A moving company is a business that provides transport services for household goods. They are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These companies can be local or national, and their service offerings may vary depending on your needs. They can provide a variety of services, including packing, storage and delivery.
The best moving company is one that handles your items with care and will be on time, while being reasonably affordable and not tripping you up in terms of hidden fees. If you need to move a home or office, it’s important to take your time and find the right moving company for you.
You can start looking for a moving company by using the internet to research your options and reviews. Sites like Yelp, Facebook and Google are great sources of reviews, and they’re easy to find. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family.
Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, it’s important to choose a professional mover that can handle your items safely and quickly. Look for a company that offers packing and unpacking services, as well as virtual price quotes to ensure you have all the information you need before committing to a move.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to several moving companies, make sure to contact them and get a quote. Some companies offer in-person walkthroughs and others offer virtual walkthroughs, so ask if any of the options are available to you.
Your mover is liable for any damages to your items that occur during the transport process, but only up to the amount that you paid for the move. You should also ask if the company has a warranty policy and whether you can receive a replacement or refund if something goes wrong.
When you hire a moving company, you must provide them with your final address and telephone number. If the moving company cannot reach you to deliver your shipment within a 24-hour period, they must give you an additional day’s notice before the scheduled delivery date.
If you’re shipping your items under a binding estimate, your mover must give you the actual weight of your shipment and its actual charges before you sign the bill of lading. This is called the 110% rule and it’s intended to protect you from what’s known as “hostage goods” — when your items are kept until you pay for them in full.
Another thing to consider is how flexible the company is with their storage services. Some movers, like PODS, are more accommodating than others when it comes to scheduling deliveries and pick-ups for your belongings.
A good moving company will let you know when they’ll arrive at your home or business to get started on the move. They will usually send an inspector to your location to assess the load of items you’re relocating and calculate how many movers are needed to complete the job.
In addition, you should ask if your mover will take extra precautions to protect your belongings from the elements. The company might use a portable storage unit or have a separate truck with an enclosed area for protection.
