Before hiring a moving company, it is vitally important that you pose several pertinent questions to them in order to protect yourself against hidden fees or any scams that might emerge from their services. Doing this will allow you to avoid hidden costs or scams that might otherwise occur.
An established moving company will always come equipped with license and insurance to protect both themselves and you in case anything should go amiss during their move.
Enquire about what kind of coverage they offer and the associated costs, as well as their cancellation policy.
1. How long have you been in business?
Longstanding moving companies tend to boast an excellent track record. That doesn’t mean a new company cannot provide great service; but longer established firms tend to build up a stronger reputation for customer satisfaction and quality services.
Ask any potential moving company what insurance coverage they provide and how they handle claims. In most cases, companies offer an online process that is straightforward in case of damage to property.
Another key question to ask when interviewing moving companies is how they determine pricing. Being aware of their price calculations will allow you to easily compare quotes and avoid surprises on moving day. Inquire as to any hidden fees such as fuel or staircase charges as well as payment options accepted.
Find out if they conduct background checks and drug screening; are their employees bonded and insured; do they belong to any professional associations; adhere to industry standards etc.
2. Are you licensed and insured?
Movers who transport household goods in the country must possess a valid license, with their number listed in an international database. You can also check state regulations.
Consult movers about their liability coverage options. Some moving companies provide Full Value Protection, which holds them liable for the full value of your belongings should they become lost or damaged during transport – this option provides more comprehensive protection than standard insurance, which only covers them at $0.60 per pound.
Make sure to ask about additional services like packing, long-carry charges (if movers must carry items a distance away from their truck), disassembly/reassembly and disassembly/reassembly; these could either be charged hourly or included in your binding estimate. Also inquire into their cancellation policy as some unscrupulous companies give low estimates that suddenly increase. A reliable company should have no trouble providing this information and also be able to supply their insurance policy details as well.
3. What is your pricing structure?
Understanding a company’s pricing structure enables you to more efficiently compare quotes. Reputable movers will provide a transparent breakdown of how they calculate prices, including factors such as distance, estimated weight, labor hours and extra services provided. Be wary of companies that refuse to disclose this information or require large upfront deposits as this could signal hidden fees or scams.
Ask your estimate provider if their estimates are binding or non-binding; binding estimates guarantee a fixed price based on previously discussed details, protecting you from unexpected costs on moving day; non-binding estimates may change due to unexpected circumstances or additional services requested.
Make sure you inquire with a mover regarding any additional costs they may charge, such as fuel surcharges or stairs charges, which can add up quickly and result in an unexpectedly higher bill. By asking this question, it ensures that you’ll receive all of the services that you require without any surprises – this includes packing services, furniture disassembly/reassembly services and storage options.
4. Do you offer packing services?
Before choosing a moving company for your move, it’s a good idea to investigate their services as part of your moving needs – such as packing assistance, furniture disassembly, shipping of special items or temporary storage needs. By doing this you may avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day – like discovering that some services you thought were included are actually additional charges.
Make sure to inquire about their contingency plans should it rain or snow on moving day; for instance, some companies offer cover your belongings with tarps while others may provide shuttle service between their trucks and yours.
Additionally, you should research how the company calculates pricing – this will allow you to quickly compare quotes from various moving companies. Reputable movers typically factor distance, estimated weight, labor hours and additional services into their calculations of pricing. Companies without clear, transparent pricing structures could be trying to hide hidden fees or charges that they’ve not disclosed upfront. It is also essential that you fully comprehend their cancellation policies; some may charge a cancellation fee while others will permit up to two weeks advanced notice cancellation of reservations.
5. What is your cancellation policy?
No matter whether it is local or long distance, it is essential that your moving company have an effective plan in place to deal with inclement weather. This could involve covering items with tarps or postponing the delivery date until a more suitable time.
Know your cancellation policy is also key. Some companies charge fees for cancelling or rescheduling appointments while others have flexible policies depending on individual situations – it’s best to clarify all policies prior to entering any contracts.
Finally, make sure that the moving company offers an efficient claim filing and administration process that’s straightforward for their customers to use. Also find out whether the provider is acting as broker or carrier as this can impact how quickly claims can be filed and updates delivered; brokers typically hand off your shipment to carriers while carriers take full responsibility from start to finish; long distance moves typically prefer carriers as this provides continuity in transporting goods directly.
6. How do you handle special items?
No matter if it’s priceless artwork, an antique grandfather clock or delicate piano, specialty items require extra care during transit. Your movers should understand their significance and fragility while taking precautions against possible damage during transport – this includes creating an inventory list, properly packing them into custom crates with cushioning materials if required and taking necessary inventory controls measures.
Before hiring your movers, be sure to inquire how they plan to handle specialty items. A reputable moving company should offer clear answers and offer details regarding its processes as well as insurance coverage including released-value protection or full value protection, liability limits included and what type of liability coverage may be offered.
Good movers offer transparent pricing. This means providing information about extra fees such as packing materials, long carries and stairs charges as well as their cancellation policy – helping you make informed decisions without surprises on moving day! Furthermore, find out whether they provide storage services as well as handling items in transit.
7. Do you offer storage services?
If you can’t move right away, inquire whether the moving company provides storage services. These typically cost extra so be sure to ask about rates and availability; additionally be sure to establish what supplies (boxes and blankets) may be provided; some companies even provide custom crating services for specialty items like trampolines, fine art or antiques.
Speak to the company about whether they offer dedicated customer service support. This way, there will be one person you can reach during the entire process and reduces frustration and potential miscommunication issues.
When planning an interstate move, be sure to inquire whether the mover has been licensed by FMCSA. This will help protect you against fraudulent movers who might not abide by its rules and regulations. They should be able to provide their USDOT number so you can check them against SAFER database; and explain their damages/claims policies as well.
8. How do you handle damage claims?
Damage claims are an inevitability for businesses of all kinds; how they handle them reveals much about their integrity. Reputable moving companies must implement a systematic method for filing and tracking these claims to ensure customers receive the best outcome possible. Documenting them also allows businesses to identify trends and take measures that reduce future claims.
Before signing with any company, it is vital to ask about their employee screening and vetting practices, safety protocols in place for crew members, training offered to their staff, as well as whether their supervisors perform regular performance reviews of these employees.
Before hiring movers, it is always a good idea to take photos of your items as this will allow you to demonstrate damage if something should go amiss during delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading carefully and double-check that all your possessions are listed; if something seems missing or damaged immediately speak up.