20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

When it comes to a Flint long distance moving company, it might seem intimidating. However, you can take some measures to ensure you're making the best choice for your situation. You can make things easier by asking 4 very important questions and adhering to some practical advice when choosing your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these four important questions prior to hiring them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for a deposit prior to 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 include licensing information on its website, 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 another type of scam.

Here’s a summary of the steps to take to make sure you make a wise move when choosing between moving companies.

Where to start

• Begin your search for a long distance moving company by asking your friends, relatives, and business associates] about Flint movers they have hired and liked.
• Contact a realtor you trust to get at least 3 moving companies that have actual brick-and-mortar locations in Flint.
• If you are using a phone book, remember—just because a long-distance mover has an big advertisement doesn’t necessarily mean it is reputable.
• Once you have made a list of potential movers, contact the companies via phone to get the full company name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and DOT / MC license numbers.
• Go to the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety information, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer groups in Flint or Michigan.

Getting estimates

 

• You need to set up either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided free of charge. A reputable long distance moving company WILL NOT give you a quote via a phone call, or without reviewing your possessions, residence, and moving logistics.
• Don’t rely on a price provided sight-unseen over the telephone or over the Internet. When moving across state lines, your charge is based on how heavy your items are, and the destination and origin of your move. You are better off meeting in person with the mover’s representative to make sure that you both understand what is involved.
• During an in-person assessment, be sure to show the assessor everything that will be moved. Don’t forget about possessions in the basement, or the large furnishings you’ve you may have sent away for fixing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. The estimator should also ask you questions – about your new home, the timeline of your move, and other related matters.
• Ask about “valuation” packages. Valuation provides protection from loss to your possessions. The valuation package you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. The liability of a mover for damages is based upon the mover’s rates, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain restrictions and exceptions. Valuation is not coverage; it is simply a fee-based level of carrier responsibility.
• Be careful of quotes that are substantially lower than the rest. "Unrealistically low" price quotes could result in poor service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "raise" the price in a "bait and switch" moving scam. Some "dishonest" movers are known to take household goods "prisoner" and demand extortionate amounts before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are plenty of quality recognized van lines in Flint to choose from. If you are not aware of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no recommendations from friends or business partners, be very careful! Don’t be persuaded by an “affordable” price from an unfamiliar business; remember, you are entrusting your mover with nearly all of your personal possessions.
• If you're looking to hire a moving company, make sure to consider how attentive the salesperson is. Do you have confidence that the salesperson will be there to help you through the planning process? Are they able to provide you with contact information for additional support staff such as a move coordinator?
• When considering a moving company, you may want to stop by the mover’s warehouse. By doing so, you can get a sense of their level of quality and professionalism. It's essential to select a service provider that meets your expectations.
• Long distance moving companies are required by law to provide you with an electronic copy, or have it accessible on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110% Rule” is explained. The rule states that under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus an additional ten percent, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110 percent amount within 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least 4 to 6 days before the moving date. If you can, try not to move during “peak” times.
• Throughout the year, the last each month is a busy time for movers, because of expiring leases and preferred closing dates.
• Summer – 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. Peak season moves should be planned at least six to eight weeks in advance to make sure the dates you want are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, many people will fall victim to deceitful relocation services this year. Fortunately, there is a group called MoveSaver available to help. Those who believe they may have been defrauded should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Homeowners who call this number will talk to a representative who will assess the situation and guide the caller through the appropriate course of action. MoveRescue, which is supported by a coalition of legal firms throughout the United States, and sponsored by major van lines, serves as a central source for consumers who need legal support or fraud prevention information. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for belongings being held by rogue movers.

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