Moving Scam - Bait & Switch Interstate Move (TN to MI)
Michigan Jul 26, 2026
Location: Tennessee to Michigan Hey yall, really hoping to get some advice and to help settle my nerves. We were under the impression when we hired this moving company that they would load our items on the moving truck, drive the truck up from Tennessee to Michigan, then unload the following day. We were offered a quote around 6k, which felt too good to be true but they said it was because they were already conducting another move nearby and they needed to bring the truck back up anyways. They were pretty inconsistent with the timing of the move stating it depended solely on how the first move went. Come three days before the move we get a call and suddenly they're saying it's actually going to be 12k because the first person set us up with a truck too small, even tho we provided that person details of all the items and boxes we had. We weren't happy with this, but ultimately it would've cost more to find someone else on such a late notice. We've been quoted 11k before for a similar move, so thought it sounded probably right for how much we had. They confirmed yesterday (Friday) that they'd be able to do the move today (Saturday). The movers were pleasant and did a good job, but come to find out the company provided us a smaller truck than they originally said over the phone, and we still needed to get a uhaul for the boxes they couldn't fit ontop of it all. Once everything was loaded, we find out they're actually charging right under 14k for the move and they only accept cash or money order. Also find out in that moment that these movers arent driving the truck up tomorrow but our stuff will be sent up in a bulk load that can take up to 21 days to get there. The movers told us it would likely only be a few days, but the contract they gave us in that moment says upwards of 21 days. We're at a loss on what to do here and would really like advice on how to handle this. The movers just left with our truck and we're actively scrambling to get another uhaul and still need to take the 10+ hour drive up to Michigan with our pets. One of our main concerns is getting our furniture back as soon as possible, as they have our beds and most of the essential items we need for day to day living, I work from home and work this week, and my husband starts his job soon. We're already facing a delay in getting these items, and I'm worried they'll hold it hostage if we try to argue about the cost. We luckily can pay the amount right now, but I'm really not okay with forfeiting essentially 8k more than we expected for such a shitty situation that will cost us even more ontop of this to accomodate (uhaul, potentially hotel or air mattress, take out, etc until we get our stuff back). Essentially: 1. Should I hire an attorney to take this on, especially due to the large discrepancy? If yes, should we hire an attorney based in Michigan or Tennessee? 2. Is it recommended I hire an attorney and/or file a complaint with FMCSA before paying them? - Biggest concern being we need our furniture back as soon as possible as they have our beds, most of our clothing, my office supplies, etc. 3. Is it okay to hold off until after we're settled to tackle some of this? We're already juggling an extra moving truck, a 10+ hour cross country drive with 3 pets (1 cat, 1 dog, 1 4 month puppy that is taking up alot of our time and attention atm), me needing to get back to work this week, and my husband starting his new job soon after we arrive. This is all still fresh, so I'm also trying to calm myself a bit so we can tackle the rest of this mess and get us up to Michigan. I'll need to do a little digging to find whatever documentation we have, as my husband coordinated with the company and I don't know yet how much was just verbal vs in writing. We can't look into it too much right at this moment because we need to load up this uhaul and get on the road ASAP. My quick search tells me this is apparently common, and I'm hoping that we have some kind of case and can get some of this money back AND our furniture back as soon as possible.
