20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

When it comes to a Toledo long distance moving company, it may feel intimidating. However, you can take some measures to ensure you are making a good choice for your needs. You can simplify by asking four very important questions and using some practical advice when choosing your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these 4 key questions prior to hiring them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for a deposit before your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a physical local address (and not just a PO Box) on its website?
• Does the company list licensing information on its site, such as their Department of Transportation (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 “rogue mover”, or be falling victim to a different type of fraud.

Here is a summary of the steps to take to ensure you make a wise move when deciding between moving companies.

Where to start

• Begin your search for a long distance moving company by asking your friends, family members, and business associates] about Toledo moving companies they’ve used and liked.
• Contact a real estate agent you trust to get a minimum of 3 moving companies that have actual brick-and-mortar locations in Toledo.
• If you are still using a phone book, remember—just because a long distance moving company has an big advertisement does not necessarily mean it’s reputable.
• Once you’ve made a list of prospects, contact the companies via phone to get the official company name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and Department of Transportation / 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 records, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer associations in Toledo or Ohio.

Getting estimates

 

• Schedule either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided free of charge. A trustworthy long distance moving company WILL NOT give you an estimate over the phone, or without evaluating your items, home, and moving logistics.
• Don’t rely on a quote provided sight-unseen over the telephone or online. When moving to a different state, your charge is based on how heavy your items are, and the distance between your old and new location. You are better off speaking directly with the mover’s representative to ensure that you both understand what is involved.
• During an in-person assessment, be sure to show the estimator everything that will be moved. Don’t forget about the items in the cellar, or the major pieces of furniture you’ve you may have sent away for repairs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. The representative should also ask you questions – about your new house, the timeline of your move, and so on.
• Request information on “valuation” options. Valuation provides protection from damage to your goods. The valuation option you choose sets the basis upon which any issue will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. The liability of a mover for loss or damage is based upon the mover’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and omissions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.
• Be careful of quotes that are significantly lower than the rest. "Unrealistically low" price quotes could result in inferior service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "up" the price in a "fraudulent" moving scheme. Some "dishonest" movers are known to take household goods "prisoner" and demand exorbitant fees before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are plenty of quality named van lines in Toledo to choose from. If you are unfamiliar with a particular long distance moving company, and you have no references from friends or business affiliates, be very careful! Don’t be swayed by a cheap rate from an unknown firm; remember, you’re placing faith in your mover with nearly all of your personal possessions.
• When considering a moving service, you should consider the attentiveness of your sales representative is. Can you trust he or she will be there to help you through your relocation? Do they provide the names and information of additional support employees such as a move coordinator?
• If you're in the market for a mover, it may be helpful to take a drive past the mover’s office. By doing so, you can get a sense of the type of service you can expect from them. It's important to hire a service provider that meets the level of quality and professionalism you expect.
• Long distance moving companies are required by law to provide you with an electronic copy, or make it available on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110 percent rule” is explained. The rule states that under a non-binding agreement, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus ten percent, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110% amount within the next 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least 4 to 6 weeks before the moving date. If you can, try not to move during “peak” times.
• All year long, the last each month is a busy time for movers, because of ending leases and preferred closing dates.
• The summer months – May to mid-September, when children are out of school, are “peak season” for movers. Schedule summer moves as far in advance as you can…and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates. Busy times moves should be planned at least six to eight weeks in advance to ensure the dates you’re looking for are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, a few consumers will fall victim to deceitful moving companies this year. Fortunately, there is an organization called MoveSaver available to help. Those who feel they may have been scammed should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Homeowners who call this number will talk to a representative who will assess the situation and steer the caller through the appropriate steps to take. MoveRescue, which is supported by a group of law offices throughout the United States, and sponsored by premier van lines, serves as a hub for people who need legal help or anti-fraud information. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for items being held by rogue movers.

Call Corrigan