One star

Measured, weighed, numbered boxes, and then did it again, got the quote and then contacted them. Collection occurred on time but then all went badly.

Had to use two palettes... Quote system did not mention this, price increased. Flat screen tv clearly marked in recommended packaging was placed face up at the bottom of the pallette, the second pallette placed on top ... Arrived in Sweden and the drivers said you better take pictures of this as everything in the first palette will be crushed due to the use of two palettes when one was only needed. Tv smashed, pictures taken, no refund or claim. Company stopped,taking emails months ago, Ian west was the manager and has stopped replying to my mails.

Honestly cannot recommend these guys ever to anybody

Long story short, instead of getting out goods from UK to Ethiopia within promised 5 to 7 days became waiting game of over 3 months.
After a few email queries where our stuff may be, nobody responded to my emails nor official customer feedback questions.
I have never ever seen such a lack of responsibility as these guys were showing.

Of course before they picked up our goods, everything was find and dandy, but as soon as I paid the bill, lack of communication started.

Please everybody, stop using their services !!
I don't want to have anybody experiencing same as we did.

I wouldnt use anyone else!

After using them for 2 years now for many many shipments I really cannot fault Ian and the staff at Compare cargo rates. No shipper has any control over customs costs, duty etc. So seriously why are you complaining........ After many episodes where clients have used other couriers, Ian and Compare have ended up sorting out the mess. I would only ever recommend them! 5 stars every time!

Do not trust the cheap online quotes; Prices will significantly increase after they have your stuff

Used comparecargorates.com to send my personal effects to Bahrain. Appeared very friendly till they had picked up my luggage.
First, i was asked to pay £75 advance for the boxes they provided (advertised as free on their website), which was to be taken out of final amount; fair enough, i gave this and boxes arrived on time.
Once their driver took my stuff, it was bulk packed free of cost using shrink wrap and on pallets (as a favour to me) without my consent, and i was told that the volume has increased from 3.7 to 5m3 due to this packing so now i should pay in excess of £630, when their online quotation using accurate assessment was about £350 + £50 (insurance) = £400 in total. I even had their system generated online quote of about £500 (inc. Insurance) for just under 6m3 volume. After wasting time on emails, and many many phone calls to reach their manager, i was favoured again by offering a discount on billed price and their manager reduced the bill to £525 and since i paid £75 earlier so the manager confirmed that i need to pay a balance of £450, which is still significantly higher than their system generated accurate quotations.
Not happy with this but i was in Bahrain by then and had no option and decided to pay. Then i received the invoice of £525 from the person handling the case and not £450 as mentioned by their manager, and was asked to pay immediately otherwise the discount will be taken away. I paid in protest to avoid further delays to my stuff and asked them to explain this but since then neither the person handling the case, nor their manager have responded to my many emails on this.

I have even sent them a recording of their managers message to me confirming the payment of £450 yet they keep ignoring my emails. I even asked them on their online chat system to tell me the formal complaint method but as soon as i asked this question, no replies..

This is the most poor service i have ever seen so avoid at all costs if you can..

Totally useless, lack of communication, the worst customer service ever!!!

The company seemed so friendly till we paid their money. First off all, we were told on the phone the custom expenses in Turkey would be around £200-300 but we paid £600. When I told them this, they said ''When goods are sent by sea they have no influence over the charges at the other end which is why would never commit to giving a figure'' but one of them did and I took his word for this and send my boxes with this company.

One of the customer representatives (Mel) started ignoring my emails when I asked for a sensible refund. Then I finally manged to get their manager's name from their live chat session. His name is IAN WEST and emailed him, asking for help and did I get a reply? Nooooo!!! He didn't even bother because they already ripped me off, why should he?! Good customer service does not just include before you give service, it also includes after service Mr. West

I tried many times with Mel, Mychael Wilton and Jack...unfortunately I ended being more frustrated than ever! I was so disappointed not just because I felt I was totally ripped off and cheated, it was also sooo damn difficult to find somebody to deal with.

Lastly, I couldn't get my stuff from the Turkish custom because I didn't get a paperwork from London which was saying that I was moving to Turkey for good. When I asked Mel why I wasn't informed this, she said 'they weren't there to advise us what to do' what a crap attitude?! How come every single people I spoke to in Turkey who moved from abroad was advised by their REMOVAL company management to get that paperwork???

To sum up, I never worked with any companies like compare cargo rates. They are extremely friendly and helpful till they rip you off, after that you all alone my friend!!!

Marko Oslanus found this review useful

Backstreet Cowboy

This is the worst company I've ever come across. They initially gave me a written quote for parcels to ship overseas. After they collected the parcels they increased quote and when questioned about it they claimed the packaging was larger. However, when I asked them to prove it I was told the parcels had gone in transit (also the parcels fit in the container so they were clearly lying). They do not honor the terms of the contract and don't respond to complaints. and your be lucky if you ever receive your goods or documentation!
BE WARNED DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND THEM. They should feature them on TV shows such as ROGUE TRADERS.

George Jeffcock found this review useful

Worst Company Ever

Don't use this company unless you want shoddy customer service. no communication and ethics of backstreet cowboy. Trying to get this company to do what they were paid to is like trying to get blood out a stone.

When you are half way around the world and trying to get all the required paperwork you need to get your cargo when it arrives, you want a company who will provide you with everything promptly and in a timely fashion to make the process as seamless and professional as possible. Comparecargorates is not that company.

Save yourself grief, frustration, wasted time with phone calls and emails and please use a company with a good reputation, good customer service and also one that cares.

I will ensure that all my friends, families and business associates never use this fly by night set up in the future.

I would recommend them :)

Ontime and the best price I found on the Web. Will recommend this company to my new employer in Jeddah.

Quick Thank You

The Guys & Girls at Compare Cargo Rates looked after my move to Australia. It was a great service during a very hectic time in my life :)
Thank you all so much for the service, free boxes and advice !!!
If any of you find yourselves in Sydney the "Cold Beers" are on me lol.
Ian

My Ship to India

We shipped our house goods to India and they were very good. They come on time and gave us best price and my sister used them at New Year also excellent service.

Horrible, horrible service. If you don't want to lose your goods, avoid them

They shipped it to the wrong port. There was no one ever present to pick up calls, and they gave the excuse that 'BT is playing with their lines'.

I have ended up with loss of all my goods, and also the money that I paid them.