10 Ways to Find a Mover You Can Trust
by Charlie Morris, Certified Moving Consultant
Shelly
Moving & Storage - agent/Allied Van Lines
serving Southcentral
& Southeastern Pennsylvania
It
is widely recognized that some Internet Websites attract consumers off of the
World Wide Web and then take advantage of them. They have been “exposed” in
newspaper articles and several TV programs. According to moving and relocation
industry professionals, such as my local competitors and I, there are ways a
consumer can determine if they will be satisfied with the company they select
to handle their move their new home. Here are my 10 ways an individual can spot
a qualified mover they can trust:
1. Chose a mover
with local representation. Always work
with a company that is locally based or has a local agent. Only use a mover
that does an “in-home” visual survey of the items you want to move. Avoid booking your move with an Internet
based moving broker. Most hand your move over to a different
company, a company you know nothing about. On moves out of state, if you are not sure what you are taking
with you and what you are leaving behind, the mover can give you a non-binding
estimate with a guaranteed discount.
However, if you know exactly what you want to be moved, get a GUARANTEED
PRICE, in writing. For moves
within Pennsylvania, guaranteed prices and discounts are not allowed. All
estimates are non-binding.
2. Make sure you mover is licensed. If
you are moving within Pennsylvania, make sure the mover is licensed by the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and has operating authority for the area
of the state you are moving from or to. If you are moving to another state,
make sure the mover is licensed by the Federal Department of Transportation,
located at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/moving.htm.
Don't take the company's word for it.
Call the regulatory agency and find out for yourself.
3. Check with the Better Business Bureau
regarding constant, numerous complaints at http://www.bbb.org/bbblookup.
Please note that a responsible mover may have a few complaints lodged against
them -- the more moves they handle the more likely it is that they will have at
least a few complaints -- but their record with the Better Business Bureau
should show that they have a satisfactory rating and that they respond to
and resolve complaints.
4. Be sure the mover carries proper
insurance. Ask your potential mover if they carry Workers'
Compensation Insurance. If you have doubts ask to see "proof of
insurance" in the form of an "Insurance Certificate." Without
Workers Compensation Insurance you will be potentially liable for anyone
hurt on your premises. Workers' Compensation Insurance substantially adds
to the mover’s cost of doing business, but it protects you if someone is
injured during your move. Be suspicious of the “very low” bidder, they may be
cutting costs by “cheating” on essential protection. Ask the mover about protection on the items you are moving. Movers
provide “valuation” for your goods for loss or damage. There are two basic
options: Carrier’s Liability which is part of the moving package at no extra
cost. On interstate moves, the mover is
required to offer 60 cents per pound per article protection. The amount is 60
cents per pounds per article on moves within Pennsylvania. You can also
purchase additional coverage, with or without deductibles, for the full
replacement value of your furnishings. This will add a few dollars to the bill,
but is well worth the “peace of mind” it gives you during the move.
5. Make sure the mover's place of business
actually exists. Beware of companies that provide no
business address on their Website, have no business documents, or when asked,
are hesitant to provide you with their physical business address. It is
important that you know where to find the company down if you have a problem.
Again, if you only choose a mover with local representation this will not be a
concern. The locally based mover has their reputation at stake with every move
they do.
6. Don't listen to sales people who tell
stories about others. A high-quality firm with a good
reputation does not need to knock their local competition or criticize other
van lines to make themselves look good. However, please be open to advice the
moving consultant can offer you on how to protect yourself against the “bad
apples” in the moving industry.
7. Get a recommendation.
A satisfied customer is the best sales pitch. Ask what local companies the
mover does business with on a regular basis.
8. Check the mover’s credentials?
Is the moving company a member of the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage
Association or Tristate Tariff Bureau? Are they or their van line affiliated with
the American Moving & Storage Association? Are their salespeople Certified
Moving Consultants? A reputable company will usually be involved in one or more
of these moving industry groups.
9. Understand the pricing. Local moves (40 miles & under within
Pennsylvania) are quoted on an hourly rate for the time involved in doing the
move plus travel time to and from the jobsite. Intrastate moves (over 40 miles)
are based on weight. On a move within Pennsylvania (intrastate), there is
limited competition for price, since most movers file with the same tariff
bureau and have similar rates. The rates are then approved by the PA Public
Utility Commission. A move from state to state is regulated by the Federal
Department of Transportation, Surface Transportation Board. The price of moving
interstate is fairly standard and based on a combination the shipment weight
and miles traveled from old address to new address. There is more leeway on
price when moving interstate. Movers can discount their rates and/or give you a
Guaranteed Price. If you are moving within Pennsylvania, read the “Information for Shippers of Household Goods for
Use in Moving in Pennsylvania.” The mover is required by the Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission to give you a copy. This document is available at http://shellymoving.com/localRights.pdf. If you are moving interstate, read the
publication, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move", at http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/rights/rights.htm.
The mover is required to give you a copy of this
booklet.
10. Get a written quote. If
you are moving to another state, insist that you receive the following
federally mandated documents from your mover.
An "Order for Service" signed
by your mover. The Order for Service protects you by spelling out the agreement
between you and your mover regarding the dates the shipment will be loaded and
delivered, the estimated cost, and that the mover can only collect 110% of the
estimate at the time of delivery.
A written estimate that itemizes all of
the services that makes up the estimate for your moving cost. Again, always
insist on an “in-home” visual inspection of the goods you are moving.
A "Table of Measurements" (also
known as a "Cube Sheet") listing all of the items that you will be
moving (pieces of furniture, number of boxes, etc.).
For moves within Pennsylvania, the mover
MUST give you a written estimate itemizing all charges related to your
move. It should include a “Table of
Measurements” or “Cube Sheet.” As with interstate moving, the maximum the mover
can require you to pay upon delivery is the estimate + 10%.
Retaining
the services of a high quality, licensed mover requires a little work on the
part of the consumer, but the reward is great; a high quality move with minimal stress. I urge you to spend a
little extra time to assure that you locate one of the many quality minded
licensed moving & storage professionals operating in our industry.