In Atlanta, Georgia, a Tennessee couple faced a shocking reality when their moving expenses doubled upon the actual moving day. Like many others in similar situations, they found themselves with little choice but to proceed.
James McMillian explained, “Our house was sold. Our house was ready to be moved. We had to get out.”
Having sold their rural home in Chapmansboro, Tennessee, James and Judy McMillian were relocating to a 55-and-older apartment complex in Hoschton, Georgia, to be closer to family.
After discovering Precise Moving and Storage online, Judy McMillian sent a detailed list of 57 items via email to a sales associate. Despite a phone review of the list, which estimated their belongings at 521 cubic square feet, no request was made for a video inspection or live video call to assess the couple’s possessions. The quoted price, including additional fees, stood at $2,150.
While legally registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in Doraville, Georgia, Pierce Moving and Storage, the parent company, was found by Atlanta News First Investigates to be operating under a different moving company at the same address.
Speaking with Atlanta News First Investigates, the owner of Precise Moving and Storage confirmed the absence of their Georgia offices, revealing that their operations were now based in Alabama and Florida.
On February 23, the McMillians recounted the arrival of the company’s movers, with a lead mover inspecting their home.
“He went through each room, continually adding to the list,” Judy McMillian recalled.
After this assessment, the lead mover presented a revised quote, noting numerous boxes, an extra 229 cubic square feet, along with packing materials and associated fees. This adjustment resulted in the bill doubling to $4,300.
Despite paying the increased amount and experiencing a smooth relocation process, the McMillians remain puzzled by the discrepancy in pricing. They maintain that the volume of their belongings remained consistent with the initial estimate.
To assist customers in avoiding such situations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operates “Protect My Move,” a website enabling individuals to conduct background checks on moving companies and safeguard themselves against fraudulent practices.