PODS® Reviews
PODS gives you a 3 hour estimated window for dropping off empty container and also for delivering it at destination. They were an hour late on drop off, and a DAY late on delivery. NEVER AGAIN. Used ABF before and no problems on either end. I would have used ABF again but they were booked. Will never use PODS again.
I was really impressed with the PODS process. We needed three storage units so it was a lot of stuff. The first POD was delivered on time and the young man that delivered it was very professional and courteous. He called 30 minutes ahead to let us know he was on his way then placed the POD on our driveway. When the second POD came, they sent the empty one on a truck and the driver was upset that they didn't send two trucks. He had a kind of surly attitude. He had to drop the empty POD on the street in front of our house, pick up the full POD, drop it on the street, pick up the empty POD then place it on our driveway. He then had to pick up the full POD. A lot of work but certainly not our fault. Two days later, the same surly driver just showed up. No call ahead. He had already dropped the new empty POD on the street and had began picking up our full POD. That's when I saw him and was shocked. Instead of picking up the POD while keeping it relatively level, he picked up the front of it about 5 feet off the ground leaving the back (door side) of it on the ground. This, of course, would have shifted everything in the unit back towards the door. I ran outside and asked him to please be more careful and to at least try to keep it level. His attitude was even worse after that. My third POD is being picked up tomorrow. I can only hope it won't be the same driver. It's a shame one arrogant non-caring driver had dampened out enthusiasm for the POD experience.
PODS delivered, stored, picked up, moved....overall, our experience was positive. However one PODS was dropped off facing away from the house and we were charged to have it turned around (this was refunded after we complained) and we are being charged insurance despite an email trail which says it has been taken off our account (waiting to work out a refund).
POD arrived without any tie down points installed and was very dirty inside. Called POD customer service and they told me to go to Home Depot and buy the eyelets used for the tie down points and install them, and no they did not offer to reimburse. Average rating for now, as waiting to see what kind of shape my possessions are in when delivered, will be in storage @3 months.
PODS container service itself was fine and as advertised. However, in the midst of our move PODS implemented a new software system that created nightmares for both PODS employees and us. Waiting on the phone for hours to resolve billing problems is just not acceptable. Their system billed for services not rendered and then automatically charged our credit card account. Their system problems started on January 6th and our account problems were finally resolved in mid-May. Their CEO actually sent an email blast apologizing for the fiasco.
The 7 foot container was perfect for the amount of items we had packed. The driver was very professional and really knew how to operate the truck and the part that unloaded/reloaded the PODS container. He worked the PodZilla truck with great ease, it was nice watching him maneuver the truck and container. We will certainly use PODS again as we prepare for our final packing.
The overall process was great. The only issue I had was misinformation due to moving to California. There was an extra form that wasn't explained to me. This caused a delay in pod transit. I was also not given proper information about SF street parking. Things like this should be explained well in advance so the customer has time to prepare.
Minus one star mostly because there was some drama about me needing to be rescheduled bc I would not be present to sign a waiver for a street drop off (very stressful). But I rescheduled to a week later (thank god it was available) and it went very smooth. The pod is in progress to be delivered to me in NY, so I don't have the other side delivery to rate just yet, but so far so good on the first half. The 16' container fit my 2 bedroom apartment, but I also didn't have a ton of furniture and only 1 bed. Though there still was some space left in the pod after all was said and done.
I found working with PODS service personnel very easy and simple. They were always accommodating to any changes I needed to make and provided the assistance I needed to assure a smooth processing of the job. Their service personnel were knowledgeable and courteous. I used their website frequently and found it easy to use.
PODS customer service kept me informed by email and phone regarding the times for expected delivery and pickup on both ends of the move. The drivers were respectful of the properties and very polite. I was able to obtain the original weight tickets - empty and full - which are needed for a military DITY move - by following the PODS driver to the weigh station. The POD was in good repair, clean, dry, and pest free. The small, 16ft, size was more than enough space to move my two bedroom household. I would definitely use PODS again for my next move.
