Promises, Lies, and Deception

Dan Phelps Submitted this review about Cascade Vehicle Shipping Inc.
Review made Live: 7/14/2008 1:48:00 AM
Originally contacted in early June to move my F250 from PA to CA. Quoted $1315 for shipment with a required delivery date of 3-7 Jul. Novella was confident truck would be delivered on time and $1315 would be a good price. After several weeks and many conversations, 1 missed/cancelled pickup--Novella then states she could not understand why they were having trouble finding a truck to pick up. Then she began the game for more money. Originally stating if we increased the price from $50-100 she was confident they could find a trucker to pickup. I reluctantly agreed as the required delivery date was no within a week. On 1 Jul Cascade informed us they had raised the price up to $1700 ($150 deposit plus $1550 for the trucker. We refused and told them we would not pay a dime over $1500. On 3 Jul 08, Novella left a message the truck could not be moved. I then began contacting other companies and initiated a new contact for movement again back at the original $1315. 7 Jul 08, Novella called to inform she located a truck to pickup my vehicle and it would happen that day. I inquired about the price and was told again $150 deposit plus $1550 payable to the driver. I reminded her of the conversation we had the prior week and we would not pay over $1500. I requested to cancel the contract and Novella agreed. On 8 Jul 08, I received an e-mail from the shipper informing me the truck had been picked up. I contacted Novella and was told it was picked up. She stated she put the note in the computer but the driver still picked up. Instead of taking responsibility for the error she told me it was my fault as well as the seller because I should have known to call him and tell him to refuse shipping. I was told the truck was already in Ohio and my only choice would be to have the driver turn around and bring the truck back. If I wanted this I would be liable for his time, money, fuel, etc. I was angry beyond belief as I felt Novella and Cascade made promises, lied, and deceived me out of over $300 above the agreed/promised price but did not even pick the truck until after the final date for the required delivery. I trusted this site in picking Cascade. They had top ratings...I had bottom results. With 25 years in the military I have shipped dozens of vehicles all over the world. I shipped 5 vehicles in the last 2 years. This is the only time I had any problem with any of the companies.



Company Response
Terry Williams from Cascade Vehicle Shipping Inc. Submitted this response.
Response Date: 7/22/2008 11:52:00 AM
Mr. Phelps, This is our position in this claim: It is not our responsibility to inform your pickup not to release the vehicle. We were in contact with you through the entire process. When you wanted the truck cancelled, we faxed over a cancallation notice to the company, emailed the company and called the driver. At the same time, the driver was there with your pickup party picking up the vehicle which is why he didn't answer the phone. We spoke with you the next day and informed you that the driver would be willing to drop of the vehicle in OH or return the vehicle to PA, but he would want to be compensated for his time and gas. You did not want to use these as an option. You received a quote from us, not a set guarenteed price. Novella kept in constant communication with you to inform you of changes to your order. You scheduled your vehicle to be picked up almost a month in advance and with raising gas prices, Novella informed you the price would most likely change. It states in our Terms and Conditions: Due to changing and unpredictable market conditions, seasonal weather, traffic, mechanical difficulties and fluctuating gas prices, Cascade Vehicle Shipping, Inc. quotes are valid for 10 days. After 10 days, please call for an updated rate. Cascade Vehicle Shipping, Inc. is an agent for you. We arrange for the transportation of the vehicle by finding an appropriate carrier. We do not own trucks or physically transport the vehicle. Our services end when the carrier is assigned and contacts you regarding pickup and delivery of the vehicle. The normal pickup timeframe is 1 to 10 business days. Pickup and delivery dates are contingent upon carrier availability and season. All dates and times given are an approximation. We cannot guarantee exact dates or times of when the vehicle will be picked up or delivered. Carriers may be subject to delays. Cascade Vehicle Shipping, Inc. will not be held responsible for any expense related to a delay (car rental fees, storage fees, accommodation fees, etc.) You haven't even paid the deposit that is required with our company. Payment to the carrier is due upon delivery. Unless other arrangements have been made ahead of time, payment will be made with cash, cashiers check or money order. Should delivery be attempted after proper notification (2 to 24 hours in advance to phone number provided) and the shipper (or agent) is 1) unavailable to receive delivery, 2) does not have the proper funds, or 3) refuses delivery of the vehicle, carrier will transport the vehicle to a nearby storage facility until the matter can be resolved. Shipper (or agent) will be responsible for any accumulated storage fees, redelivery fees, etc. Cascade apologizes for the issues and your feelings that have revolved around your vehicle tranpsort. We followed our procedure as we would in any situation.