Business ProfileforApex Moving & Storage

On April 11, 2018, the BBB initiated an investigation of Apex Moving & Storage (aka) Moving & Storage SF, Inc. after receiving complaints from consumers that company uses questionable business practices.

Complaints allege after deal is negotiated, company renegotiates new contract at much higher price on moving day after consumers items have been loaded on moving truck.

BBB investigated this company by reviewing pattern of complaints, reviews, interviews with complainants, request and review of contracts & other suppporting documents, research with the Motor Carrier Enforcement Division of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), US Department of Transportation (USDOT), Pennsylvania Department of State, and various web searches.  BBB of Western PA also received complaint information from BBB Serving SE Florida and the Caribbean where company was located prior.

On April 11, 2018, BBB has verified that the company is not registered with the PUC, nor the PA Dept. of State as required by Pennsylvania law, although they are properly registered with USDOT for interstate moves.

BBB discovered that original contracts appear to be "Binding Not-To-Exceed" as apposed to "Binding Estimate", or "Non-Binding" Estimate, and consumers appear to have signed a second binding contract after they already signed the first binding contract.  In addition, on September 26, 2018, mail has been returned by Post Office for 322 N. Shore Dr., Ste # 1B, Pgh, PA 15212.

BBB’s investigation concluded that consumers ended up paying much more than originally negotiated, items moved have been lost or damaged, and packing methods were not done to code.

Moving

This report is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company, service or product.

When choosing a mover, obtain an in-home, visual estimate from several moving companies. Contact them for additional information, and compare their services. Inform them of your destination and the timing of your move. Ask for a written estimate and know whether it is binding or non-binding. 

A non-binding estimate is not a guaranteed price, and the final cost will not be known until the goods are weighed and the charges for transportation and services are calculated. With a binding estimate, the price cannot change unless you add to the shipment, or add additional services. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. 

Carefully compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs and budget. Some consumers mistakenly assume that the moving company is insured to cover the full value of their goods at no extra charge. This is not the case. Movers generally provide three types of protection for your goods in case they are lost or damaged:
·          Limited liability
·          Added valuation
·          Full value

Limited liability is the basic coverage by law, and it does not cost the consumer anything. Under limited liability, the mover is responsible for sixty cents per pound per item for an interstate move, and thirty cents per pound for a move within your state. So if the mover drops a ten pound television set, the company may owe you as little as six dollars, despite the TV's actual worth. Full value is as it states, coverage for full value of possessions and will require additional payment.

Be physically present when the mover both loads and unloads your belongings. Make sure that everything arrives in good condition. Report any damage promptly on the bill of lading or the driver's inventory sheet. Document any damages or lost articles before signing to accept the delivery. 

To verify if a moving company is licensed to operate within the state of Pennsylvania, call Public Utility Commission at 717-783-5010.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's consumer site provides details on hiring a mover.
If you have a dispute with a moving company that cannot be resolved, file with the BBB or contact the US Dept. of State, Federal Motor Carrier Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or 888-368-7238 if it is a move across state lines.

For more advice you can trust from your local BBB on avoiding scams and fraud, go to www.bbb.org