Administrative Record
Case Summary
This record summarizes a consumer-reported moving complaint and the available supporting documentation.
Procedural Status Tracker
Customer’s Story
I hired International Van Lines for a Texas to Illinois move based on a verbal 5-day delivery promise and a $2,078.57 deposit. At the time of signing, I was not aware that the company used intentionally "unreadable" contract formatting—tiny fonts, overlapping colors, and messy handwriting—to hide their actual terms.
Weeks into the move, after they missed the delivery window, I disclosed that I am autistic and required aPDF of my contract to understand my rights. Instead of providing this immediately, their Compliance Manager, Daisja Brinson, mocked my disability in writing and refused to send a readable document four separate times. She admitted that the 5-day promise they used to get my deposit was merely "informal," while they now hide behind a "21-business day" rule buried in the unreadable text. And FDAA – a term I still do not understand nor was it ever explained to me verbally.
As of today, my goods are being held "hostage." The company is refusing to deliver unless I pay a final $1,900 in cash or money order only, stripping me of my right to pay via a protected method. I am currently sleeping on an air mattress in an empty house, without winter clothes or furniture, while being intimidated by the company's compliance department. I have already filed with the FMCSA and the Illinois Attorney General.
Supporting Documents
Primary Document
Second Document
Third Document
Fourth Document
Fifth Document
Company Responses & Updates
This section documents any responses or updates from the moving company and the U.S. Moving Protection Organization. Responses are published as received and do not imply resolution or admission of fault.
Company Response
International Van Lines’s Response
We have reached out to International Van Lines and are awaiting their response. This section will be updated when a response is received.
USMPO Response
U.S. Moving Protection Organization’s Response
Active
Thank you for sharing your experience with the U.S. Moving Protection Organization. We have reviewed this complaint for authenticity and have published it to help improve transparency in the moving industry.
This complaint has been documented in our public database and may be used for industry analysis, trend identification, and consumer education purposes.
How to Avoid Similar Moving Scams
- Never pay the full amount before delivery
- Know your rights – movers cannot hold your belongings hostage
- Contact FMCSA immediately if this happens
- Document everything – photos, videos, conversations
- File a complaint with local law enforcement if necessary
- Keep copies of all contracts and receipts
Frequently Asked Questions
More Information & Additional Resources
Similar Hostage Load complaints: Only delivered half, Broker Scam
For more information:
The U.S. Moving Protection Organization is an independent trade organization and consumer advocacy entity, not a regulatory agency. USMPO cannot impose fines or legal penalties. This complaint represents a personal consumer experience reviewed for authenticity but not fully verified. Filing with USMPO does not replace filing with FMCSA, state Attorney General, or law enforcement. Consumers are encouraged to file with all appropriate authorities when fraud or serious misconduct is suspected.
?>