If you’re moving to a new city or state, hiring a professional mover is one of the best ways to ensure your belongings make it safely to your destination. In addition to handling the transportation, a moving company can also pack your items and provide storage options if necessary.
When choosing a moving company, consider your needs and budget. Look for a company that offers full or partial services, and choose the perks that are important to you, such as a 30 day free storage option or supplemental insurance.
A moving company will work with a broker or carrier that owns and operates trucks to transport your belongings. Depending on your specific situation, it can be helpful to receive quotes from several companies to get the most accurate pricing.
In addition, many companies offer a binding estimate before your move. If you need more flexibility, a non-binding quote may be an option. You can request that the company give you the actual weight and charges for your shipment at least 24 hours before it picks up your household goods. This can help avoid any potential surprises at the end of the move.
Before you sign a contract, check the company’s licenses and insurance. Generally, a moving company should have both a motor carrier and department of transportation number, which can be obtained through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s registry.
The motor carrier license number is a unique identifier that ensures the company is legally authorized to operate and transport cargo. It also helps monitor whether the moving company is in compliance with federal laws.
If a moving company doesn’t have both of these numbers, it is not likely to be licensed to carry your belongings across state lines. This can result in penalties, such as a fine, and could even lead to the suspension or cancellation of your move.
You can also check a company’s reputation by looking at reviews on the web and from other consumers. You can find these reviews on websites such as Consumer Reports and the BBB, or by searching your local area’s business listings.
Once you have a short list of possible movers, call or email them and ask about their services, pricing, and availability. You should also try to get a quote in writing, so that you have something to fall back on if the company changes their prices or cancels your move.
Some movers require an upfront deposit for your move, while others are available to take payments by credit card or cash. Be sure to tell your mover about any payment arrangements you have in place, and ask what will happen if you need to change your arrangements.
A moving company is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency regulates all interstate motor carriers that are involved in the transportation of household goods, including professional movers and freight forwarders.
In addition to the FMCSA, most states also have their own moving regulatory agencies. These agencies can be a great resource for information about your moving company, and will help you protect yourself against scams or fraud.