When it comes time to move, you need a moving company that can deliver the best experience possible. Choosing the right company is all about doing your research. Start by asking friends and family who have recently moved who they worked with. Then turn to online reviews and other sources of information. By taking the time to find out more about a company you are considering, you can avoid getting ripped off or being charged extra fees that weren’t mentioned in your original estimate.
Once you have a list of companies florida moving company that seem promising, call them up for an initial discussion about your needs and to get a general estimate. Be sure to ask what services are included in the base rate and what additional charges may be assessed for items such as packing materials, high-rise elevator moves or special item handling. You can also ask about insurance options, which should be offered by all movers. Federal regulations require that movers offer either full or released value protection, and it’s a good idea to compare policies between different companies.
You should also find out whether a moving company offers binding or non-binding estimates. With binding estimates, the moving company is required to complete your move within the specified window, or provide you with a refund of any difference between the actual and estimated costs. In comparison, non-binding estimates are not enforceable.
If you’re looking at interstate movers, make sure that they are licensed and insured as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Look for both a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and an MC number issued by the FMCSA. Both numbers serve as a unique identifier to monitor compliance and safety measures.
Some movers are brokers, while others are direct carriers. Brokers don’t typically transport goods themselves but act as middlemen, connecting you with direct carrier companies that specialize in long-distance moves. Direct carriers, on the other hand, own and operate their own fleets of trucks and hire independent contractors to perform the moves. You can search the FMCSA database to find out if a moving company is a direct carrier or a broker, as well as to see what type of liability protection they offer their customers.
The most reputable moving companies are likely to have been around for years, and they should have an extensive portfolio of references. In addition, they should be members of the American Moving & Storage Association, which establishes and maintains ethical standards for the moving industry. In addition, reputable movers should be willing to share copies of their licenses and insurance certificates. If a company hesitates to provide these documents or makes no effort to verify them, you should consider working with another moving company. This could be a red flag that the company is shady or trying to hide bad information from you.