Transport America Moving Services: What You Need to Know Before You Book

Introduction

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. The thought of packing up your entire life and entrusting it to a moving company can be daunting. Choosing the right mover is crucial for a smooth transition, but what if your chosen company has a mixed reputation? That’s where a deep dive into customer experiences becomes essential. Today, we’re exploring Transport America Moving Services, a company based in Littleton, CO, offering a range of services including local and long-distance moves, packing, and storage. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive and unbiased look at Transport America Moving Services, drawing from various sources to highlight both positive and negative feedback, and offering actionable advice for potential customers. It’s important to note that customer experiences with this company vary greatly, and a thorough understanding of these different experiences is essential for making an informed decision.

Understanding Transport America Moving Services

• Company Overview
  • Transport America Moving Services is located at 4 W Dry Creek Circle #100-19, Littleton, CO 80120.
  • They operate in multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Virginia.
  • Their services include:
    • Local, intrastate, and interstate moves
    • Full-service packing and unpacking
    • Moving and storage solutions
    • Auto transport
  • Transport America Moving Services has been in business since 2019.

• Initial Impressions: Mixed Reviews

  • It’s immediately apparent that customer ratings for Transport America Moving Services vary significantly across different platforms:
    • Google: Shows strong averages, such as 4.57/5 from 74 reviews and 4.9/5 from 80 reviews.
    • HomeAdvisor: Presents a generally positive picture, with a rating of 4.7/5 from 50 reviews.
    • MyMovingReviews: Indicates a good average of 4.2/5 from 26 reviews.
    • Angie’s List: Displays positive feedback, with a rating of 4.7/5 from 50 reviews.
    • Yelp: Shows less favorable ratings, such as 2.1/5 from 18 reviews and 2.4/5 from 20 reviews.
  • This wide range of ratings suggests that customer experiences can differ greatly, indicating a need for further investigation.
  • BBB Accreditation
  • Transport America Moving Services is BBB accredited with an A- rating. However, it’s important to note that there are still complaints filed against the business.

The Good: Positive Experiences

• Focus on Positive Reviews:
  • Many customers have praised the professionalism, efficiency, and friendliness of the movers.
  • Some reviews highlight instances of on-time arrivals, careful handling of items, and helpful crews.
  • Several customers noted that the company went “above and beyond,” assisting with additional moving tasks.
  • For example, some customers described their move as “seamless” and were happy with the hard work everyone put in. One customer reported that the company was quick, courteous, and very respectful, even volunteering to take care of extra moving issues.
  • Some customers reported that the company provided good communication and kept to their initial quote.
• Analysis of Successful Moves:
  • The positive reviews suggest that Transport America Moving Services can, at times, provide reliable service.
  • These successes might be due to factors such as experienced crews, careful planning, good communication, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

The Bad: Common Complaints and Issues

• Pricing and “Bait and Switch” Tactics
  • A significant concern is the reported use of “bait and switch” tactics, where initial quotes are changed at the time of pickup.
  • Some customers reported that they were quoted a price, made a down payment, but were then asked to pay more money because the company supposedly misunderstood the type of items being moved.
  • Unexpected price increases and additional fees for “extra packing materials” that were deemed unnecessary were also reported.
• Communication Issues
  • Poor communication is a recurring issue. Customers have reported delayed or absent updates, as well as unanswered calls.
  • Many customers had to repeatedly call multiple numbers and people to get answers, even after the company had received full payment.
• Delivery Problems
  • Many customers have reported delays in delivery and inaccurate delivery timelines.
  • Some deliveries were delayed for weeks or even months, with some customers waiting up to 10 weeks to receive their belongings.
  • Broken delivery promises and last-minute changes were also common complaints.
• Use of Third-Party Movers
  • Transport America Moving Services sometimes uses third-party contractors for moving services.
  • Some customers reported that these third-party movers were not aware of Transport America and had no information about the move.
  • This practice seems to have contributed to breakdowns in communication and service quality.
• Damage to and Loss of Goods
  • Some customers reported that their items were damaged in transit. There were reports of furniture being broken, walls and carpets being damaged, and items arriving with scratches.
  • Several customers also reported lost or missing items. One customer stated that half of their load was lost.
  • The company offered very low compensation for lost items, which was inadequate for replacing sentimental and valuable possessions.
• Unprofessional Behavior
  • Some customers experienced rude, dismissive, and unhelpful behavior from staff.
  • Customers reported unprofessional interactions with dispatchers and other staff, with some feeling gaslighted by the company.
  • There are also reports of the company ignoring power of attorney documentation and contacting customers directly.
• Issues with Contracts
  • Some customers did not receive a contract or were asked to sign contracts at the last minute, during the hectic period of moving.
  • Some contracts were not honored, with promises of 24-hour notice before delivery being broken.
  • A 30-day pick-up and delivery window was also given to some customers, which they did not agree to or fully understand.

Actionable Advice: Protecting Yourself

• Expert Advice on Recognizing Red Flags:
  • Be wary of unusually low quotes, as these may be a tactic to lure you in before raising prices.
  • Be cautious of companies that avoid in-person assessments and provide quotes based on phone or virtual assessments, as this can lead to inaccurate estimates and unexpected charges.
  • Avoid companies that pressure you to make a quick decision, as they might be trying to hide unfavorable terms or practices.
  • Be careful of companies that request payments through unconventional methods such as Venmo or Zelle, as these methods offer less protection than credit cards.
• Best Practices for Securing a Moving Contract:
  • Get a detailed, in-person estimate. This will help ensure the quote is accurate and that all your items are accounted for.
  • Read contracts thoroughly, paying special attention to clauses about liability, payment, and delivery timelines.
  • Make sure all promises and agreements are in writing. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce if any issues arise.
  • Verify that the company has all necessary licenses and insurance to protect you in case of damages or delays.
  • Understand the claims process, including the process for getting compensation for damaged or lost items.
  • Create a detailed inventory of your items, which you can use as a reference during the move.
  • Ask whether the company will use third-party movers. This can affect the quality of service.
  • Be aware of 30-day pick-up and delivery windows, which may affect the reliability of the move.
• Research Before Booking:
  • Check multiple review platforms such as the BBB, Google, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and Angi to get a well-rounded view of the company’s reputation.
  • Verify business details with the BBB to ensure they are accredited and have a good rating.
  • Seek references or speak to previous customers, if possible, to gain more direct feedback on the company.
• Practical Steps to Take:
  • Consider using portable storage containers, which may offer more control over the timing and handling of your belongings.
  • Document everything, including taking photos and videos of your items before they are packed.
  • Maintain open communication with the moving company, and ask for regular updates.
  • Be prepared for delays and potential issues. Have a backup plan and emergency funds in case you need to make alternative arrangements.

Conclusion

Transport America Moving Services has a very mixed reputation. While some customers have reported positive experiences with professional, efficient, and friendly movers, there are many reports of significant issues. These issues include communication problems, unexpected price increases, delivery delays, and the use of third-party movers. Customers have also experienced damage to and loss of items. Given these factors, it is important to do thorough research and take the necessary precautions before booking with this company. Carefully weigh the risks and benefits. If you are uncomfortable with the company’s history, you may want to consider other options. Your peace of mind during a move is paramount. If you have had experience with this company, please share your experience below to help others who may be considering Transport America Moving Services.