1-800-PACK-RAT WARNING: How I Fought a $1,200 Hidden Moving Fee! | 1-800-PACK-RAT Review

If you're researching moving options, you've probably come across 1-800-PACK-RAT's storage containers. I hired 1-800-PACK-RAT over PODS in early 2022 because I got a cheaper quote, but that was until a $1,200 hidden fee hit my account! In this video, I share a warning about 1-800-PACK-RAT and how I fought back and got a refund of this sneaky surcharge. Don't let this happen to you!
✅More Michael Saves Content ✅
Scan your receipts and earn gift cards! Check out my 10 tips for getting started with Fetch Rewards:
michaelsaves.com/make-money/f...
My strategy to maximize cash back credit card rewards: michaelsaves.com/credit-cards...
Learn about my $25/month unlimited wireless plan on Verizon's network: michaelsaves.com/cell-phones/...
Want to cut the cord and save money? Start here: michaelsaves.com/streaming/ho...
FOLLOW MICHAEL SAVES:
Website: michaelsaves.com/
Main Channel: / michaelsaves
Monthly Newsletter: mailchi.mp/a36c20b3255d/micha...

[@NicoletheNickster]

I just hired Pack Rat yesterday and found out after the fact about this fuel surcharge. It was not explained to me when I booked the container. Thankfully I called back for something else and that agent mentioned a potential fee. I questioned her "for what?" And that's when I found out about that fuel surcharge. And I told them I'll cancel the order because I'm not paying any arbitrary fees after the fact. Either my total was the COMPLETE total or I'm taking my business elsewhere. Got transferred to retention and they waived the fee. Apparently during that convoluted automated voice recording they play upon booking it is mentioned somewhere in there, rather than explicitly stated when booking. I was especially mad because I specifically asked the first agent if that total was my complete total ( because I got taken in the past from a previous shady mover who demanded more money in the middle of the move). The agent said yes that was the complete door-to-door total. So I especially felt bamboozled. Like bait and switch was going on. I am so glad I stumbled across that fuel surcharge. To hear from you it could cost upwards of $1,200 is Highway robbery. No wonder they beat any competitor price, they make it up on the back end.

[@MichaelSaves]

I'm glad you got it waived. I hope your move goes well.

[@nikkie2226]

Thanks a lot I actually just got off the phone with pack rats like 2 hours ago... I was kind of curious about reviews and I'm glad I found yours when I call back to get my container I'll make sure to ask her about the fuel charge

[@JohnPaynekj4wzo]

Great job Michael. Fighting for what is right.

[@jameseighmey2606]

TY for the info, will watch out for this for sure

[@karandonnakaran]

interesting - thanks. doing my research and getting quotes now and from other people posting their experiences and pricing with these container movers over the past two years, the prices im being quoted now are literally triple! and to have hidden fees on top! thats awful

[@fromdheart1]

Thanks for this info. I am having a 16ft container delivered, ($400 dollars) with a monthly fee of ($308) while my items will be stored in their warehouse (locally) and will deliver it to me, once I'm ready to receive it. My question is: Should I be leery about a fuel charge? the total price was above? Should I just get a budget truck and keep the moving help to load / unload it my own storage unit? and call it a day. thanks

[@MichaelSaves]

Call customer support and specifically ask about a fuel surcharge. I believe it's only for long-distance moves.

[@ShellSellars-Smith]

My parents just used this company and they were very professional and delivered their items as promised. My parents moved from California to Georgia. Of all the box movers they are one of the best. I am a REALTOR and I hear all the horror stories and this company in my opinion is the best. Obviously, I think they are good as I recommended them to my parents.

[@ASCENSIONZONE]

I'm doing the same move. How much did they charge

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

How much did they charge and how was it calculated? With all these extra fees (I have to pay separately for labor on both ends) I'm wondering if a national mover would be easier for the same or slightly higher price. I have a one bedroom apartment so not much stuff. All of these companies won't give info unless you give them your email and I don't want to be spammed!

[@wentworthmiller6]

I just found this out, they say it in a very confused language in small fonts: Taxes may apply to the cost of your move or certain ancillary services provided or purchased. If diesel fuel prices are above $4.25/gallon at the time of your move, this may increase your moving cost based on the mileage of your move through a transportation subsidy. The transportation subsidy will be based on the difference of the DOE National Average for a gallon of diesel at the time your container is moved; the adjustment will be $0.01 a mile per container for every $0.05 change in the price per gallon of diesel fuel. The transportation subsidy will also take into account our actual transportation costs at the time of your move compared to our transportation costs at the time of your order. You will also incur a container repositioning fee equal to $0.05 per container mile of your move. We also reserve the right to charge other fees, including but not limited to an administrative fee, personal property fee, regulatory license fee or other recoupment fee (none of which are taxes). This Order Confirmation is a part of your Rental Agreement. Thank you, The 1-800-PACK-RAT Team

[@wentworthmiller6]

So I called them, and the first rep said I had agreed to it. I said it was not written in a way that anybody could understand. She transferred me to a resolution team, after half an hour of saying how I am very unhappy with this potential hidden charge and I’d like to cancel the order. She waived the chargers after talking to her supervisor. After thinking about, I still cancelled my order. With all the horrendous reviews about pick up and delivery and how they basically are out there to get as many people scam as possible if they don’t read the fine print, I don’t feel like I want to do business with them. Even though they are cheaper, but I hate dealing with business with no integrity.

[@MichaelSavesPlus]

I hope you have a safe move. I can relate to your frustration.

[@skiptowne8533]

I've reserved a Pack Rat container (for a Sept. 2022 move) and I'm working with a rep. I wanted to verify the fuel surcharge and inquired about it (I do NOT see it on the contract--it's contained in an email): "No need to worry about fuel subsidy - I have a fuel subsidy waiver on your order". I'm going to try to get the subsidy "waiver" in writing because she could be full of BS.

[@MichaelSaves]

@@skiptowne8533 Yes, please get it in writing. The company never disclosed this fee to me until it was charged. They're very uncomfortable with my video and have reached out to try to get it taken down.

[@skiptowne8533]

@@MichaelSaves From their perspective, I can understand why they charge more if the price of diesel goes up from the original quote. They have to pay whatever the fuel costs at the time of the move. In these times, it almost certainly will go up more this summer.

[@ronhanish]

Ty

[@Brendan_Johnson]

My family lost our belongings to pack rat. Some of those items were family heirlooms.

[@MichaelSavesPlus]

Brendan, sorry to hear that

[@marywyrick4520]

They tried to over charge me as well. Didn't get the money

[@shadrackotbwg2068]

wow glad I just found your video I was just talking to packrat today and now maybe it is not right for me. btw am so sorry about your dog...can you can another dog?

[@solutionrecruiter7130]

this is why big chain corporations that develop monopolies over an industry always leads to exploitation....its inherent in their nature

[@Hardtimesflushthechumps]

What states were you moving to and from? Future reference, using them soon and moving from ohio to florida. Thanks

[@MichaelSavesPlus]

CA to FL

[@teneshasmith1541]

hi I'm moving from Ohio to Florida. Did you use them? How was it and about price?

[@Hardtimesflushthechumps]

@@teneshasmith1541didn’t use them but wish we did , the company we went with was horrible and most our stuff was broken by the time it got to Florida and had to help them move my stuff out of the truck .

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

@@Hardtimesflushthechumps Which company was that so I can avoid them?

[@drakejdf]

What size container did you use for your move?

[@MichaelSavesPlus]

I used the smallest, an 8. And I had a ton of space left. I wish I hadn't sold so much stuff before moving. My place was only a 1 bedroom though. They have a 16 foot too. I believe there's a tool on the website that will help you determine the size you need.

[@drakejdf]

@@MichaelSavesPlus thanks for the reply.

[@selectiveoutrage6617]

@@MichaelSavesPlus I have a one bedroom, too, and that price sounds expensive. Maybe you get what you pay for. I will investigate a large, national mover because I heard you can share a large van with others going to the same general area. Might be worth the extra cost. I wouldn't know how to pack a couch, coffee table, end tables and smaller items so they don't get filthy and damaged. Just thinking about this is stressful in itself!

[@robertwilber1909]

I cannot speak for any other pod outfit. The drivers were good normal people. Management uniformly lied and had to be coerced to meet their obligations. Never again in this life. They made the mistake of requesting a survey response