Move 20ft ocean container on car trailer

[Diamondpilot]

Send them a bill. I bet this will all go away or you will meet somewhere in the middle

 

[DavesTractor]

The cost to get a wrecker out to your area to un-stick the truck would have been tremendous. As long as you did not sign anything saying you would pay to get him unstuck, I would agree with others to send them a bill for a little more than they want you to pay. Tell them you would be willing to call it a wash. Also, if you know who you talked to about the flat-rate deal, I would speak to him/her directly and appeal to his conscience. Calmly. I'd make sure the owner of the company knows that this was clearly a flat rate proposal, etc. Not sure if the delivery company was a mom and pop or a bigger organization. If a larger company, someone might be trying to cover the backside and the owner may not be aware.

A little riskier, but you could tell them you would be happy to stand before a small claims court judge and state your case. You would subpoena everyone you talked to on the phone and the nice young driver. I think you would win.

Lastly, send them a letter and tell them that your credit is very important to you and if they in any way diminish your credit score by starting collections or showing something negative, that you will hold them responsible for all damages, current and future.

 

[ultrarunner]

My Grandfather was in business his entire adult life and well respected.

One of the things he taught me is the only rights a person has are those he is willing to exercise.

I have found it helpful to provide the owner/operations manger a brief run down to make sure there is NO MISUNDERSTANDING... in other words someone who has the ability to make a decision which often billing clerks do not.

Any pictures of the stuck rig?

Co-worker had a huge overcharge on a tow... she had paid the agreed amount but was getting letters for the overage.

I called and spoke to the owner of the trucking company and said what's right is right and I could forward him a list of those I would be contacting... Consumer Affairs, City Business License, Board of Supervisors that vote on Tow Contracts, Governor's Commission on Disabilities since the co-worker was disabled, the BBB, TV Consumer Reporter, and the list went on...

He might of thought I was bluffing but when it comes to principal I never bluff...

Owner said he would call me back... he did and said they have marked the bill paid in full.

 

[LD1]

Hard to advise without knowing what was discussed when they called you. Other than....tough luck and pony up.

Did you question them about the flat rate?
Did you mention the inexperienced driver?
Did you tell them YOU had to unstick the truck 7 times?
Etc etc.

You need to talk to the person you spoke with originally. Wouldn't hurt to talk to the driver too, and see if he remembers you, and just how helpful you were.

Whoever you spoke with that basically said "tough luck"...move higher up the food chain to someone who actually has authority and plead your case

 

[Sodo]

The invoice is from the shipping container seller. I am not in contact with the trucking company, only the seller. Here is my response.

-----------------------------

With regards to a phonecall that I received from _____ ______ this AM. This invoice is not accepted without proof that I am liable for this amount.

The delivery charge negotiated was flat rate. _____ offered "$500 delivery, or $700 flat rate? She said "since this is out in the forest I recommend that you accept the flat rate, otherwise itç—´ $125 an hour and youæ±*e not protected? I accepted the flat rate.

They sent a 2-months experienced driver on this flat-rate, forest delivery. I provided 7 pages of Google Earth satellite images, drilling down to the exact location, and the trucker had them in his possession when I met him. The trucker and I looked over and discussed these photos before we went into the forest. If a 2 month driver can do it, then an experienced driver would have no problem. Itç—´ their mistake, not mine. And, for that matter not yours either.

If you want to pursue this ---- I request proof that I am responsible for this invoice. Please understand that if you don稚 provide my (requested) proof and if this issue in any way diminishes my credit score or shows something negative, I will hold you responsible for all damages, current and future.

I request a prompt response.

Best regards, _______

-----------------------------

I'm pretty sure this is the trucking company's problem, they are squeezing the container seller. They are lucky there was no towing company involved. Lucky the truck was able to make its scheduled runs on the following day. And are lucky for assistance, (and a little education) that I provided fro their young driver. I am out 7 hours but my containers are in-place, before the rains.

Thanks very much for the TBN assistance. I will invoice them for my time if it goes farther than this.

 

[Garandman]

They won't send it to a collection agency, they take one third. If you get contacted, write them back telling them the bill is disputed.
If I dispute a debt that is being collected, can a debt collector still try to collect the debt from me? > Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

 

[SJay]

Document, Document Document - keep track of everything - people you talk to, date you talked to them....

 

[LD1]

So just to be clear.....its the seller trying to collect for overtime? And NOT the trucking company? Who did you pay the initial $700 to, the trucking company or the seller?

Sounds like the seller is playing middle man. You paid the seller for the container AND shipping. The seller then paid the trucking company. Now the trucking company....since they were technically hired by the seller, is trying to collect OT from the seller......who is in turn trying to pass it on to you. IS that correct?

Who actually offered flat rate shipping? The trucking co, or the seller?

Sounds like this issue is between the seller and the shipper. If you were offered Flat rate....should be case closed.

 

[skipperbrown]

Communication goes a long way to resolving issues. Call the person who gave you the flat rate and ask them why it is now a variable rate.

 

[Sodo]

Yes that's it. It was flat rate. And I did not mislead them or abuse the flat rate. $200 was an add'l hour & 1/2, which was reasonable but couldn't cover being stuck 7 times. Again they are lucky I was able to assist. Understood that log truck drivers are a different sort, but they ran hundreds of trailers in and out of these roads (without movable trailer axles). These roads exist because of log trucks, period, and are well-tested.

I think its a pretty normal thing for some trucking outfits to hire drivers at lowest rates and shake down the customer after the job. Its how they make a bigger buck. The trucker's "customer" is the container seller, not me. They're trying to get more and the container seller is passing it on to me, maybe in cahoots. Other sellers are getting $1600 and less, I paid $1800 each. They can meet the trucker in the middle IMHO, if intent on preserving THEIR relationship.

I have requested proof (that the additional billing is my responsibility.) And requested a prompt reply. And offered my opinion that the extra charge is not the sellers responsibility either. That's where I'm at. I will send another email after 7 days that "I consider this matter closed". Anybody have insights regarding this plan?