If moving is in your near future and you're considering hiring a moving company, do your research! Hundreds of moving companies are investigated every year by the U.S. Department of Transportation for violating federal consumer protection and safety regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration fined over 300 moving companies last year alone for violations. Unfortunately, numerous unscrupulous companies still fleece unsuspecting movers out of thousands of dollars. Often, rogue moving companies prey on those who dont do their homework prior to hiring a moving company. To prevent being a victim of a moving scam, there are several steps you can take.
Good resources do exist to check out a prospective moving company. The Better Business Bureau reports complaints to the public via their web site and provides low ratings to moving companies with multiple complaints or patterns of similar bad business practices. Some complaints allege theft, while more common complainants allege predatory bait and switch practices. A newer resource to check out moving company operators is www.movingscam.com - solely dedicated to exposing unethical moving companies.
According to the FMCSA, there are several red flags to be aware when hiring a moving company:
1. The mover doesn't offer or agree to an inspection of your household goods prior to giving an estimate. These estimates are often too good to be true - a bait and switch tactic. 2. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move - anything more than $100 should be cause for concern. 3. The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers. 4. The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance is not likely being candid. 5. The company's website has very few details about the licensing or physical address.
According to industry expert, Stanislov Kukoba, long time operator of Los Angeles Professional Movers, part of the key to a successful and low cost move is advance planning. Some moving companies prey on people who are desperate to get moved at the last minute says Kukoba. Most legitimate companies require weeks of advance notice, so when a customer calls at the last minute, many options are limited for movers who dont plan ahead.
Kukoba recommends that during any season, booking your move at least 7 weeks prior to your move date is critical. Advance planning will provide time to shop, check out, and negotiate with multiple movers and find an operator you are comfortable with. More time may also yield time for special requirements that you may have omitted in preliminary talks with your moving service.
Industry experts recommend avoiding summers and weekends when booking your move. Increased demand during those periods result in higher costs and diminished availability of quality moving services. In 2008, most violations, in proportion to the total number of moves, were discovered by the FMCSA. Poor planning blended with a move during a busy season could significantly narrow your moving service alternatives and make you more vulnerable to predatory operators.
Almost all moving companies charge additional fees for special requests or contingencies sometimes not totally disclosed, so prepare for it. It is important that you ask pertinent questions about extra costs, insurance policies, license numbers, and the mileage that is or is not included.
When it comes to moving, planning pays off. There is enough stress in a move - there's no need to add to it with a bad experience by choosing the wrong moving company. Research and choose wisely.
Good resources do exist to check out a prospective moving company. The Better Business Bureau reports complaints to the public via their web site and provides low ratings to moving companies with multiple complaints or patterns of similar bad business practices. Some complaints allege theft, while more common complainants allege predatory bait and switch practices. A newer resource to check out moving company operators is www.movingscam.com - solely dedicated to exposing unethical moving companies.
According to the FMCSA, there are several red flags to be aware when hiring a moving company:
1. The mover doesn't offer or agree to an inspection of your household goods prior to giving an estimate. These estimates are often too good to be true - a bait and switch tactic. 2. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move - anything more than $100 should be cause for concern. 3. The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers. 4. The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance is not likely being candid. 5. The company's website has very few details about the licensing or physical address.
According to industry expert, Stanislov Kukoba, long time operator of Los Angeles Professional Movers, part of the key to a successful and low cost move is advance planning. Some moving companies prey on people who are desperate to get moved at the last minute says Kukoba. Most legitimate companies require weeks of advance notice, so when a customer calls at the last minute, many options are limited for movers who dont plan ahead.
Kukoba recommends that during any season, booking your move at least 7 weeks prior to your move date is critical. Advance planning will provide time to shop, check out, and negotiate with multiple movers and find an operator you are comfortable with. More time may also yield time for special requirements that you may have omitted in preliminary talks with your moving service.
Industry experts recommend avoiding summers and weekends when booking your move. Increased demand during those periods result in higher costs and diminished availability of quality moving services. In 2008, most violations, in proportion to the total number of moves, were discovered by the FMCSA. Poor planning blended with a move during a busy season could significantly narrow your moving service alternatives and make you more vulnerable to predatory operators.
Almost all moving companies charge additional fees for special requests or contingencies sometimes not totally disclosed, so prepare for it. It is important that you ask pertinent questions about extra costs, insurance policies, license numbers, and the mileage that is or is not included.
When it comes to moving, planning pays off. There is enough stress in a move - there's no need to add to it with a bad experience by choosing the wrong moving company. Research and choose wisely.
About the Author:
Sydney Welkinson is a blogger currently researching Los Angeles Movers and reporting his personal moving stories on his blog.
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