When it is time to move, a homeowner should never settle for moving guys that do not affiliate themselves with a reputable moving company. Choosing people that don’t have certification, training or insurance is a huge risk that is just not worth it. Every year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives nearly 10,000 complaints against moving companies and scams result in millions of losses. Uncertified crews are much more likely to accidentally damage items, so even if a homeowner can find one they trust, it is still an unreasonable risk to take.
What should homeowners look for when hiring moving guys?
Before making any commitment, make sure the moving company is familiar with standard operating procedures. Do they provide estimates? Will they come out to the home to provide an estimate in person? Do they have useful paperwork that outlines fees and an itinerary? Do they allow clients to purchase insurance on carried items? Can they be contacted easily? Do they have a physical office with staff? These are all important questions to ask, and if the answer to any of them is “no,” then it’s time to find another service.
Handing over your belongings to a group of people you’ve never met before can be scary, and reputable moving companies understand this. For this reason, any company worth hiring will do everything possible to formalize the move and protect the homeowner from harm.
Moving companies in the U.S. need to have licensing by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies both provide oversight in the moving industry, but it’s nearly impossible to keep track of every group of moving guys, so it is up to the homeowner to stay vigilant when looking for a company.
How can a homeowner make an informed decision about which moving company to hire?
The easiest way to get needed information from the company is to request an in-home estimate. If the service won’t provide an in-home estimate or insists on charging for it, they should be considered a high-risk hire. During the estimate, a representative from the business will survey the property and ascertain how much work will be required to complete the job.
While the representative is at the home, they should be willing to provide any information the homeowner requests. At this time, ask for the company’s DoT and MC license numbers. This is a standard request and should not meet any resistance. Avoid any service that will not provide this information.
DoT and MC license numbers can be used to access the FMCSA’s online database (SaferSys) of motor carriers. A homeowner can get a full report of its status by inputting a company’s license numbers. Through here, a homeowner can verify that a moving service is certified to perform residential or commercial transports. A homeowner can also check the company’s insurance and if they have committed any infractions recently. Once satisfied, a homeowner should also check the company’s BBB profile to see if it has any serious consumer complaints.
Hiring a company to transport your belongings is a major decision. Make sure you have as much information as possible before making it.
