Disabled Veteran Says Colonial Van Lines Extorted Him Over Veteran's Day Weekend

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - Nov. 19, 2024 - PRLog -- John J. Pistone, a 100% disabled Navy veteran, alleges that Colonial Van Lines extorted him over Veteran's Day weekend during an interstate move. Seeking affordable living, Pistone relocated from California to Arkansas, relying solely on his disability income. After his brother offered a loan to cover moving expenses, Pistone chose Colonial Van Lines based on their claims of direct, non-subcontracted services and a $6,000 estimate.

Pistone worked with a company representative, Zack, who assured him that his belongings would be transported directly by a single driver in an 18-wheeler. Zack even confirmed the storage facility's access for the large truck. However, when Pistone arrived in California on November 9 to meet the movers, he was shocked to find a 20-foot box truck operated by three non-Colonial employees. Abi, the only English-speaking mover, informed Pistone that his items would first be transported to a warehouse before being repacked and shipped—contrary to the promises made by Zack.

After three hours of loading, Pistone was presented with a new estimate of $14,000—more than double the original. Abi attributed the increase to "weight" but cited arbitrary figures, such as a twin mattress at 250 lbs. and a microwave at 185 lbs. Abi refused to consolidate smaller items into boxes, further inflating the inventory and cost. With Colonial's customer service closed for the weekend, Pistone was given an ultimatum: sign the new estimate or have his belongings unloaded and left behind. Feeling trapped, Pistone signed the inflated estimate under protest, recording a video of Abi admitting there was no alternative.

Pistone emailed Colonial's president, vice president, and management, providing both this account and an alternate version where the company corrected the situation. The following day, a mid-level manager assured Pistone they would address the issue and promised an update by November 14. However, no information was provided.

On November 15, Pistone called Colonial and dispatch promised to contact him on the morning of November 18. By 5:30 PM that day, after receiving no communication, Pistone followed up and was told he might hear something by November 20. Despite repeated emails to management, Pistone has yet to receive a response.

Ten days after the move, Pistone says he still has no idea where his belongings are, when they will arrive, or what condition they will be in if they ever do. "I don't even know if I'll see my things again," said Pistone. "They took advantage of me over Veteran's Day. No one, especially a veteran, deserves to be treated like this."