines was a total scam and we want to warn everyone of their fraudulent and unethical behavior.  We are a military family moving from CA to VA, and were originally quoted $15k for the move.  After declining this quote since we would not be reimbursed that much from the military, the sales rep John A. continued to call and eventually "negotiated" a contract within the expected military reimbursement of $11k.  He claimed the company would move us themselves, not broker out the job, and assured me the quote would not change as long as more items were not added to the move.  Three days before the move took place, the QA manager Michael called and within minutes of talking to him he said the estimate was wrong, we would need a bigger truck, and it would cost $16k.  We did not add any items, actually got rid of several large items that were on the inventory.  We had a timeline to meet so we had no choice but to accept the increase.  On the day of the move, the moving company (which was in fact brokered out to another company, despite what they told me), walked in and said they wouldn't touch anything because the estimate was too low and the move would actually cost $30k.  Again, no items were added to the inventory but they claimed "bulky and fragile" items are an upcharge.  I spent hours doing the initial inventory, measured all items, and disclosed everything.  At no point was I warned that our estimate would more than double because of fragile and bulky items.  I spoke with the manager, Sam, many times before accepting this contract, and she said my only options would be to sign the contract or leave half of our belongings behind.  Obviously this is not really a choice- we had to be out of the house at a certain time and we could not leave half of the house behind.   For claiming to be a "veteran owned company" that prides itself on taking care of military families, this should be a complete disgrace.  It was a bait and switch operation in which I was lured into signing the initial contract, paid thousands of dollars on a deposit, then the contract continued to increase until the day of the move when we now had no choice but to accept the move in order to meet our timeline and not be out of the $6k deposit we had already paid.  Trying to resolve these issues or reach anyone in upper management is impossible; they just closed this case without accepting any accountability or allowing me to speak to someone about these problems.  I truly wanted to resolve this without reaching this point but they've left me with no other option so I hope this can help prevent others from falling victim to such a scam moving company.

Poor estimate and poor communication

I should’ve done research on this company before I hired them and gave them a significant deposit, after reading the horrible reviews I tried to cancel over a month in ... Read More I should’ve done research on this company before I hired them and gave them a significant deposit, after reading the horrible reviews I tried to cancel over a month in advance, and they said they would not refund my money, that is red flag number one. When they got to my storage unit, the movers were polite and did a good job, but they told me my price would double from what my original quote was,they indicated that they could take everything off the truck, but at that point, it was too late. Had they told me that my price was going to be double, (after visually looking at my items) and before loading the truck, I would’ve sacrificed my deposit of over $1200 and chaulked it up as a mistake and hired another company.Please do yourself a favor and hire a reputable company. I learned a valuable lesson and hope you don’t repeat the mistake I made.

Beware Unprofessional Company

Do not use this moving company at all. They promise to show up in there “own” company moving trucks and instead contract with someone else to come in a move you to a ... Read More Do not use this moving company at all. They promise to show up in there “own” company moving trucks and instead contract with someone else to come in a move you to a new location. They way under estimate how much space they a lot you and try to tell you there’s plenty of room for a 3bdrm 2bath house in 883cubic feet. They also will not mention that they have insurance to cover any damages that may happen during the move.

Terrible Service

Scammers! Dishonest from the start. The driver showed up we agreed and signed paperwork. He told me how much I owed him and that the rest would be paid upon delivery. I w ... Read More Scammers! Dishonest from the start. The driver showed up we agreed and signed paperwork. He told me how much I owed him and that the rest would be paid upon delivery. I went to go get cash from the bank because he couldn’t take credit card. When I got back, he had not loaded any of my stuff and told me it was gonna cost an additional $4000 above the contract we just signed. I told him just to load my stuff in the 302 ft.³ I paid for which was a 10 x 5 x 6 space and he refused. Told me he wasn’t loading anything without the money which I refused it escalated and the driver drove away yelling out the window to me and my son’s. . I called the company to let them know what Happened And they refused to return my deposit. Or do anything to remedy the situation.

Worst Joke Ever.

DO NOT USE! They are a broker and not authorized to arrange for interstate transportation of household goods. They should not be operating or offering these services. The ... Read More DO NOT USE! They are a broker and not authorized to arrange for interstate transportation of household goods. They should not be operating or offering these services. They will not refund deposits with notice like other reputable movers will. Hopefully, they will be shut down by authorities soon.

Worst Moving Company Ever

Very rude and not helpful at all. Driver showed up and advised more to move then what was quoted and would be an additional $5K. Couldn't answer my questions and all I ... Read More Very rude and not helpful at all. Driver showed up and advised more to move then what was quoted and would be an additional $5K. Couldn't answer my questions and all I got from calling the company was the run-around. Driver wouldn't move me until I paid 70% of additional cost with cash or money order. (no debit or credit card). It was obvious he was not there to move me as he was alone and just for more money. They would not give me the credit as in the original agreement as this was a one-time use even though it was them who upped the cos of the original agreement. Not even the senior discount! Really? Driver left and said would be back at 7 AM the next day. I then left to get cash as bank/post office was closed. Driver pulled utility lines off pole, left wires on road and hanging in my yard without saying a word. Fire Department had been called to check out wires on road by community members. Electric company was out. Nice use of tax money don't you think. Driver showed up four hours late while I was on phone dealing with this when he showed up. Told him I would be there soon that I was on the phone. He called me from my front door and said now or they had to leave. Really? Talked to moving company who stated I was difficult to work with and by not letting them move right then I was refusing service and cancelled agreement keeping my down payment and refused to provide insurance info. As a result, here I am with no food in the house (donated to food bank the day before), no small appliances or yard tools/furniture (donated to charity). my son and I are out the cost of airline tickets and motel cancellations. And I'm difficult! Sounds like a bait and switch if you ask me.

Worst move ever.

These guys are very rude. Do not listen to the sales people or the supervisors they will scam you out of your deposit and inflate the price once they arrive. If you disag ... Read More These guys are very rude. Do not listen to the sales people or the supervisors they will scam you out of your deposit and inflate the price once they arrive. If you disagree with the new price they will still keep the deposit and not listen. They told us because we did not agree to the new price (which was double the original price) that we refused their service and therefore are not entitled to get our deposit back. They operate in bad faith and lie to you.

Great moving company to deal with.

Moving out of my parents’ house was bittersweet, but their movers made it exciting. They handled my belongings like they were their own and even gave me helpful unpacki ... Read More Moving out of my parents’ house was bittersweet, but their movers made it exciting. They handled my belongings like they were their own and even gave me helpful unpacking tips. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience!

Super heroes of moving

The movers came 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. They inquired whether I had specific instructions, introduced themselves (thanks to Jack and James), and verified which ... Read More The movers came 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. They inquired whether I had specific instructions, introduced themselves (thanks to Jack and James), and verified which boxes were delicate. I'm overjoyed that my grandmother's china set was delivered cautiously.

Trustworthy Movers

Our move happened just days before Christmas, and I was worried it would be a disaster. But the movers kept everything cheerful and efficient, and ascertained that our de ... Read More Our move happened just days before Christmas, and I was worried it would be a disaster. But the movers kept everything cheerful and efficient, and ascertained that our decorations, gifts, and furniture were safely transported. They made the delivery earlier than expected and happily helped us with unpacking too. They’re the best movers we’ve hired so far!