What You Should Know About Moving Companies

Moving scams happen constantly. And even if they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the process of hiring a moving company, assuming that everything will be fine.

Sadly, this 'coasting' approach too often leads to inconvenience and even disaster. Moving companies could be a great convenience, and may take a lot of the trouble out of relocating your home and family. But remember: whoever you choose to handle your move, you're entrusting with all you own. That is not a decision to take lightly!

In that spirit, utilize this guide to assist you avoid a few of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when dealing with moving companies. These tips can save you big money and heartache.

First - A small amount of History

Previous to 1980, moving company prices were regulated by the now defunct Interstate Commerce Commission, or ICC. The ICC governed the pricing structure that moving companies were allowed to charge consumers for moving services.

In 1980, Congress passed family members Goods Transportation Act. This act deregulated moving industry pricing, allowing movers to issue their own estimates and develop their own pricing structure. This brought new competition into the moving industry, sufficient reason for this competition came lower prices and an ever dwindling profit margin.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Moving companies are out to create money. With thin profit margins and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever needs doing to squeeze just as much money because they can out of your upcoming move. Sometimes this may mean hidden fees or extra charges. Other times it may mean out right scams.

As a consumer, you'll prosper to be as educated since you can about your moving company and the moving process generally. Below are a few ideas to avoid scams, hidden fees, and other moving nightmares:

Get yourself a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates aren't considered binding. Your mover needs to inspect your premises and household goods to accurately offer an estimate for you.
Avoid companies that show no interest in providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that want large deposits previous to the move.
Read reviews on the internet. There are a number of consumer watch dog sites and user driven review sites that will offer you feedback on your moving company. Google Maps provides a review system, and is often a good place to start for information regarding your moving company. Furthermore, ask your moving company to provide references and be sure to call them. Also, contact your local Better Business Bureau and see if any reports have already been generated relating to your moving company.
Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities ONCE YOU Move. Federal regulations require your moving company supplies you with a copy of this booklet during the planning stages of an interstate move.
Avoid companies that show up in rental trucks or that answer their phones with generic responses such as for example 'Movers'.
Avoid companies that list no local address on their website or who are unable to produce any information about their state or federal licensing.
Ask for a copy of your moving company's insurance certificate.
Find out if https://removals-barrow.co.uk/ moving company charges minimum rates (e.g. a minimum billing for four hours of work, no matter real-time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees which will be included in your estimate.
Find out if your moving company is a broker.
A broker sets up moving jobs for another company. If you choose to go with a brokerage, research the company they are brokering your move to.
Be involved at all times. Read everything you sign. Ask questions. Get everything in writing. The better documented your move is, the better able you are to safeguard yourself.
By the end of day, there are plenty of good moving companies on the market. We'd like to think that we're one of these! But you do need to take care of yourself. Applying the tips above will help you do just that!

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Pub: 12 May 2024 22:39 UTC
Views: 106