Reviews of Humboldt Storage and Moving (Greater Boston)

[Jeff.Walker]

In an effort to provide consumers with a broader base of movers from which to select, MovingScam.com has decided to endorse Humboldt Storage and Moving, a United agent near Boston. Humboldt is listed on the Superlist as a "Very Good Performer" because of its many strong consumer comments over the years praising its honesty and professionalism.

This is the company's listing on the Superlist:

:thumbsup:--Humboldt Storage and Moving Company (United) in Canton in the greater Boston area.
A VERY GOOD PERFORMER with at least 5 good reviews and no significant bad reviews as an origin agent posted on this website. This company has the website www.humboldt.com and the phone 781-821-8777 (24 hour number) or 800-225-9845. (It is very unusual, and very desirable, for a moving company to be reachable by customers 24/7.) Humboldt has DOT #363405 and MC #87541. It has been in business for more than 100 years, having started as an ice hauling business in Boston in 1905, and is now run by the grandson of the founder.
According to its website, Humboldt did 5900 moves in 2008 with its 23 trucks, generating revenue of $15 million that year. It is the largest United agent in greater Boston and does about 60% of all United work in the area. As of 7/10, it had only 2 BBB complaints over the past 36 months, both resolved--excellent in view of the large number of moves it does each year. Unlike most Boston moving companies, it has a strong international division, handling about 1500 international relocations a year. It is the third largest international shipper for UniGroup Worldwide.
People in the industry have spoken very highly of this company. For example, one person who works for a highly respected independent mover told a MovingScam moderator in a Private Message, "I must say that Humboldt is one of the most honest agents I have ever come across in the moving industry, and I would recommend them totally. They have the complete respect not only of their peers but also of their competitors. I can tell you that you could eat off their warehouse floor on a bad day and anyone who takes that good care of their warehouse all the time - let's just say that I think they pay attention to details - all of them!" Also, "Archie White" (owns a United/Mayflower agency in Atlanta) commented in 6/08 that he knows the owner, and "they are a long time agent for United, very well respected in the industry." - http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 214#112214
Humboldt has a relatively large hauling fleet, which is desirable because it means that the company is more likely to self-haul the goods, which in turn minimizes the possibility of damage and delay. The company moved from Milton to a brand-new facility in Canton in 2000.
Humboldt's brand manager, Dan Komm, has helped develop several YouTube videos on Humboldt that people may find informative:
http://www.youtube.com/user/relaxandget ... rHqtB7TxRY (history of the company)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHRSogpOLWc (warehouse)
http://www.youtube.com/user/relaxandget ... v4RJq0fY68 (international division)
There is a rave review posted by "cow2215" in 2/06 for a move from Boston to Northern CA, singling out the Humboldt sales rep, loaders, and driver (David Pike) for praise:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 1930#51930 (interstate)
There is a good review by "ENugent" (an attorney) for a Boston to Seattle move in 1/05 - her only complaint was about the "flaky" move coordinator:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=26391 (interstate)
"cambridgepittsburgh" considered Humboldt for a move from MA to PA in 10/05 but ultimately went with ABC (Allied). He said that Humboldt was going to self-haul the move and the sales rep (Chris Clark) was very good:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6249 (interstate)
"dumbaussie" posted a rave review of Humboldt in 4/06 for its "just wonderful" help with an international shipment from Norway to the Boston area:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 5954#55954 (destination agent for international move)
"boston_to_TX" posted in 6/06 that Humboldt was the origin agent for a company-paid move by Armstrong Relocation to Houston - no special comment was made about Humboldt:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8682 (origin agent for interstate move)
Someone posted a bad review of a small move with Humboldt to CA in 8/06, mentioning bad packing with inadequate supplies available (and damaged items as a result) and overcharging with most charges eventually reversed by Humboldt, suggesting that it was Humboldt's error. The poster said that the sales rep and the Mayflower long-haul driver were good, however, so Humboldt probably deserves a pass on this one move that was apparently botched by the packing crew:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9730 (interstate)
"rachellech" posted a rave review of Humboldt for a move to Austin, TX, in 8/06, mentioning specifically David MacDonald (sales rep), Jacqui Yarrell (coordinator), Tim, AJ, Kevin, and Tony and his wife - she was more impressed by Humboldt than by Rainbow, although she said both were good:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9917 (interstate)
"prawlings" gave Humboldt an excellent review for a move to Utah in 9/06, praising the sales rep (Richard Merrill) and saying that he/she also liked Steven Goff of Rainbow but Humboldt's pricing was better. The truck driver and helper that picked up the shipment also delivered it (desirable):
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8217 (interstate)
"KW" also gave Humboldt a rave review for a move to GA in 10/06, posting that both Jacqui (the coordinator) and Tony (the driver) were great:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 0520#80520 (interstate)
"bostontompls" posted an excellent review of his small shipment to Minneapolis with Humboldt in 5/08, singling out Dave MacDonald (sales rep) and Jacqui (coordinator) for special mention. There was almost no damage and delivery was in 7 days:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16313 (interstate)
"JULY" moving to DC also noted Dave MacDonald's thoroughness and professionalism in 6/08, stating that as compared with estimators from other companies, "Dave seemed to offer me the most details about things without me having to ask." His GNTE estimate was also one of her two lowest and she chose Humboldt although she never came back with a final report on the move:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16593 (interstate)
"ashishcn" posted in 7/08 that she had chosen Humboldt for her (self-hauled) move from Boston to NYC, and that Dave MacDonald was "great, very patient and very helpful," but again, she never came back with a final report:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16989 (interstate)
"aus_to_bos" posted in 5/09 that they had used Humboldt for their previous move to Austin from Boston, and they loved the company:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18137 (interstate)
In 12/09 "cambos2008" praised Humboldt's estimator, Hal, for a move from Boston to Toronto--he chose Rainbow because its price was lower but there were problems with Rainbow's service and he later wished he had gone with Humboldt despite its higher quote:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 982#125982 (international move)
In 1/10, "nchica" posted that she was going with Humboldt for her move to Portland, OR - "Not only am I comfortable with their price, but they took my small move seriously, were EXTREMELY informative (I cannot emphasize this enough!) and professional," whereas Rainbow didn't even get back to her with a formal quote:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18931 (interstate)
"PGS" posted in 4/10 that she chose Humboldt for a move to Chicago mainly because of the estimator's outstanding communication and thoroughness:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 375#130375
She followed up in 6/10 with a rave review of Humboldt's performance and she was also pleased with Planes as the destination agent:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19431 (interstate)
"lettezilla" posted in 5/10 that she had chosen Humboldt for a move to Chicago based on reasonable price and responsiveness:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19283 (interstate)
"Vegas" posted in 6/10 that he had chosen Humboldt for a move to Los Angeles partly based on being impressed with its estimator Dave MacDonald:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19381 (interstate)
"amukh03" considered several companies for his/her move from Boston to NC in 7/10, but chose Humboldt because of its reasonable price, likely self-haul, and the professionalism of Dave MacDonald. Dave is reported as saying that "9 out of 10 times Humboldt does a self-haul" for this particular route:
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19499 (interstate)

[Diane]

I'm very glad to see this post. I've been following reviews of Boston-area moving companies here for almost seven years and I think that Humboldt was a very good choice for endorsement by MovingScam.

I see the following special strengths in Humboldt, apparent in the reviews and comments listed above:
1. A strong commitment to being customer-friendly as evidenced by its excellent website at www.humboldt.com and its 24-hour phone line accessible by customers.
2. A top-notch sales staff - experienced and thorough.
3. A commitment to self-hauling as many shipments as possible (important because it allows Humboldt to have control over the shipment from start to finish).
4. A strong international division for those people who need it.

I was particularly impressed by the first video about Humboldt that is listed above - http://www.youtube.com/user/relaxandget ... HqtB7TxRYT One thing that comes through on that video is a sincere dedication to quality on the part of the CEO, Howard Goldman (grandson of the founder).

[ArchieWhite]

Yes, Humboldt is good, and Boston is a tough moving town.

[ChicagoMover]

Humboldt is a fantastic agent to work with in the Boston area. Their organization has serviced both interstate household goods and commercial office relocations for my customers, Humboldt is my partner of choice in the greater Boston area.

[PaigeHolden]

Humboldt is a great agent in Boston. We are always happy to work with them because we know they will provide the level of quality service we require for all of our moves.

[poeticion]

I used Humboldt to move my things into storage while I went on assignment in Argentina. It went reasonably well UNTIL I was in need of accessing my storage. The storage costs me 90$ per month. The seasons are reversed in Argentina and I need the opposite kind of clothes when I visit the states. So of course I need to get to my storage unit to get a few things (a 10 minute task at most). My coordinator was Joyce and I tried calling her on my first trip back to Boston ( I was there for 3 weeks). She never picks up the phone. The email I sent her a week or two before arriving in Boston was to get access to my storage. I never received a response. I tried calling multiple times while I was in Boston. No answer, EVER.... aside from the receptionist. I today decided that in order to plan my trip into the now almost winter like Boston I need to get a coat out of storage. I called for two things. I needed receipts for my expense reports and a date for visiting my storage. I decided that I would hold to speak to someone. The time kept ticking and 20 minutes later the receptionist asked did I want to keep holding that both people I could speak to were on the lines. Now nevermind that I can't imagine any reason why a phone call with another customer would last 20 minutes for a moving consult. That is besides the point. However 45 minutes later at 5:00 EST when I have patiently waited, the receptionist HANGS UP THE PHONE. WOW. To add to that, the people I needed to speak with sent me emails while I was holding. Really!? I called back and as transferred to a service that isn't Humboldt. They essentially answer phones and send the calls to some on-call person. I am completely infuriated at this point after being so patient and seemingly not getting any respect. I am now STRESSED beyond belief. Thanks to Humboldt. The storage unit I rent is 90$ a month. To get into it I have to make an appointment 2 weeks in advance with someone who is almost completely unresponsive (with no other choices in contact ). And get this, the access charge which I was never even made aware of during the entire process is 179$. That is twice the monthly rental of my unit. Wow, I'm supposed to be relaxed? This is the worst commerce experience I've had in my entire adult life. I am stressed beyond belief and thinking of offering this story up to the Reuters news feed.

[Big Dog]

What not pay a visit to the warehouse & actually speak with someone face to face?

[poeticion]

Because I live in Argentina.

[Humboldt]

It is discouraging to hear poeticicon's experience. We have looked into the issue of why he was disconnected after holding for so long and found out that it was an issue with our phone system. We have an answering service that handles calls for us after hours (to insure a live person for emergencies) and our phone system kicks over at 5 PM. Unfortunately, if someone is holding at that moment, it also disconnects the call. Now that we are aware of this issue, we have tried to put in procedures to prevent this from happening in the future.

In an effort to right this experience we have offered to comp the storage access for this particular shipper on his requested dates. For general information, these access fees exist with most every moving company to account for the labor needed to retrieve a customer's storage containers and to provide dock space for accessing them. To date, shipper has not arrived to access goods.

[travy288]

I used Humboldt this week for my move from Boston to my new place outside of Pittsburgh, PA . I am more than happy to relate my experience with Humboldt to you. Moving is a very stressful and physically tough thing to do. I have used a mover 3 times previously. I had horrible experience and was ripped off either monetary or had my belongings stolen or damaged, Humboldt by far is the best I ever dealt with.

My move was actually quick complicated. I was working in North Carolina and got this job in PA. I moved myself from NC to PA on Oct 19 because it is a very small move. After I got to PA , I was planning to go back to Boston to pack. But driving a truck and towing a car for 14 hours was a bit much. I was either going to delay the packing trip back to Boston so that I can recover from the move from NC, or speak to Humboldt about having them pack up for me. I did not get a timely response for my initial inquiry to the customer service representative. I called again, and the person on call and answered was Jim Sullivan, the president of the company. He picked up the ball and got thing going right away. Normally, a moving company wants someone to be there to inventorize and sign sign the move out. I had enough trust with my dealing with Mr Sullivan that I said, if I trust them with the move out and not be there to sign them out, would they consent to that? Because I just started on a new job, I do not want to be absent right away, and I do not want to go to Boston, just to sign for things on the move out. I said that by choosing that, I would not hold them responsible on items missing or damage etc. They agreed to that. Timothy Lazdowsky, one of the company's manager, contacted me on Oct 25 to coordinate the process. Initially they were going to pick up on Oct 28, but I told them I was worried that my keys , which I had to send in from PA, may not be there yet. So they scheduled the pick up on Oct 31. That was right after the snowstorm on the weekend. From what I understand from my building manager, the moving staff was there from 7:30 Am to 9 pm. I actually did not know I had that much stuff. I thought I was 3/4 packed. But when I received the delivery, I was amazed at how much stuff I had and what care they had in packing and what a great job they had done, and why it took them so much time. I usually just throw things randomly into boxes when I moved. They boxed everything systematically: clothing box with hangers for clothes etc. Every box is securely taped up, labeled by contents and location. ( I usually open unlabeled boxes randomly when I unpack, and then like Christmas presents, found out what is in them after I opened them.) Label everything for content and room destination. They even crated up the glass top for the dining table.

The movers delivered everything to my new place on Nov 3. The moving staff was courteous, punctual, and efficient. They also set the big pieces up for me, and put the boxes in each room they were destined to. They even gave me advice as to which room is better used for what. (AND, they jumped started my car, which stalled that morning when the battery went dead, before they left. I was about to give the two moving staff a tip for how good they had been, but they already returned to the truck and was driving off).

When I checked the belongings , pretty much all the unboxed items arrived in good shape with no damage. The only thing I found was top drawer on the nightstand cannot be closed completely. When I notified Tim of that , he told me he'll send me claim forms , and I have 9 months to file a claim, and I have time to unpack and go through everything. All the boxes appear sturdy, and there is no viable dent, so I think everything in there will also be in good shape.

As far as the price, it was at the higher end of my initial expectation. But when I looked at how well they packed everything, and how much I actually had, and that they packed for me, and it took them 14 hours to move my stuff out, I consider thae charge to be more than fair and reasonable. As a matter of fact, a competing mover, also very reputable, was giving me an estimate that was only 28% lower, when my weight estimate was off by a 100% , and they were not do the packing.

All and all, I felt Humboldt has done a great job. This had been the easiest move I had had, and this is also the biggest move I had. I was ripped off by all 3 previous movers, Humboldt had been very fair and reliable. The reason I posted this is that I had such horrible experience with moving companies, and there are so many companies, the good ones should be recognized. And I hope I help other in finishing their move without hassle and stress, by publicizing this and help other locate the good companies

[Jeff.Walker]

Thanks so much for coming back and letting us know how it went! It's great to hear from a consumer who had a positive experience, because it really helps out others who are looking for a good mover. Consumers who have a bad experience are many times more likely to do something about it (ie. post online) than those who've had a good experience, so kudos to you for taking the time to make this post.

Jeff

[nleow]

Hi all,
I want to share my experience with Humboldt international with you all in regard to my recent move from Boston to London, UK.

Our move was what I would term a relatively small move. We had some bookshelves, tables and chairs, sofa and many boxes of books/kitchen equipment and bric-a-brac.

From start to finish, we have had an excellent service from Humboldt. They were extremely professional at every step and whilst their price was at the higher end, they were certainly not the highest quote we obtained (by a long way!), and, honestly, their costs are somewhat justified when you see the care, expertise and experience they provide.

The initial quote was provided by Hal, who was very thorough and professional. He went through every item to be transported and made a note of this on his ipad to ensure the quote was as accurate as possible. This is in stark contrast to another quote we had ( from Sprint), who went around the apartment in 5 minutes and then proceeded to ask for some pieces of furniture that we were NOT shipping - for his own house!

Following the initial quote, we needed to get some other quotes for comparison. In this time, Hal did follow up with us, however was in no way pushy about things.

Once we decided to go with Humboldt, the whole process was much smoother than I was expecting. We had to fill in lots of forms for customs in the UK (which our moving co-ordinator, Steve, handled), and then basically just set a date. Basically, the company was very flexible, and could also pack on a Saturday (at an additional charge). We decided on a week day, and 3 packers/ movers arrived on time, to pack up our house.

It took 3-4 hours for Humboldt to literally wrap up our house. The paper/wrap they use is very durable, with multiple layers for protection. It is obvious they have been doing this for a while, as they knew how to optimally pack all furniture and small things, such as reverse handles on doors.

My house was packed up on the April 25 and the shipment was delivered to my door on June 11. Honestly, this is much quicker than I was expecting, so was pleasantly surprised when a representative from the local moving company in the UK called me.

All the bigger items of furniture seem to be in good condition, with no scratches or damage. Of course, we still have not unpacked most things, but judging from the external of each box and the excellent packing of our items, I do not envisage any problems.

Lastly, all email communication that I have had with the company has been prompt and excellent. So much so, that when I have emailed Steve at 6am Boston time, he responds in a few minutes!

Thank you to Hal, Steve and Humboldt international. We had such a good experience, I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone!

[bev]

HUMBOLT MOVING: I cannot tell you how fabulous this outfit is, words are not enough. My daughters storage space had lingered in Boston for over a year when the signing party went MIA on the contract and never followed through with the move. She called in a panic, asking me to oversee the details and needed her belongings in Northern California by a certain date. Dan Komm (and eventually Timothy Lazdowsky) handled this gordian knot with precision, cost efficiency, and a kind of paternal attention as if my daugher were his own. I was blown away by not only the response time but his completely professional handling of a potentially terrible situation. Kudos to such a wonderful company. They just don't get any better than this! Bev

[Jeff.Walker]

A very happy review by someone who posted their experience with Humboldt in the open forum:

http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21760

HUMBOLT MOVING: I cannot tell you how fabulous this outfit is, words are not enough. My daughters storage space had lingered in Boston for over a year when the signing party went MIA on the contract and never followed through with the move. She called in a panic, asking me to oversee the details and needed her belongings in Northern California by a certain date. Dan Komm (and eventually Timothy Lazdowsky) handled this gordian knot with precision, cost efficiency, and a kind of paternal attention as if my daugher were his own. I was blown away by not only the response time but his completely professional handling of a potentially terrible situation. Kudos to such a wonderful company. They just don't get any better than this! Bev
_________________
Bev