Southerland Auto Transport, a.k.a., MovingMyCar.Com - waited 27 days for car to be shipped - contract cancelled - received refund, less $ 200 service fee - unfairly treated by Southerland Auto Transport

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 11, 2003:

From: Christopher Trice [Email User] RE: Southerland Auto Transport, a.k.a., MovingMyCar.Com - waited 27 days for car to be shipped - contract cancelled - received refund, less $ 200 service fee - unfairly treated by Southerland Auto Transport

Dear Complaints.com: I am writing to you today to lodge a formal complaint against Southerland Auto Transport, a.k.a., MovingMyCar.Com, located at 19397 Anna Road, Anderson, CA 96007. The owner's name is Mr. Bill Southerland. I contacted Southerland Auto Transport Monday, October 14, 2002, for a price quote to transport a vehicle from Dallas, TX, to Austin, MN. I received a verbal quote of $595. The company informed me that usual shipping time is seven to 10 days after payment is received. At the time, the company was discounting orders by $50 if you paid with a cashier's check. The company received $545, in the form of a cashier's check, Friday, October 18. On Tuesday, October 15 at 8:27 am, I received a Dispatch Agreement via e-mail from Southerland Auto Transport indicating that JET, INC. had been assigned to my order. At 8:30 am the same day, I received another e-mail from the company indicating that the assigned carrier cancelled and that another carrier would be assigned as soon as possible. I placed telephone calls to Southerland Auto Transport several times per week, and I kept getting the same answer: "Give us until Friday," or "It should be any day now." On the 27th day from the date they received payment, they still had not made good on their contract, nor on their word. I placed another telephone call and was told to "upgrade" by paying an additional $200.

I refused to pay any additional money because I had contracted for an amount of $545 and nothing more. On November 13, I sent Southerland Auto Transport an e-mail demanding to have the vehicle picked up by Friday, November 15. I also informed the company that I had contacted my attorney regarding this matter. Approximately 30 minutes later, Bill Southerland called me. I do not remember the details of the conversation, but he was intimidating, belligerent, and uncooperative. Mr. Southerland threatened to cancel my contract, insulted my intelligence, and denied any responsibility for timeliness. I explained to him that if he cancelled my contract, he owed me a full refund. At that, he cancelled my contract, and sent an e-mail indicating the cancellation. The office manager indicated to me that I would receive my refund in 20 days. Approximately 2 months later and 40 days overdue, I received a check for $345. I called Southerland Auto Transport and explained that an error was made, and they owed me $200. The office manager explained that there was a non-refundable $200 service fee. I explained to her that the contact states that if I cancel the contract, the fee is non-refundable; I did not cancel the contact, someone from the company cancelled it. She said she was not going to argue with me, and hung up the phone. I contracted them for a service, they never performed the service, and they made $200 in the process. They also indicate in writing and verbally that shipping will commence seven to 10 days after receipt of payment. Unfortunately, the cost to file a lawsuit against Southerland Auto Transport out way the amount of money they owe me. In resolution, I called JET, INC. a few days after November 13 and they shipped the vehicle for $545. Regards,

Christopher P. Trice