Other Sites To Use When Checking Out a Moving Company

Advice

1. Best Practices

   Keep in mind though that all service is not always  perfect so if your move does go wrong don’t blame your Uncle John for recommending Best Acme Movers and remember he was just trying to help. If you want a perfect move there is no such thing but with the right steps, it can be efficient and manageable. In the best case scenario relocation should be minimally disruptive and hopefully relatively seamless. What to do if you are caught in a moving nightmare??? Well, moving is difficult enough but what should you do if you find yourself in a predicament with a moving company. Unfortunately, some movers are not trying to provide the best possible service. They are a lot of fly by night companies that once they have your goods in their possession they will try to extort their clients for more money by adding inflating charges. Recommended Movers suggest if you find yourself in a hostage situation with a mover take the following steps.

2. Compare With These Sites

   • MyMovingReviews
   • Moverreviews
   • Yelp
   • Angieslist
   • Google
   • MoverofTheYear

3. If Problems Arise

   • Contact the FMCSA which governs Interstate Movers
   • There are many third parties that assist in clients in situations with movers such as Moverescue.com
   • If a Mover has done you wrong the Internet can be valuable in applying pressure to them to deliver visit MovingScam.com

4. Finding Reliable Movers

     Ensure whomever you decide to use is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities Before Selecting a Mover

Advice

1. Use Only Licensed Movers

   Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to engage in interstate transportation of household goods, and has the required level of insurance. You can determine if a mover is registered with FMCSA by accessing this site, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. Not All Movers are Created Equal Check out AlertMovingScam.com to see what movers to avoid on the Bad Mover and Broker Most Wanted List

2. Read and Understand The Contracts Provided by the Mover

   The mover should provide you with the following basic documents as part of your move: Estimates The estimate should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform. Make sure the estimate is signed by the company representative. Do not accept non written estimates and make sure the estimate is "Binding". Order for Service The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered. Bill of Lading The bill of lading is a legal contract between you and the company and a receipt of your items. You should be given a partially completed copy of the bill of lading before the mover leaves the residence at pick up/origin. Inventory List The inventory is the receipt showing each item you shipped and its present condition. Be sure you receive a written copy of the inventory after your belongings are loaded, and that you agree with its description of your household goods’ condition. Damaged items will be noted by the mover.

3. What if There Is a Problem?

   Dispute Settlement Program Before moving your household goods, interstate movers are required to provide you with information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer a neutral dispute settlement program as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage of your household goods, disagreement on pricing and other disputes. Loss or Damage of Goods If your goods are damaged or missing at delivery, request a company claim form from the mover. Complete the claim form to the best of your ability. The mover will tell you where to mail the completed form. You must file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery. Your claim must be in writing but does not have to be submitted on a mover’s claim form. It is suggested that you send the claims information to the mover by certified mail. If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer made by the mover, you have the option of submitting a loss and damage claim with the mover’s dispute settlement program, seeking arbitration or to other legal remedies. Applicable Transportation Charges The charges that a mover assesses for its services must be contained in a published tariff, which must be made available to you upon request. If you feel that a mover has overcharged you, you can contact the Surface Transportation Board at 1-866-254-1792 to obtain further assistance. Filing a Complaint FMCSA does not have the authority to resolve claims against a moving company. However, you may file a complaint against a mover by visiting this site or calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Monday through Friday Eastern Time. Your complaint may trigger a Federal enforcement investigation against the mover.

4. Key Definitions

   Broker: A company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. A broker does not assume responsibility for the cargo and usually does not take possession of the cargo they simply are a middle man. Recommended movers does not endorse moving brokers. Tariff: A list of rates, rules, regulations, and available services. Each mover publishes its own tariffs and these must be provided to you upon request and cannot be changed or altered.

Do

1. Research the company before you sign the agreement or contract.
2. Ask to see the company’s credentials and past references.
3. Make sure you know how the company calculated all the rates. Ask that it’s explained to you completely.
4. Ask to see a copy of the moving company’s tariffs. This will outline the maximum costs and how the costs are calculated according to Volume and distance.
5. Ask about insurance. New federal rules state that a mover must offer you the option of purchasing standard coverage. Most insurance policies are based on weight( 60 cents per LBS), not value. Make sure you’re fully protected and check with your homeowners insurance to see if moves are covered.
6. Ask that your moving charges be based on volume, not weight. Most long distance hauls are automatically measured than calculated per cubic foot. Weight moves leave too much room for error. It’s easier for a moving company to increase the weight by adding fuel or other loads to your weight.
7. Ask up front if your mover is a broker or a moving company. If your moving company is a broker, find out who will actually be moving your things. Research and investigate both companies. The law states the the company has to tell you whether they’re hiring another company to actually do the move prior to the move day.
8. Make sure the company isn’t charging you for extras like tape, blankets or fuel unless it is stated on your estimate and ask about access charges for stairs, elevators or shuttle service.
9. Have someone at your old home for when the movers pick up your stuff, and someone at the new home for when they are delivered if you cannot be there. Everything that goes on and off of the truck should be recorded and checked twice. Be sure to get a copy of the inventory of the shipment.

Don’t

1. Don’t hire a company that only takes cash.  Ask upfront how what forms of payment you can use. While it might not seem like too much of a problem to hand over some large bills, companies that only take cash might also take your stuff and not ever return it.  Moving long distances means your things will be out of sight for a while, so you need to be sure that the company is legit.
2. Don’t pay for the move until all your belongings have been unloaded into your new home. If there are any boxes or items missing, don’t sign the paperwork. The move must be completed before you sign. Once you sign that you’ve received everything, it’s hard to go back to the company to say that something is missing.  Count the boxes and recount them, making sure you a proper inventory. This is your only chance to make sure everything arrived. Also, if there is an issue with the paperwork (see the next point) at least all your things are in your new space and not on the truck. This gives you some leverage with the movers, if needed
3. Don’t sign anything that you don’t understand. While this is true for all moves, long distance moving is even more tricky.  Make sure you read everything thoroughly and ask questions when you need clarification. If you see something funny ask the mover to explain what each means and how they apply to your move. If in doubt, ask to speak to the manager or supervisor. If you sign it you own it!
4. Don’t pack items that are expensive and leave them with the mover. Important items, such as your passport, accounting records, school records,medicine, firearms, jewelry or other things that are critical, should be carried with you, not with the mover.  Check out a complete list of items not to pack so critical items aren’t lost during the move and items that shouldn’t be packed, aren’t.
5. Don’t wait until a few days or weeks have gone by before you make a claim. This is where unpacking after a move and doing it quickly is essential. Often, I’ll open every box first to make sure nothing has been damaged during the move before fully unpacking. The longer you wait to make a claim, the less likely it is that your claim will be accepted. Legally you have up to 9 months but don’t wait.