Frequently Asked Questions

The three major companies identified in our investigation are:

• PODS - Owned by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
• 1-800-PACK-RAT - Owned by Carlyle Group (merged with Zippy Shell)
• Zippy Shell - Sister company to 1-800-PACK-RAT under same ownership

All three companies have documented patterns of hidden fees, billing issues, and service failures affecting thousands of customers nationwide.

Our research identified:

• Over 3,000 customer complaints across review platforms
• Average financial losses of $4,850 per customer
• Complaints from all 46 states where these companies operate
• Consistent patterns spanning 2019-2024

Common hidden fees include:

• Fuel surcharges - Not disclosed in initial quotes
• Elevator fees - $75 even for ground-floor moves
• Long hallway fees - $75 for distances over 75 feet
• "Permit" charges - For parking on your own property
• Transportation subsidies - Double-billing for gas/transit
• Administrative fees - Vague charges with no explanation
• Cancellation fees - $299 charged within hours of booking

This is an internal policy where companies:

1. Deliberately overcharge customers with improper fees
2. Tell employees they're "required" to add these charges
3. Force customers to call back and fight for corrections
4. Hope many customers give up due to long wait times

Employees have confirmed this practice, stating customers can "just request a refund later" - proving the charges are known to be improper.

Several laws protect consumers:

• State Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Acts - Prohibit deceptive billing and hidden fees
• Federal Trade Commission Act - Protects against unfair business practices
• Consumer Financial Protection Act - Covers billing and collection practices
• State Consumer Protection Laws - Vary by state but often allow treble damages

Statute of limitations varies by state and claim type:

• Contract claims: Typically 3-6 years
• Fraud claims: Often 3-4 years from discovery
• Consumer protection claims: Usually 2-4 years
• Property damage: Generally 2-3 years

Act quickly! Document everything and consult with a consumer protection attorney in your state for specific deadlines.

Recent and ongoing legal actions include:

• McKeehan v. 1-800-PACK-RAT - $1.6M settlement for illegal call recording (Settled 2024)
• Weinstein v. Zippy Shell - Ongoing federal litigation in Florida
• PODS Franchise Litigation - $41.4M trademark settlement dispute

1. Check eligibility - Review class definitions in active cases
2. Register - File claim forms by specified deadlines
3. Document losses - Gather contracts, receipts, and correspondence
4. Stay informed - Monitor case updates and settlement notices
5. Consider individual action - If damages exceed class recovery

Visit class action websites or consult with attorneys specializing in consumer protection for current opportunities.

Immediate Actions:

1. Document everything - Save all contracts, emails, and receipts
2. Calculate losses - List all charges and actual damages
3. File complaints:
   • Better Business Bureau
   • State Attorney General
   • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
   • Federal Trade Commission
4. Dispute charges - With your credit card company if applicable
5. Seek legal advice - Many attorneys offer free consultations

You can make a difference by:

• Sharing your story - File detailed online reviews
• Reporting violations - To regulatory agencies
• Supporting investigations - Provide evidence to attorneys
• Warning others - Share this information on social media
• Demanding change - Contact company executives directly

Remember: Your voice matters. The more consumers who speak up, the greater the pressure for industry reform.