20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

When it comes to a Bay City long distance moving company, it may feel intimidating. However, you can take some measures to ensure you are making the best choice for your situation. You can make things easier by asking four very important questions and adhering to some practical advice when hiring your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these 4 critical questions before you hire them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for a deposit before your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a brick and mortar location (and not just a post office box) on its website?
• Does the company list licensing info on its website, such as their DOT number?
• What is the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and are they certified with the American Moving and Storage Association?

If the answer to any question above is no, then you could be dealing with a fraudulent moving company, or be falling victim to a different type of fraud.

The following is a list of the steps to take to ensure you make the right move when deciding between moving companies.

Where to start

• Start your search for a long-distance mover by asking your friends, family members, and business associates] about Bay City moving companies they have employed and liked.
• Contact a realtor you trust to get at least three moving companies that have actual brick-and-mortar locations in Bay City.
• If you are still using the Yellow Pages, remember—just because a moving company has a large ad doesn’t necessarily mean it’s reputable.
• Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential moving companies, contact the companies via phone to get the full company name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and DOT / Motor Carrier license numbers.
• Visit the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety information, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer associations in Bay City or Michigan.

Getting estimates

 

• You need to set up either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided without cost. A trustworthy long distance moving company WILL NOT give you a quote over the phone, or without evaluating your belongings, house, and moving logistics.
• Don’t rely on a quote provided sight-unseen over the telephone or via email. When moving across state lines, your charge is based on how heavy your items are, and the destination and origin of your move. You are better off speaking face-to-face with the mover’s representative to to be certain that you both understand the scope of the work.
• During the on-site assessment, be sure to show the assessor everything that will be moved. Don’t forget about possessions in the cellar, or the major pieces of furniture you have sent away for maintenance. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either. The representative should also ask you questions – about your new home, the timeline of your move, and so on.
• Request information on “valuation” packages. Valuation provides protection from loss to your items. The valuation package you choose decides the basis upon which any complaint will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the mover. The liability of a mover for theft is based upon the mover’s prices, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain boundaries and omissions. Valuation is not protection; it is simply a rate-based level of transporter accountability.
• Be cautious of quotes that are substantially lower than the rest. "Artificially low" price quotes could result in poor service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "raise" the price in a "bait and switch" moving ploy. Some "rogue" movers are known to take household goods "hostage" and demand large sums of money before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are numerous quality named van lines in Bay City to choose from. If you have never heard of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no references from friends or business associates, be very careful! Don’t be persuaded by an “affordable” price from an unfamiliar business; remember, you are trusting your mover with almost all of your personal possessions.
• When planning your move, you should consider the attentiveness of the salesperson is. Can you trust he or she will be there to help you through the packing and loading process? Do they provide you with the names and contact information of a move coordinator or additional support team members such as a move coordinator?
• If you're in the market for a mover, it may be helpful to visit the mover’s warehouse. By doing so, you can get a sense of how they operate and present themselves. It's crucial to hire a service provider that meets your expectations.
• Long distance moving companies are required by law to provide you with a digital copy, or provide it on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110% Rule” is explained. The rule states that under a non-binding contract, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus ten percent more, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110 percent amount within 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least 4 to 6 days before the moving date. If at all possible, try not to move during “peak” times.
• All year long, the end of each month is a busy time for movers, because of the expiration of leases and preferred closing dates.
• Summertime – May to mid-September, when children are on summer break, are “peak season” for movers. Schedule summertime moves as far in advance as possible…and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates. High-demand times moves should be planned at least six to eight weeks in advance to make sure the dates you’re looking for are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, some customers will fall victim to rogue relocation services this year. Fortunately, there is a group called MoveSaver available to help. Those who feel they may have been cheated should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Homeowners who call this number will talk to a specialist who will examine the situation and direct the caller through the appropriate next steps. MoveRescue, which is supported by an alliance of legal firms throughout the United States, and endorsed by leading van lines, serves as a hub for buyers who need legal assistance or fraud prevention information. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for items being held by rogue movers.

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