Moving from one house to another is no easy task. The process gets even more complicated when you are moving out of state. Countless details need to be addressed both before and after the move. One of the most important aspects of any move is the moving company that you decide to hire. After all, they are directly responsible for getting your belongings from your old home to the new location.
Understanding some important facts about best long distance movers will help ensure that you hire the right company to handle your move. Below are some details that you should keep in mind when comparing interstate movers & truckers.
1. Make sure that your mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This government organization maintains a database of reputable interstate movers. You can search their website to make sure that a particular moving company is properly registered before you hire them. You can also see any complaints that have been lodged against them as well as information on any safety violations that they may have experienced on the road in the past. This information can help you choose a company that provides excellent service, and that takes safety seriously.
2. Get an accurate quote for your move. A lot of moving companies provide a general quote over the phone based on the size of your home. However, in most cases, this quote is not binding. Unless you get an accurate quote in writing, you can’t be sure exactly how much your move is going to cost. When comparing moving companies, make sure to have a representative from the company come to your home and view your belongings in person. That way, they can give you an accurate estimate. Additionally, make sure that this estimate is in writing and that it is binding. That way, they can’t charge you more than they quoted you for the move.
3. Find out how the cost for the move is calculated. Some long distance movers calculate the cost based on the amount of space your items take up in their truck whereas others calculate the cost based on the weight of your belongings. If you have a lot of heavy items that are relatively compact, you may be able to save money by choosing a mover that charges based on volume. On the other hand, if you have a lot of bulky items that are relatively light weight, you may be better off going with a company that charges by weight instead. It is worth comparing both options to see which method of calculation gives you the best price for your move.
4. Ask what type of protection is in place in case any items are lost or damaged during the move. Best most moving companies are insured to cover any losses. However, you may not be able to recoup the full value of any items that are damaged, depending on the type of protection provided.
For instance, when you are signing the papers for your move, you will probably have a choice between full-value protection and released-value protection. In most cases, released value protection is included in the price of the move. This level of protection pays you based on the weight of the damaged item. Typically, this is approximate $0.60 per pound. Although this does offer some protection, it isn’t enough to cover the full value of the item.
For instance, imagine that you have a computer that weighs five pounds that are worth $800. If it is damaged, you will only be compensated based on its weight rather than its value. In this case, the compensation will be determined by multiplying five pounds by $0.60, meaning that you would only get $3.00 worth of compensation for your $800 computer.
Full-value protection, on the other hand, usually costs extra. However, if your items are damaged or lost in transit, the full replacement value is covered. Depending on the value of the items that you are moving, you may find it beneficial to purchase this extra coverage.
Hopefully, these facts about long distance movers give you a better idea of what to expect with your move. Once you understand more about how these moving companies work, you can make a much more informed decision about which one you want to hire.