Reply from RubymovesAug 5, 2025
We’re sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience, and Mr. Hogg, we appreciate the opportunity and platform you have given us to respond and clarify the circumstances of your move so future clients are well informed.
From the very beginning of our communication, we were transparent about the possibility of last-minute schedule changes due to steamship line schedule updates through the process. This is unfortunately a standard disclaimer in international shipping and happen quite frequently and we discussed it with you prior to booking, both verbally (throughout numerous calls) as well as written communication outlining the costs of these potential delays. In fact, your signed agreement explicitly outlines the potential for such changes, and the associated holding costs if they occur.
Unfortunately, your shipment was affected by one such last-minute steamship line schedule change. As soon as we were informed, we notified you in writing with proof of the date and time the notification was received by our office where you acknowledged receipt in writing. This was not as a delay tactic, but simply because that’s when the schedule update was relayed to us by the carrier. At that time, we reminded you of the cost implications, as per the agreement.
At one point to remind you Mr. Hogg, you not only acknowledged verbally the possibility of these additional costs however, even mentioned that you preferred to cover these costs if incurred rather than put your family, including young children, through the inconvenience of a delayed departure or hotel stay. We worked closely with you through over 10 emails back and forth with the ocean freight carrier and yourself to accommodate your preferred loading window.
Once your container was loaded and placed on a chassis (which was prior to receipt of the delay notification by the carrier), it had to remain secured until its scheduled return to the port. Removing the container early or storing it off-chassis is not a permissible option. Containers are placed on a chassis by the local port/rail/port authority workers and removed from the chassis once delivered back to the rail and/or port by the port/rail/port authority workers using heavy equipment.
Regarding the invoice: The additional $2,100 reflected the exact total of daily charges outlined and quoted to you. We never "threatened" you—rather, we explained that as per our clearly stated payment terms, we could not allow the shipment to depart the U.S. without full payment. This is standard industry practice to ensure all costs are settled before release. This was explained when you advised you were not going to pay the charges.
We understand the stress involved in international relocations, especially with a young family, and we did everything in our power to keep you informed and supported throughout the process. The UK agent you praised is part of our trusted global network, and we're glad their service met your expectations.
Posting a 1-star review due to your frustration of having to pay for additional charges associated with delays in which you were advised and aware of possibly occurring in advance of proceeding is unethical and misrepresents the situation. Posting your 1-star review was solely done to try to hinder our excellent reputation. Ruby International did not cause the delay, did not profit from it, and on the contrary spent significant time and resources managing the outcome of these steamship line delays.
We stand by the accuracy of our process, detailed communication throughout the process and documentation and wish you and your family the best in your new home.
