Trustworthy Movers- Oxymoron?

Selecting a contractor with a proven track record ensures quality expertise, transparent pricing, and a stress-free experience. The same principle applies when selecting a moving company. Lately, we have witnessed some unfortunate situations with untrustworthy movers, which prompted me to write about it!

All movers want you to think they are trustworthy, but the statistics say otherwise — in 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) received almost 5,000 complaints about moving companies.

Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) averages about 13,000 complaints or negative reviews annually in referance to the policies or practices of moving companies.

Clearly, the moving industry has its share of dubious or fraudulent companies.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Here are 6 steps to take before you allow a mover to drive off with your belongings:

1. Verify that the company is properly licensed. If you’re moving to another state, ask for their U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) number so you can find them in the FMCSA system. If you’re hiring a local mover, verify the company is registered with the Secretary of State’s office or similar licensing agency for your state.

2. Make sure they carry liability insurance for your items. Federal law dictates that most moving companies carry “basic insurance” for your items. This guarantees you receive a portion of the value for anything that is damaged or lost. For an extra charge, many companies offer “full value protection.” Verifying the options beforehand can prevent headaches or the need for you to purchase full-value insurance from a third party.

3. Verify they provide workers’ compensation for their employees. The “material movers” and “light truck drivers” categories consistently rank among the top 5 categories of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) list of workplace injuries. To protect yourself and the moving crew, make sure the moving company provides workers’ compensation insurance.

4. Carefully check for reviews. Check the FMCSA and BBB sites for obvious difficulties. Then look at other places online. Check for reviews on their website, or on Google, Yahoo, or another search engine. Moving.com’s Moving Company Directory also provides reviews for hundreds of moving companies. Reviews are so critical today that reputable companies will work hard to make sure they get good ones.

5. Check their pricing policies. You’ll need several answers here. What’s the basic fee? Do they charge extra for heavy or bulky items? Are their price quotes firm? Prices that seem too good to be true usually are.

6. Review their shipping policies. What exact services does the contract with this company cover? Do they handle all your move details in-house, or do they contract parts — like packing or loading — to other companies? Are there any items — like pianos, firearms, or expensive heirlooms — they won’t ship?

If you know you’re going to need a moving company, reach out to us for referrals. We can provide you with names of companies we trust to move the things that matter. -Henry