"F" rating Florida BBB, unreliable, added $50 fee

Alphonse Submitted this review about Transport Services
Review made Live: 9/9/2011 12:13:00 PM
Don't use this company.
- Unreliable
- Non-responsive when you need help
- Charged extra $50 fee before returning cars

The Florida Better Business Bureau agrees - Transport Services has an "F" rating and 166+ registered complaints in the past 3 years. See why:
(http://www.bbb.org/south-east-florida/business-reviews/automobile-transporter-broker/transport-services-in-delray-beach-fl-92008427#reasonrating)

Here's what happened to me:

1) Late vehicle pickup. Ryan, my sales rep, had told me my vehicle would be picked up Sunday (7/31/2011) when I finalized my order on 7/22/2011. I know it was a short window, but was told they could do it. My next contact with them was a voicemail on Saturday (7/21/2011) afternoon - "Your car will be picked up Tuesday 8/2/2011" That was it. No other notice they'd be late 2 days, at best.

I was charged $200 as soon as my order was placed. Transport Services is only a broker - not licensed for anything else (http://www.transportreviews.com/company/transport-services.asp). Basically they connect you to an independent trucker, who you'll pay the remainder of your bill to upon delivery.

2) Delivery date pushed back. Countless phone calls were made to try and sort out the situation. Every call ended the same. Ryan (my sales rep) would 'look into it' and call me back. He never called back - I always had to call him the next day. I wasted a lot of time waiting and wondering.

3) Charged $50 'fuel surcharge' fee _after_ they had my vehicles. Just before delivery I was told I'd suddenly have to pay $50 more to the driver when my cars arrive. I was vaguely told it was a 'fuel surcharge'. They have you at this point - literally because they have your car. There's a clause in their contract that extra fees can be charged. Please explain the fuel charge to me. Diesel fuel prices dropped 4 cents in the Midwest and Gulf Coast during the week my cars were in transit - 8/1 - 8/8. (http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_a_epd2d_pte_dpgal_w.htm)

Beware! They can tack on fees at their discretion and you HAVE to pay before your car is released!

4) Was told I would be refunded $50 - REFUND NOT RECEIVED. Was promised a $50 refund in writing (email) 16 BUSINESS DAYS AGO. I have called many times to inquire on the refund. Always told to call on Fridays because accounts & billing only works then. Messages left, no calls returned. Tired of wasting my time!

Some customers may have had smooth sailing, but I wouldn't count on it. Cheap for a reason!

"F" rating from Florida BBB and 166 complaints in 3 years!
(http://www.bbb.org/south-east-florida/business-reviews/automobile-transporter-broker/transport-services-in-delray-beach-fl-92008427#reasonrating)

... wish I'd checked before I placed my order.