Whether you’re moving across town or relocating your business, it’s wise to hire a professional moving company to get the job done right. They’ll ensure all your items arrive safely, and you won’t have to worry about packing everything yourself.
There are several things to look for when hiring a moving company, from the type of services they offer to their reputation for reliability and quality. A mover should have a solid reputation and good reviews from previous customers, so take the time to read through these before booking.
Review websites, social media and word of mouth are all great places to get honest feedback about a particular moving company. Ask questions about up-front pricing, ease of booking, safe handling of valuables and customer service.
Before you hire a moving company, it’s important to check their licensing and insurance status. All moving companies should carry basic liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect your belongings and the company itself in the event of an accident. In addition, some movers have full-service moving insurance to cover expensive items such as jewelry or artwork.
Make sure to also verify a moving company’s MC and DOT license numbers on the FMCSA’s website. These numbers will let you know if a moving company is licensed to transport goods across state lines.
It’s also a good idea to check whether the moving company is a broker or a carrier. Generally, brokers contract with movers to transport goods, while carriers directly handle their own shipments.
Choosing a moving company is a big decision, and you want to make sure it’s the best fit for your needs and budget. A good place to start is with a few local movers that serve your area.
Many of these moving companies will have a minimum price range to cover all the work and equipment they need to transport your items. You should also find out if the price includes any packing materials, storage, or specialty services that are offered.
Another thing to look for is how long a company has been in business. Ideally, they should have at least a few years of experience and be well-known in your community.
Before a moving company can transport your goods, they must complete a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection. DOT inspections are designed to ensure the safety of your goods during transit and can help protect you from any damages.
The process of completing a DOT inspection can vary by state, but most movers have an online portal where you can fill out and submit a form. This helps the mover to stay in compliance with regulations and avoid any fines.
In addition, most movers will give you a detailed written estimate, which is a key part of the moving process. This can include a list of all the services and fees associated with the move, and you should read it thoroughly before signing.
If you’re not sure if a moving company is the best fit for your needs, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from several different ones and interview them to determine which one is right for you. Getting multiple estimates and reading through them will ensure you don’t end up paying more than you need to for your move.