Jennifer Snow review for Available Logistics

Review Description

I have never complained about a company before and am happy to pay a fair fee for any service. All I ask is that a company is up-front and honest with their customers. My complaint about this organization is that they are not up-front about the expense of using their services and I believe that this is intentional. My agreement with Available Logistics was to move my grandmother’s vehicle from Arizona to Texas for $540.00. There was never a discussion of a $175.00 broker fee until after I made a deposit and I received the contract. When I did see the contract verbiage "Exclusive of Broker Fee" I asked about it and the response was that the $540.00 was the TOTAL FEE. (I have emails to prove all of this) However when Available Logistics' driver delivered my grandmother's car he refused to release the car unless she paid an additional $175.00 cash. She paid it and they refuse to return it. Here are the facts: I inquired about car transportation services on August 19th, 2011 and received 9 emails from Available Logistics that same day. I have each email (completely unaltered)and can supply all of these emails with dates/time stamps. Starting with the second email it is stated clearly right at the top NO HIDDEN FEES. In the third email it states "The price I give you has no hidden fees and is all-inclusive". In the fourth email it states "Our method of pricing is "guaranteed” and there are no additional charges not like many companies. After the fourth email I spoke with Larry. I asked why the price was lower than some of the other transporters. He stated that they had a cancellation and they needed to fill a slot on the truck. He said to move forward I needed to do an online deposit of $175.00 (via online check depositing) and he would email me the contract. I received the contract only AFTER I gave the deposit. I'd like to note that I emailed and stated that I was only submitting my deposit based on the quote of $540. Then the contract comes in the email - I notice that there is language that says "Exclusive of Broker Fee". This is something we had not discussed so I sent an email to Larry asking, "Larry - there is mention of a broker fee. Is that included in the all inclusive price you gave me of 540.00? Thanks!". Larry responds via email, " Hi Jennifer, $540 is the total price. You left $175 deposit, so all you have to pay on delivery is $365. The driver accepts cash, postal money orders or certified checks…..no checks, no credit or debit cards." Based on this email I moved forward with this transaction. The car was picked up as planned, the driver was friendly and professional and there were no issues until the driver dropped the car off and would not release the car to my grandmother for the $365 cash (as stated in the email would be the price). My grandmother gave him an additional $175 cash so he would release her vehicle. Unfortunately I was out of town and she was unable to reach me. When I arrived home I immediately emailed Larry. I should state that this email was on 8/29/11 which is the day after the car was delivered. I requested at this time that the $175 be returned to my grandmother and gave him all of the information that I have given you. I didn’t receive any response. I emailed Larry again on September 19th and stated that if he did not respond I would escalate the issue. Only at this point did I get a response via email which states that it was in the contract. But when I asked about the contract via email and he responded in email "that the $540 was all inclusive." Oh and I should also state that I never signed the contract!! Available Logistics' responses to me have been rude and unprofessional. I don't appreciate it. Also, I would like to note that I’m not the only one with this experience. There are multiple reviews being posted at http://www.transportreviews.com/company/available-logistics.asp. I only wish these reviews were available prior to my doing business with Available Logistics. So - In short! Don't use this company and if you have had a bad experience with them as well I hope you are getting the word out there so others don't follow in our footsteps!!!