Good questions when:
Choosing a Moving Company
- What is your registration number?
The moving company should have a registration number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), called a USDOT number (US Department of Transportation Number). If a company only travels within one state, than they may not be registered. You can check online with FMCSA.
- What will you charge me to move my belongings?
Most companies will charge by the pound and by the distance. If you are moving a short distance, the quote may be by the hour. The moving companies must provide you an estimate in writing. Do no accept a quote based on cubic feet.
- Will you do the moving yourself or will you hire a subcontractor?
- What other fees might apply?
A mover might charge extra for awkward items, for items that have to be hand carried or if the destination isn't easily accessible. Additional costs may also include fuel surcharges or transportation surcharges if you are moving to a remote area.
- What insurance will the company provide to cover you items?
The moving company will provide insurance at an additional cost. Insurance is usually based on weight, so you will need to assess the value of your goods versus what the insurance policy will provide should your belongings arrive damaged or not at all. Standard coverage is 60 cents per pound and is usually not enough to cover the true cost of the damaged item. Before you purchase more insurance, look into your home insurance to see if they offer additional coverage for moving.
- How will you protect and label my belongings?
You want to hear that they will shrink wrap your sofa and that blanket wrap service is standard.
- Can you provide reference information for some recent clients?
- What is your current Better Business Bureau rating?
- Can you explain your quote in detail and why it is higher/lower than the other quotes I have received?
- How long have you been in the moving business?
Are you insured?\012Do you have Worker's Compensation insurance for your employees?