20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

When it comes to a Rochester long distance moving company, it might seem intimidating. However, there are several ways to ensure you're making a good choice for what you need. You can make things easier by asking 4 very important questions and following some practical advice when hiring 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 cash deposit before your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a physical local address (and not just a post office 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 AMSA?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you could be dealing with an unscrupulous company, or be falling victim to a different type of fraud.

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

Where to start

• Start your search for a long distance moving company by asking your friends, family, and coworkers] about Rochester movers they have used and liked.
• Contact a real estate agent you trust to find at least three moving companies that have actual brick-and-mortar locations in Rochester.
• If you are using a phone book, remember—just because a moving company has a full-page ad does not necessarily mean it is reputable.
• Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential moving companies, contact the companies via phone to get the full company name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and DOT / Motor Carrier 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 records, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in Rochester or New York.

Getting estimates

 

• Schedule either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided at no cost. An established long distance moving company WILL NOT give you an estimate via a phone call, or without inspecting your items, home, and transportation logistics.
• Don’t rely on a price provided without seeing the items over the phone or over the Internet. When moving between states, your charge is based on how heavy your items are, and where you are moving from and to. You are better off speaking directly with the mover’s representative to make sure that you both understand the scope of the work.
• During the on-site estimate, be sure to show the assessor everything that needs to be moved. Don’t forget about your stuff in the cellar, or the large furnishings you’ve you may have sent away for fixing. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either. The representative should also ask you questions – about your new home, the timeline of your move, etc..
• Request information on “valuation” packages. Valuation gives protection from breakage to your goods. The valuation package you choose determines the basis upon which any complaint will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the mover. 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 exceptions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a fee-based level of motor carrier liability.
• Be careful of quotes that are considerably 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 "hostage" and demand large sums of money before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are a lot of quality named van lines in Rochester to choose from. If you have never heard of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no referrals from friends or business affiliates, be very careful! Don’t be tempted by a cheap rate from an unfamiliar business; remember, you are trusting your mover with nearly all of your personal possessions.
• If you're looking to hire a moving company, you should consider how attentive your point of contact is. Do you have confidence that your representative 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 looking to hire movers, you may want to visit the mover’s office. By doing so, you can get a sense of how they operate and present themselves. It's essential to select 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 have it accessible on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110 percent 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 ten percent more, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110 percent amount within the following 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least 4 to 6 day before the moving date. If possible, 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.
• In the summer – May to mid-September, when children are on summer break, are “peak season” for movers. Schedule summertime moves as far in advance as possible…and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates. Hectic periods moves should be planned at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance to be certain the dates you need are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, several people will fall victim to malignant relocation services this year. Fortunately, there is a service called MoveSaver available to help. Those who think they may have been cheated should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Consumers who call this number will talk to a consultant who will examine the situation and lead the caller through the appropriate procedures. MoveRescue, which is supported by a group of law firms throughout the United States, and supported by top van lines, serves as a central source for customers who need legal assistance or fraud prevention information. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for possessions being held by rogue movers.

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