Review Summary
Average Service Price
Average
Reviews
Interstate move average
26% more than market avg.
Review of Charter Van Lines - Misleading Broker and Unreliable Service
s a broker, outsourcing my household move to StreamLine and my vehicle transport to an unknown private company without notifying me. Their lack of communication could have caused significant confusion and frustration. Charter Van Lines created two documents: one for my household items and another for my vehicle. I indicated in both that I would only be available until August 20th. Despite this, they failed to coordinate between the two services, leaving me in a ridiculous situation where they expected me to be available for my car after the 20th, which directly contradicted the information in the documents. This oversight shows a complete lack of attention to detail. Charter Van Lines contacted me at the last minute on a Sunday with minimal payment options for my household items. Thankfully, the driver accepted a Walmart money order, but this was the only smooth part. I had already paid $200 upfront but still needed to receive communication regarding my vehicle. After learning their truck had broken down, I had to scramble to book another company. Only after I secured a new service did a different driver show up unannounced, forcing me to cancel the backup plan. Despite clearly stating I would not be available after August 20th, Charter Van Lines ignored this crucial information and even accused me of lying. Because of their incompetence, I had to rely on friends to receive my car. On top of that, my household goods were delayed, and Charter Van Lines tried to justify it with their 10-day delivery window. However, the company handling the actual move, StreamLine, was professional and helpful, unlike the unprofessional behavior of Charter Van Lines. Charter Van Lines is unreliable, deceptive, and fails miserably at communication. They pass work to third-party companies without informing customers and then try to cover it up. Their reviews appear suspiciously polarized, with primarily 5-star and 1-star ratings, raising questions about their authenticity. If you're looking for a reliable moving service, avoid Charter Van Lines at all costs.
Horrible experience
They called me about a move inquiry and i wasnt home to give exact number of items. i told them i was guessing but they pressured me into giving credit card number instead and even told me I could be off by double but that it still fit the minimum. When movers showed up they had a fit because I had more. it took an hour of phone calls and I ended up paying $1500 more. the actual mivers did a great job...they were with All Movers...but when I asked where my items went after the move, they lied and said the truck went into a warehouse until it was driven to me. Not the case at all. It was subbed out to another mover in a rented Enterprise truck who reloaded it. That driver was very nice but he gave us one box which wasn't ours and we are missing at least six boxes. Everything about this "contracted out" move....which was also lied about by Charter....was bad. A pretty pathetic moving experience all around and I DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!
Hidden Charges
I was quoted one amount, then at quality assurance call it jumped $2000. They said for cubic feet. Next the carrier showed up and there are additional “packing charges” -like $25/item they shrink wrap. I was assured by the estimator at the first call that they don’t use shrink wrap or bubble wrap-only blankets. All these additional charges should be revealed up front. The local packers were amazing!
Upset with the move
They DO NOT inform you that they would subcontract your move to a fly-by-night moving company. They require that you give them thousands of dollars as a deposit over the phone. The movers ask you to pay in cash before they will load or unload your belongings. The actual cost is significantly higher than what was estimated. They will deliver your stuff weeks after you arrive at your new location, so bring at least a week's supply of clothing and everything else you will need to survive in the meanwhile. The moving truck, as well as the blankets, were dirty. Everything was contaminated by the dirt. The items were shattered and damaged, yet they will pay.60 cents on the pound. The WORST moving experience I've ever had.
Good move
Because the other moving company I use for cross-country relocation was not available to move in my route on short notice, I contacted Charter van lines. They assisted me with the booking, and I had my items picked up and dropped off by two different moving firms. The movers knew what they were doing, and the owner called to make sure everything went smoothly. I am pleased with their service.
Licenses & Certificates:
Companies that transport household goods within Florida like Charter Van Lines Inc. have to register annually with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Bureau of Compliance is the responsible regulatory authority that manages intrastate movers. Movers should be registered with the FMCSA to operate interstate.