ABF U-Pack most affordable option SF to NYC
Written: Sep 06 '06 (Updated Sep 07 '06)
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Pros: affordable, professional, timely
Cons: items must be packed with great care
The Bottom Line: Pack your items well - make sure everything is boxed, padded and covered, and you will have a good experience with ABF.
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| polzey's Full Review: ABF U-Pack Moving |
I used ABF U-Pack for my move from SF to NYC in August of 2006. The short version of this review is that ABF U-Pack served me well for my move. Below is the long version.
I looked at renting a Penske truck and, using some tips from the moving scams message board, got 20% off on my quote, which came to $1500 (11 days, unlimited mileage, 12' or 16' truck). Since I was able to move at any time in August, I entered different dates at ABF and got online quotes from $2630 to $2860. It seemed a bit expensive, and I was leaning toward renting the truck. I estimated the gas would run about $800. Since I had a few friends and relatives I could stay with along the way, the total was probably going to be less than ABF.
I also checked Door-to-Door and got a quote around $2300. But, one day, I checked ABF again, and the quote was $2079, so I booked it immediately. I ordered one Relocube, because I have read reviews of ABF in which people had problems with their items getting wet when they used a trailer. ABF says the Relocube is weatherproof.
I scheduled the "drop" for a Monday, and ABF let me pick which four hour window I wanted. I chose 8:00 - 12:00, and the Relocube arrived at 10:00. We packed it in about 6 hours, putting down a tarp on the floor even though it was clean. The Relocube had a raised floor that dropped off about 5 inches before the inside of the doors, and I worried that the entire load might shift, so I tied rope around the end and stuffed leftover cardboard in the space. I called for pickup the following day, and ABF said it would happen between 9 -5, and I didn't need to be there. I was there anyway cleaning my apartment, and they arrived in the afternoon. The driver thought my load was a bit heavy, but told me not to worry about it. The contract says that if your cube weighs over 2500 lbs, there can be additional charges, but it is not a per pound charge as I assumed. The driver said that if he can't lift the cube with his forklift, then they have to order a second cube, which I would have to pay for. He told me it has happened, particularly when someone has a lot of books or LPs.
ABF estimated that transporting my cube would take 5 to 7 business days, and it took 5. It arrived at the NYC terminal on Tuesday, and I asked if it could be delivered Friday, three days later, and they said no problem, even though the contract states that they will charge you if they hold your cube longer than two days. I chose a three hour window (2:00 PM - 5:00PM), and the cube arrived at 2:00.
Everything looked great inside the cube - the load hadn't shifted and no water had gotten in, however, there was a sawdust-like powder over the top and front of the load that seemed to have entered through the doors. That surprised me. The relocube is so well-built, it seems odd that it wouldn't seal better at the doors. That is my only complaint about ABF. Next time I would put the tarp over the top of the load instead of under it. The surfaces of the boxes showed a lot of rubbing, so you have to make sure there are no exposed surfaces on anything you value, or it will get rubbed raw.
Both drivers were friendly and helpful and willing to put the cube anywhere I wanted. I was impressed by how well they handled the Relocube on the forklift.
In all, a smooth move, and the least expensive alternative.
As for ABF's liability coverage, it's true they only cover your items at 10 cents a pound, but the contract states that in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, collision, vehicle overturn, they pay $2.00 per pound, up to $5,000 per relocube. That was my worry - losing everything - and you are covered for that.
Recommended:
Yes
Punctuality: Showed up on time
Ease of Filing Claim: N/A
Lost Goods: No
Amount Paid (US$): 2179.00
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Epinions.com ID:
polzey
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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