Independence couple still searching for items after moving company's payment demands

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Updated: 6:31 PM CDT May 14, 2026

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Matt Flener

KMBC 9 News Investigative Reporter

An Independence family continues to search for their household goods after they believe a moving company is holding their items hostage.

Ted and Emily Knox hired Howard's Vanlines of New Jersey last month after getting several bids.

After the movers showed up and loaded all their items onto the truck, the total came to more than $24,000, a jump of more than $15,000 over the original estimate.

The Knoxes reluctantly signed paperwork and a check for $18,000 but immediately put a stop payment on the check.

A week after KMBC 9 Investigates first told their story, they're now in the process of replacing all their documents, like car titles, Social Security cards and other items that went with the moving truck. They believe tens of thousands of household items are now at risk of being gone forever.

Independence family urges caution when choosing moving company after price increased, items lost

"We kind of try to live by the golden rule that you treat others as you want to be treated," Emily Knox said. "We certainly were not treated in the way that we would ever even consider treating anyone else."

The Knoxes have reached out to both state and federal authorities to report their losses and seek help. The company is trying to demand a $15,000 wire payment before their items are delivered.

KMBC has emailed and called Howard's Vanlines. No one has returned emails. A voicemail box was full again on Thursday.

New Jersey business records show the company was incorporated in 2025 but changed owners five months later.

The Knoxes contacted KMBC 9 Investigates for help and to warn others.

"Make sure you read and ask questions up front," Emily Knox said. "Don't sign anything without knowing exactly what's stated in the contract. If they're asking for a wire transfer and that's the only form of payment that they will accept, that's a red flag."

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General offered the following tips when choosing a moving company:

• Contact various reputable, long-standing moving companies to compare estimates and get a foundation of what the legitimate cost of your move will be.
• Ask the moving company if they will be conducting the move or if it is being brokered for fulfillment by another company.
• Keep all records of contracts, proof of payments and communication with the moving company.
• Carefully examine the reviews on various online business rating websites to ensure they contain more than just recent glowing reviews.
• Use online street-view and satellite maps to research the moving company's address to verify that the address is a business and not a residence.

If you have gone through something similar or need help getting your items back, email investigates@kmbc.com.