Hiring a Moving Company? Buyer Beware
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.
First, check the Better Business Bureau. You will want to see if there is a pattern of complaints against a prospective moving company. BBB reports often provide details of bait and switch tactics or careless operators who cause damage to personal property on a far too frequent basis. Some complaints have even alleged theft and sexual harassment. Another resource is a new web site called www.movingscam.com is dedicated to exposing unethical moving services.
The Department of Transportation reports that there are specific signs that your moving operator may be less that ethical:
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 and are designed to bait unwitting movers. 2. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. 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. 5. The company's website has no information about licensing or insurance.
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.
At Los Angeles Professional Movers, they recommend booking at least six weeks in advance, which means you should start researching your moving company at least 7 weeks prior to your planned move date. Another advantage to booking early is that you can often negotiate the cost of the move and other details, as well as make special requests from your selected moving company.
Experts recommend avoiding a move during the summer months. Often movers, moving vans, and moving trucks are in very short supply during the busy season and predatory business practices are at their peak. Most violations reported by the FMCSA were higher proportionately last summer than at other times during the year. It also helps to avoid weekends - this will often lower the cost of the move because of decreased demand.
Additional fees charged beyond the original moving quote are commonplace because of unanticipated special moving requests that were not disclosed when the moving company provided an in home quote. When the movers arrive to provide a quote, be as detailed as possible with your needs and always ask about extra costs, insurance policies, license numbers, and mileage costs.
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.
First, check the Better Business Bureau. You will want to see if there is a pattern of complaints against a prospective moving company. BBB reports often provide details of bait and switch tactics or careless operators who cause damage to personal property on a far too frequent basis. Some complaints have even alleged theft and sexual harassment. Another resource is a new web site called www.movingscam.com is dedicated to exposing unethical moving services.
The Department of Transportation reports that there are specific signs that your moving operator may be less that ethical:
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 and are designed to bait unwitting movers. 2. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. 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. 5. The company's website has no information about licensing or insurance.
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.
At Los Angeles Professional Movers, they recommend booking at least six weeks in advance, which means you should start researching your moving company at least 7 weeks prior to your planned move date. Another advantage to booking early is that you can often negotiate the cost of the move and other details, as well as make special requests from your selected moving company.
Experts recommend avoiding a move during the summer months. Often movers, moving vans, and moving trucks are in very short supply during the busy season and predatory business practices are at their peak. Most violations reported by the FMCSA were higher proportionately last summer than at other times during the year. It also helps to avoid weekends - this will often lower the cost of the move because of decreased demand.
Additional fees charged beyond the original moving quote are commonplace because of unanticipated special moving requests that were not disclosed when the moving company provided an in home quote. When the movers arrive to provide a quote, be as detailed as possible with your needs and always ask about extra costs, insurance policies, license numbers, and mileage costs.
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 and consumer advocate currently investigating Los Angeles Moving Companies and reporting his personal moving stories on his blog.
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