Moving companies offer an array of services for a range of fees. It is always a
good idea to talk to more than one mover and compare services. We at BACK2BACK
Moving & Storage support you compare and do your homework before choosing a
mover for your project. To help you we have listed below moving tips for
choosing a qualified, reputable mover:
Ask friends, family and co-workers about their experiences with the movers they
have used.
Contact consumer organizations such as the Better Business Bureau in your area
and find out about the company history of performance.
The members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) have all
agreed to abide by the terms of our published tariffs and to participate in the
Arbitration Program sponsored by the AMSA. They also have voluntarily agreed to
abide by a Code of Conduct that requires complete disclosure of information to
consumers, written estimates of charges, timely service and prompt response to
claims and complaints. Hence, when choosing a mover, make sure they are a member
of the AMSA
Reputable movers are always licensed with the DOT. Check your mover’s license
certificate or call the Department of Transportation in order to make sure the
license is up to date.
Local trade associations maintain high standards and can give you detailed
information about business and practices.
Make sure you have done a complete evaluation of your needs. Choose the extent
of services you will require and make sure that you offer the same information
to each company. This will make comparing estimates easier.
Get all negotiations with your mover in writing. You should have a clear
understanding of all rates and charges that will apply, the mover’s liability
for your belongings, pick-up and delivery schedules and claims protection.
When you decide - Don't make price the deciding factor. Low-ball bids could mask
less reliable moving practices. Use several factors in addition to price:
references, performance reports, reported complaints. Get the final bid in
writing (which you may be asked to sign), but never sign off on a final bill
until the move is complete.
Be sure to understand the type of estimate your mover is offering you. An
"Estimate" is not a guaranteed price unless it says it is.
Decisions you should make in advance: Decide in advance which goods will be
shipped and which will be sold or given away. Then consider whether or not you
would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may
want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid from moving. An estimator
may come to your home and create a bid, or make an estimate by talking to you
over the phone. Moves that are less than 50 miles away are usually priced by the
hour. For longer distance moves, estimates are based on weight, usually per 100
pounds.
If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the
moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by customer. However, if
there is an obvious exterior damage at the delivery, make a note of that on the
inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept
any carton that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons
that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply. Try to provide as
much information as possible about unusual situations on either end so your
estimates will be more accurate. Make the mover be aware of any problems they
may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street
accessibility, delivery time restriction or if there are any stairs or elevators
involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to
reserve a "parking space" for the moving van if your new home is on a congested
street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the
moving van to your door you may be charged for excessive distance
Read and understand all of the information you receive. In addition to
individual company brochures, a reputable moving company will also provide a
copy of a consumer booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You
Move", a required piece by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Choose your mover at least four to six weeks in advance of your move. The more
notice you give the moving company, the better suited your moving company will
be to handle your every request with the attention you deserve. |
