Moving companies provide a wide variety of relocation services. They specialize in providing specialized assistance for customers that have specific needs.
Some movers may prohibit certain items, like cash, financial and medical records, and medication. Check with the company for a list of prohibited items before hiring them.
Some movers offer perks, such as 30 days of free storage and price-matching services.
In a highly competitive industry, bad reputations can sink even the most promising companies. Fortunately, there are many ways you can avoid the worst movers. In addition to researching a company’s online reviews and ratings, it’s important to talk with former clients about their experiences. This can help you get a more complete picture of a moving company’s quality of service and avoid any pitfalls that may be hidden in the online reviews.
A good mover or broker will be transparent and honest about their services, pricing, and expectations from the beginning. If you feel that a company is skirting around the truth or not answering your questions directly, it’s time to start shopping around.
Another red flag to watch out for is if a moving company has changed its name several times. This can indicate that they are trying to hide a poor reputation or a bad track record by changing the name of the business.
Rogue movers are not only dishonest but can cause significant damage to household goods. They have been known to price gouge, hold belongings hostage, and even destroy items. The Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints and negative reviews from victims of rogue moving companies each year. In one case, a family lost nearly all their possessions after being duped by a rogue moving company contracted by a moving broker.
In addition to examining a moving company’s reputation, you should check their license number and make sure it is clearly displayed on their website. If a company is not licensed, it’s illegal to operate as a moving company in the United States. Moving companies and brokers should also have their physical address readily available to their customers. Many legitimate companies will display their license information on the home page of their websites. They will also provide a contact phone number and a mailing address on their sites.
License
When hiring a moving company, you should only choose one that is licensed. Licensing is a sign that the company has met strict Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. A legitimate moving company should be able to show their license number on their website, trucks and business cards. If the license number isn’t visible, it might be a red flag. You can also check if there are any complaints against the company at the FMCSA.
Aside from meeting DOT and FMCSA regulations, a moving company should have commercial auto insurance and general liability insurance that covers the cargo they transport. They should also have a minimum of $750,000 to $5,000,000 in liability and cargo coverage and a surety bond of $75,000.
It is important for moving companies to maintain their insurance because it protects both consumers and the company. If a mover doesn’t have adequate insurance, they could lose their license and be subject to fines or even criminal prosecution.
If you are looking for a moving company that is insured and bonded, you should look for one that is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Members of this organization undergo regular background checks and engage in safety events to promote best practices. They are also likely to have a ProMover label and abide by nationally recognized standards for professional moving.
Additionally, if you are planning on doing a long-distance move, the company should be licensed for interstate transport. This means that they should have a DOT number and an Interstate Operating Authority number, which is often referred to as a MC number. They should also have a valid truck registration. Check your local laws and government websites to determine if any additional licensing requirements exist.
While personal recommendations and online reviews are important, you should always check a moving company’s license before making a decision. If you find a moving company that meets these standards, they should be able to provide the necessary documentation to prove their credentials.
Insurance
If you want to protect your belongings during a move, it is crucial that you hire a reputable moving company with liability insurance. A company with this type of insurance offers a financial guarantee that your belongings will be safely transported and delivered to your new home or office. This can help ease your mind during a stressful time in your life.
In addition to liability coverage, a good moving company will offer other types of insurance coverage to ensure the safety of your belongings. For example, they may provide additional coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry or antiques. Some companies also offer warehouse handling charges, which are additional fees for storing your belongings in their warehouse. These charges are usually based on the degree of value of your items.
A full-service moving company is an excellent choice for a long-distance move, as they will handle every aspect of your relocation. This includes providing packing services and assembling furniture at your new location. They will also transport your items in a truck or van equipped with specialized equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and moving straps to keep your belongings secure.
You can also choose a moving company that offers storage-in-transit to save money on renting a temporary space. However, be sure to discuss this option with the moving company in advance and ask for a written estimate. A nonbinding estimate will be subject to change, while a binding estimate locks in the price and is not subject to change unless you agree to it.
If your belongings are lost or damaged during the move, make sure to notify your mover in writing as soon as possible. You will need to provide a detailed list of your items and their estimated value, as well as any specific damage caused to each item. The mover is required to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. If you are dissatisfied with the resolution of your claim, you can file a complaint with the Small Claims Court.
Experience
The amount of experience a moving company has is a significant factor to consider. Many moving companies have been in business for decades, and that gives them a long track record of customer satisfaction. Inexperienced movers are more likely to scam you or mishandle your belongings.
Before you hire a mover, look for online reviews and complaints. You can also check the FMCSA’s list of registered moving companies to see their safety records and complaint history. It’s also important to make sure that the moving company has a physical address and not just a P.O. box or residence. Use online street-view or satellite maps to verify the address.
It’s also helpful to read reviews from previous customers. These can give you a good idea of what to expect from the company and its employees. If you notice a lot of negative feedback, it may be time to move on to another company.
While it’s true that not all moving companies are perfect, a high number of complaints is a red flag. You should also look at the company’s BBB rating and review its safety records. You can do this by searching the company name in the FMCSA database or BBB’s website.
Another way to find out how experienced a moving company is is by asking for an on-site inspection. This will allow the company to provide a more accurate estimate and avoid any surprises on moving day. During the on-site inspection, a company representative can assess the size of your belongings and note any potential challenges, such as narrow hallways or parking restrictions.
It puts every one of its movers through an intensive interview and training process to ensure they are top-notch professionals. Their extensive services include full packing, custom crating, and vehicle shipment. In addition, they have one of the most expansive agent networks in the country and over 95 years of industry experience. They can help with any moves from anywhere in the States. Their sales team can walk you through the quoting process and guarantee a price based on your specific needs.
