20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

Choosing a Cleveland long distance moving company, it may feel intimidating. However, you can take some measures to ensure you are making the best choice for what you need. You can simplify by asking four very important questions and following some practical advice when hiring your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these 4 key questions before you hire them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for a cash deposit prior to your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a brick and mortar location (and not just a post office box) on its website?
• Does the company include licensing info on its site, such as their 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 fraudulent moving company, or be falling victim to a different type of fraud.

Here is a list of the steps to take to ensure you make an informed move when deciding between moving companies.

Where to start

• Begin your search for a long-distance mover by asking your friends, family, and coworkers] about Cleveland movers they have used and liked.
• Contact a real estate agent you trust to get at least 3 moving companies that have physical offices in Cleveland.
• If you are still using a phone book, remember—just because a long distance moving company has an big advertisement doesn’t necessarily mean it is reputable.
• Once you’ve 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 Department of Transportation / Motor Carrier license numbers.
• Visit 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 Cleveland or Ohio.

Getting estimates

 

• Schedule either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided at no cost. A reliable long distance moving company WILL NOT give you a quote over the phone, or without evaluating your possessions, house, and logistics.
• Don’t rely on an estimate provided without a visual inspection over the phone or online. When moving across state lines, your charge is based on the weight of your shipment, and the distance between your old and new location. You are better off meeting in person with the mover’s representative to make sure that you both understand the scope of the work.
• During a virtual estimate, be sure to show the representative everything that is to be moved. Don’t forget about your stuff in the basement, or the big items you’ve you may have sent away for restoration. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either. The representative should also ask you questions – about your new home, the timeline of your move, and other related matters.
• Request information on “valuation” packages. Valuation provides protection from damage to your possessions. The valuation package you choose decides the basis upon which any issue will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. 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 exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.
• Be careful of quotes that are considerably lower than the rest. "Unrealistically low" price quotes could result in significantly lower-quality service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "up" the price in a "fraudulent" moving scheme. Some "unscrupulous" 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 Cleveland to choose from. If you have never heard of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no recommendations from friends or business contacts, be very careful! Don’t be tempted by a cheap rate from an unknown firm; remember, you’re entrusting your mover with almost all of your personal possessions.
• When planning your move, it's important to consider the attentiveness of your sales representative is. Can you trust he or she will be there to help you through the packing and loading process? Do they provide the names and information of additional support employees such as a dedicated support team?
• If you're in the market for a mover, you may want to stop by the mover’s headquarters. 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 your needs and requirements.
• Long distance movers are required by law to provide you with a digital 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 contract, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus ten percent, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110% 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.
• All year long, the end of each month is a busy time for movers, because of the expiration of rental agreements and preferred closing dates.
• Summertime – 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. High-demand times moves should be planned at least six to eight weeks in advance to ensure the dates you are looking for are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, several consumers will fall victim to dishonest moving companies this year. Fortunately, there is an organization called MoveSupport available to help. Those who believe they may have been scammed should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Customers who call this number will talk to an agent who will assess the situation and guide the caller through the appropriate steps to take. MoveRescue, which is supported by an alliance of law firms throughout the United States, and supported by major van lines, serves as a hub for customers who need legal support or fraud awareness resources. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for belongings being held by rogue movers.

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