7 Important Issues to Consider When You Need to Find the Mover Who’s Right for You

7 Important Issues to Consider When You Need to Find the Mover Who’s Right for You

Most people move only a few times during their lives, so finding the right mover is likely an unfamiliar, often challenging process.

The good news is that most movers out there are reliable, professional, and responsive. Still, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch. Each year, the Better Business Bureau receives an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers. Many of these are legitimate complaints about unsavory companies who can turn your move into financial and emotional nightmares for the customers involved.

We can’t stamp out all the bad apples in the moving industry or in any industry for that matter, but we can certainly help you avoid making bad choices.

“Ensuring a great customer experience is without question the job of your mover,” says Gary Grund, Budd Senior Vice President. “But as a consumer, you can feel more confident about your selection when you do thorough research, get qualified referrals, and secure at least 3 estimates before finalizing your choice.”

Knowing where to start is helpful. “At Budd, in addition to providing superior service to our customers, we’re all about providing education and information. So, we’re providing these tips to get you started on the right foot.”

 

Know the Lingo…Local. Long-Distance. International.

For most moving companies, a local move is considered to be within 50 miles of your current home. Moving further than this is still considered a local move but will be referred to as an intrastate move. With an intrastate move, you never leave the state, but can still travel hundreds of miles within state lines.

Operations become long-distance or interstate when the moving van, or its contents, travel in more than one state or between the United States and either Canada or Mexico (or both).

It’s equally important to mention international moves. An international move designates that a person or a family moves to another country (usually another continent) and transports their personal belongings to the destination country via ocean freight transportation. Typically, an international move requires interstate requirements to move a person’s belongings from the home they are leaving to a coastal port.

It’s important to understand the distinctions because they inform the licensing requirements and pricing standards of the moving company providing the service. You must be vigilant about ensuring that the company you choose meets all the requirements of its moving category and prices according to that classifications’ standards.

 

1. Make Sure the Company’s Pricing Methods are Transparent

Pricing transparency is an indicator that you are dealing with a reliable moving company. Not only does this build trust between you and your mover, but it also helps you budget. You don’t want to be in a situation in which you have to pony up extra, unexpected cash upon completion of your move.

First, local movers typically charge by the hour whereas interstate movers charge by weight.

Second, there are factors which will necessitate additional charges. These include:

• Mileage, gas expenditure, and labor charges for time on the job
• Number of rooms in your house, the floor on which your apartment is located, and the need to use an elevator
• Accessibility on your street (is your street narrow, making parking difficult and therefore loading and unloading access more challenging?)
• Moving valuable or bulky items that require specialty crating, moving, unpacking, and often reassembly (e.g., your Peloton, grand piano, your flat screen TV, or expensive sculpture or artwork) A specialty third-party provider will typically be called in to provide the specialized service

Make sure you have a clear understanding of these details because they will translate into extra charges which is appropriate as long as you are aware of the additional cost before you sign the contract.

A reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move either in person or through a virtual survey. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate and detailed as possible.

 

2. Expect/Demand a Contract

All reputable moving companies provide their clients with a moving contract, which describes the terms and conditions of your move. It’s a legally binding document. Therefore, before you sign, make sure you understand the document in its entirety… everything from the scope of services to the detail of whether you will pay for your services via a fixed or an hourly rate. If you have a question about payments or pricing, it’s important to ask the company representative before you sign, not after.

Get a binding estimate. A binding estimate is a guarantee that the price listed on the moving contract is the price that you are going to pay. In order to change this amount, a moving company must submit an amendment to the contract and both parties must sign as evidence they agree to it.

A non-binding estimate is an estimate of payment that may change over the course of your move. The amount you see listed is not a guarantee of what you owe. Non-binding agreements are typically considered riskier than binding agreements.

3. Be certain the moving company is licensed

Be aware that moving company licensing requirements and the organizations that provide the licensing vary in accordance with the nature of your move vis à vis, local, long-distance, or international.

For example, if you’re relocating across state lines, the licensed movers you choose must meet all the rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA mandates that interstate movers must have federal licensure. It is against the law for a moving company to move across state lines without it.

The FMCSA also requires a licensed interstate moving company to register a USDOT number. The USDOT number makes it easy for you to check relevant information about a company. An interstate USDOT number is a unique identifier that allows the government to monitor and access a company’s compliance, inspections, audits, and crash investigations. You’ll also need this number if you have to file a claim against the company later.

If you’re staying in state, check with your local consumer affairs agency or the Better Business Bureau. State trade groups also provide certifications and information about a company’s licensure or lack thereof. Trade associations vet companies before giving them a membership or approved seal. You can find a list of local agencies through the FMCSA’s contacts database.

Finally, if you’re moving internationally, be certain your mover is licensed directly by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Some unlicensed international movers will lure you into giving them your international move business by merely displaying a US Dot License number, FMCSA license number and/or Local moving license number on their website. These licenses are only valid for domestic moving, not for international moving. FMCSA and FMC are two very different federal regulatory authorities.

 

4. Make sure the moving company is insured

Moving companies offer two levels of protection, and these are mandated by federal law: full-value replacement coverage and released-value replacement coverage.  The company will provide you with documentation that confirms the insurance type the company offers.

Under full-value replacement, you’ll receive the full value or replacement value of any damaged items, up to about $100 a pound. This coverage must be purchased, but experts recommend it because it pays for either the current market replacement value of an item, replacement with a similar item, or the item’s repair. If you opt for full value protection, make sure to get details of your moving company’s specific plan to see how it determines replacement value, especially for items of extraordinary value, and to learn what actions might limit your mover’s liability.

Released-value replacement coverage, the most basic coverage, is free, but you’ll get a much lower amount: about $0.60 per pound for an item.

Some movers offer you the option to purchase separate liability insurance coverage. Governed by state law, separate liability insurance pays for the insurance amount purchased minus the basic carrier liability amount that the mover pays (up to 60 cents per pound). If you opt to purchase this coverage, make sure you get a copy of your policy and understand the amount of insurance you purchased and the cost for this coverage.

5. Get Referrals and Understand the Rule of 3

Searching the Internet can be time-consuming and confusing, and actually an inefficient way to connect with a reputable mover. Referrals are typically more reliable, so ask friends, family members and coworkers if they can recommend a mover—or a real estate agent, if you’re working with one. You can also get quotes from movers through Moving.com’s Find a Mover service.

Bottom line though, don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, ask at least 3 companies for an estimate, and make sure each one is dependent on a thorough walkthrough or virtual assessment.

 

6. Watch out for red flags

Being savvy is important, and there are certain signs that should send you packing.

Large cash deposits are a no-no. Most reputable moving companies will accept a deposit of $500.00 to reserve the truck and crew. When you are required to pay a reasonable and small deposit, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.

• Professionalism is important. During the estimate, note how professional or unprofessional the movers seem. Do they have referral sources and a website and does the company representative have a business card? Is the rep quick to answer questions, act confident about the company’s ability to deliver efficient service, and show up for the walkthrough on time? A “no” answer to any of these questions signals that the company will not be responsive and professional and will lack accountability if and when glitches occur.

®     You should not engage a company without have a thorough and detailed contract that spells everything out. Make sure you understand everything on it before you sign. A company that doesn’t engage with you via a contract and/or your failure to understand all the terms of said written agreement suggests that you may encounter trouble down the road.

 

7. Relinquish the mindset to get a move on the cheap

Everyone has a budget but it’s also imperative that you use good judgment. A lowball moving bid or 1 that offers freebies on the front end may be enticing but can come with loopholes that mean more money following delivery or poor care of your belongings.

When all is said and done, thoroughly researching the items listed above and relying on sound recommendations from reputable referral sources will enable you to choose a company that will make your move as seamless as possible.

One more thing: Glitches do sometimes occur. The measure of a good company is one that is accountable for mistakes that occur and quick to remedy them.

“At Budd, we can answer yes to the fulfillment of services posed by all of the above issues,” says Gary. “We are also always here to answer your questions.

“Call us to see how we can provide efficient and caring service so that you can happily settle into your new home.”