ST. LOUIS -- 5 On Your Side told you last week about a family living in St. Charles who said Titan Moving and Storage Van Lines is holding their property hostage.
Since our original story, we heard from another family with complaints about the same company. And what we found out, could cost the business tens of thousands of dollars.
Hope Choate and her family just moved from Springfield, Illinois to a military base near Washington, D.C. They've got a home full of furniture. The thing is, most of it isn't theirs.
“Our whole house if furnished because of people who have reached out to us during this horrible time,” said Choate.
She told 5 On Your Side the horrible time started when she hired Titan Moving and Storage Van Lines Corporation, based in Chantilly, Virginia.
“They quoted us at $2,300. And once they get to the house it's going to be an extra $4,000," she said.
To avoid the upcharge, Choate said her family moved some of their stuff on their own. But nearly a month later, the items that were picked up on May 29 still haven't arrived at their new home.
Choate said they've called the company multiple times and have no idea when their belongings will be delivered.
“We'll pretty much give it to you when we give it to you kind of situation,” she said.
5 On Your Side called the company to find out what's up. A member of Titan’s legal team said Choate’s first available delivery date was June 6. He added the contract clearly states the company has 30 days from the first available date to deliver and they're still within that time frame.
But we learned the company probably shouldn't have been doing this kind of business in the first place.
Interstate moving companies like Titan Moving and Storage Van Lines Corporation need a special license to move household goods. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Titan doesn't have that license. Operating without it is a violation that could cost the company $25,000 and lead to the company being shut down.
The spokesperson first said the company was in good standing. But when we presented the evidence, he said he couldn't comment further.
Meanwhile, Hope Choate and her family are still waiting. She said if she could do it all over again.
“I would've rented a U-Haul and moved ourselves.”
Moving out of state can be stressful for you and your family. In the past few weeks, 5 On Your Side has received multiple complaints about one moving company in particular. We want to help you avoid becoming the victim of an unreliable moving company.
Most of us know to check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a company. But sometimes that’s not enough.
Did you know, moving companies who carry household items across state lines are licensed by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration? There are a number of requirements the company must meet in order to be fully licensed.
The FMCSA has lots of tips and resources for people getting ready to move. You’ll find a checklist of things to do before, during and after your move as well as ways to file a complaint against a moving company if you feel they’ve done something wrong.
