Great Canadian Van Lines

I contracted with GCVL to move me from Toronto to Victoria with pick-up on October 27th. The contract specified a delivery window of Nov. 3-11. I was told the actual date would be narrowed once the truck was underway.

The day before the move I learned GCVL had hired an agent company called AMS Transportation in Dundalk, Ontario to do the move. AMS picked up on October 27th, but that was the only thing done on time. My belongings sat in AMS's yard until Nov. 6th. AMS insisted on full payment before they delivered, while the contract specified payment on delivery.

I paid and was twice given a specific delivery date. Both dates were later than speicified in the contract and both times AMS informed me at the last moment they had to change the date. When I complained that they were late, AMS told me they were not bound by the date in the contract signed by GCVL.

I complained to GCVL and have to say everyone there was sympathetic and offered to help me get my delivery. In the end, there was nothing they could do. The delivery finally happened on November 21st.

To GCVL's credit, they offered me some financial compensation for the late delivery and the office staff was pleasant. However that doesn't make up for the stress or discomfort of sleeping on my floor without a stick of furniture for over a week while trying to juggle my plans. Bottom line: three and a half weeks to deliver is unacceptable.

Most importantly, I had hired GCVL for their reputation. Without consulting me, they turned over my contract to AMS, a company that is not registered with the Better Business Bureau, has had many complaints and would not honour the contract.