What to Look for in a Responsible Moving Company
by Jeff Redmond
With millions of people relocating each year, the moving industry is booming. Consequently, the number of moving companies is continually increasing. With a wide selection of services on the market, you need to choose wisely. Poor handling of your possessions is a significant problem, but you can also easily come across a moving scam. We've put together a list of our top tips to find a responsible moving company. Here are the basic features you should look for that distinguish reliable movers:
- Clear Payment Terms
- Accurate On-Site Estimate
- Proper Moving Contracts
- Professional Associations
- Reputation
- Responsiveness
- A USDOT Number
- Professionalism and Punctuality
1. Clear Payment Terms
2. Accurate On-Site Estimate
You can obtain an online estimate to get an idea of your costs if it helps you reduce moving anxiety. However, looking for an accurate estimate to plan your budget is a whole different story. Responsible moving companies are aware of the value of an accurate estimate. They do not avoid on-site communication with their clients. If a mover avoids conducting the estimate in person, it's not a good sign. A reliable company will send its agent straight to your home to evaluate the size of the job and provide an accurate cost.
3. Proper Moving Contracts
Upon conducting the final estimate, you should presented with a contract that specifies the extent of services and their prices. Look for a binding estimate on paper before signing anything. A blank contract is out of the question. Should you require any further services, such as unpacking, it's reasonable for a mover to charge extra. However, these optional costs should all be laid out up front. Get everything in writing before you trust any mover with all your worldly possessions.
4. Professional Associations
5. Reputation
6. Responsiveness
A responsible mover will gladly provide you with all necessary contact info. If you find your movers difficult to reach, think critically about whether you should hire them. Most responsible movers have an online presence at least basic information about their business and contact information. Fraudulent companies have the tendency to change their name and location frequently in order to avoid responsibility. If a moving company provides different telephone numbers and does not answer your calls within working hours, keep looking. A reliable mover is always reachable and gladly answers clients' calls and questions.
7. A USDOT Number
In order to check whether a mover conducts their business legitimately, visit the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and type in your mover's USDOT number. This way, you can check the status of the company's licensing, as well as how many drivers and trucks it owns, whether it operates interstate and what kind of insurance you can expect to get. In addition, there's a field that defines safety ratings. If all the information is satisfactory, you are most likely dealing with a responsible mover which abides by government regulations.
8. Professionalism and Punctuality
Professionalism is a precondition of every successful company. In the moving industry, a truly professional company owns a license for its line of business, employs skilled staff and attends to customers' needs. The services it provides need to be performed according to the agreement, professionally and without delay. And if all of this comes packaged with affordable prices, you've managed to find a responsible moving company to help you relocate. Congratulations!
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