I live in PA, and in January 2008 purchased a sailboat in AL. Working through the transport website "UShip," I found a Florida-based transport company on line who appeared to be reputable (had DOT and MC numbers, and customer feedback was very good). He was very responsive and returned calls/emails and answered questions promptly. and arranged to have this company transport the boat. He required a deposit, which I paid with a credit card around the end of January.
As soon as they had the deposit, it all changed. Suddenly no calls or emails were returned, and I could only catch him sporadically on his cell phone. Still, we made arrangements for a March 31 pick-up. Then, the day before I was to step on the plane, he calls and says he has scheduled the pick-up for April 11. No apologies, just a statement. I changed my plans (at some expense for non-refundable tickets and rental car). I then called or emailed every other day to follow up but never heard back. The day of the pick-up, I called every hour. He never showed.
Looking back at the UShip website, the company's feedback since mid-February has been very negative. His UShip account has been "suspended." I have filed a complaint through UShip. I continue to try to contact him, but the cell number is disconnected and the office number answering machine announces his wife's business.
I need to know what I can do. At the very least, I would like my deposit back. Repayment for other expenses would be nice, but I'm not counting on it. What are my rights, and how do I proceed from here?
Thank you.
As soon as they had the deposit, it all changed. Suddenly no calls or emails were returned, and I could only catch him sporadically on his cell phone. Still, we made arrangements for a March 31 pick-up. Then, the day before I was to step on the plane, he calls and says he has scheduled the pick-up for April 11. No apologies, just a statement. I changed my plans (at some expense for non-refundable tickets and rental car). I then called or emailed every other day to follow up but never heard back. The day of the pick-up, I called every hour. He never showed.
Looking back at the UShip website, the company's feedback since mid-February has been very negative. His UShip account has been "suspended." I have filed a complaint through UShip. I continue to try to contact him, but the cell number is disconnected and the office number answering machine announces his wife's business.
I need to know what I can do. At the very least, I would like my deposit back. Repayment for other expenses would be nice, but I'm not counting on it. What are my rights, and how do I proceed from here?
Thank you.
