What You Should Know About Moving Companies
Moving scams happen continuously. And even when they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the process of hiring a moving company, let's assume that everything will be fine.
Sadly, this 'coasting' approach all too often leads to inconvenience and also disaster. Moving companies could be a great convenience, and may take a large amount of the hassle out of relocating your house and family. But remember: whoever you decide to handle your move, you're entrusting with all you own. That's not a choice to take lightly!
In that spirit, utilize this guide to help you avoid a number of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when coping with moving companies. These pointers can save you big money and heartache.
First - A Little Bit of History
Before 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 permitted 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 very own estimates and develop their very own pricing structure. This brought new competition into the moving industry, and with this competition came lower prices and an ever dwindling profit margin.
What Does This Mean FOR ME PERSONALLY?
Moving companies are out to create money. With thin income and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever needs doing to squeeze just as much money as they can from your upcoming move. Sometimes this might mean hidden fees or extra charges. Other times it may mean out right scams.
As a consumer, you'll do well to be as educated as you can about your moving company and the moving process generally. Here are a few tips to avoid scams, hidden fees, along with other moving nightmares:
Get a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates are generally not considered binding. Your mover must inspect your premises and household goods to accurately provide an estimate for you.
Avoid companies that show no fascination with providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that require large deposits before the move.
Read reviews on the web. There are many of consumer watch dog sites and user driven review sites that will offer you feedback on your own moving company. Google Maps offers a review system, and is usually a good place to start for information regarding your moving company. In addition, 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 been generated relating to your moving company.
Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Federal regulations require that your moving company supplies you with a copy of this booklet through 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 that are unable to produce any information regarding their state or federal licensing.
Require a copy of one's moving company's insurance certificate.
Learn if your moving company charges minimum rates (e.g. the very least billing for four hours of work, irrespective of real time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees which will be included in your estimate.
Learn if your moving company is a broker.
A broker sets up moving jobs for another company. If you opt to go with a broker, research the company that they are brokering your move to.
Be involved at all times. Read what you sign. Ask questions. Get everything in writing. The higher documented your move is, the higher able you are to safeguard yourself.
At https://removals-barrow.co.uk/ 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 have to look after yourself. Applying the tips above will allow you to do just that!