Shady Moving Companies

On Tuesday we had a new coworker start at our office. She moved down from Chicago, and while she got to Houston, her belongings did not. Apparently the moving company that she hired is holding her stuff, and telling her that she will have to pay double for her move.

She signed a contract, and was told by the moving company that her things wouldn’t be here in Houston by the 2nd, however after the 2nd came and went she still didn’t have her things. She called the company and the receptionist (or whoever answers their phones) kept hanging up on her. Finally she received a call on Tuesday saying that if she wanted her belongings by the 15th she would have to pay $4,000 more than what she initially paid.

I feel horrible for her as this is impacting her work, and she is emotionally drained. She has contacted an attorney, but no traction has been made by the attorney yet.

Has anyone else had this problem? How can I help?