Moving is not an easy one-day job. Realizing that, you decide to hire a professional mover, because well, for one, they are better at the job than you are; second, they’re faster. While you are unknowingly on the lookout for a qualified mover, there are many con artists out there who are posing as movers, on prowl for a prey. They have the right trucks with the right website. So how do you know a con from a legitimate mover, you ask? Fret not, there are ways you can avoid them and find yourself a trustworthy and legitimate mover.
Just go through these tips point-by-point, and let them be your moving guide:
1. Research thoroughly: Ask around!
Researching for the right and legitimate moving company will be time consuming. So put on your patience hat and keep at it. This is the most imperative part of your moving, and if you get this right, then half your moving problems will be solved.
Contact the companies you have selected. By law, your mover is required to present to you a booklet titled, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. If they don’t, ask them for it. Also, here’s the basic information they should provide you with:
- Full company name and any DBA names (doing business as)
- The amount of time they’ve been in business
- Company address and phone numbers
- DOT and MC (motor carrier) license numbers
- Company web site address
- Email addresses
- Get references (and call them)
2. Ask at least 3 movers for quotations
Once you find the two or three of the best movers, request them for quotations. Ask them to meet you at your house. If they do not agree to that, move on. Also, visit their office to see if they are actually based where they claim to be. The three movers will give you different estimates based on their costs. Ask them for a breakdown of how they’re charging you.
Based on those who arrive at your house for the negotiation and their pricing, move on to the next step of selection.
3. Beware of ridiculously low prices
A full service mover will not only transport your stuff, but will also pack, store, deliver and unpack it. This kind of service will not come cheap. So be wary of those companies that will offer you everything for almost nothing.
4. Hire licensed movers
Every interstate moving company is required to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a motor carrier (MC) number issued by FMCSA. Verify the MC number at the SaferSys website of FMCSA. The SaferSys will generate a report that should verify the information that the mover submitted to you. If the information has discrepancies, time to move on. If not, let’s go on to the next step.
5. Get insurance coverage
In order to assure that your belongings will be safely delivered, you need to make sure it’s insured-especially if you’re moving valuable belongings. Back to the FMCSA website, SaferSys; if you scroll to the end of the page, you will notice Licensing & Insurance. Insert the information requested, and see if your company has valid insurance coverage that will protect your valued belongings.
6. Read the contract thoroughly
After you’ve effectively shortlisted, ask for the final contract to be drafted. READ THOROUGHLY! This cannot be emphasized enough. You don’t want to end up being slapped with an exorbitant hidden fee that you overlooked before signing.
Congratulations! You have successfully managed to elude most, if not all, of those crooks out there.
Enjoy your move!