Regardless of where on life’s continuum you are, we make some very basic suggestions.
- Who to work with – While there are good independent movers, and brokers out there, it is difficult to figure out the players and where they stand on the “Good guy – Bad guy” scale. We recommend that you work with representatives of the Major Carriers, these large corporations have been in business for years and while the vast majority of moves turn out as promised, a large carrier does afford you the opportunity for recourse if it doesn’t! Given the vast scope of the regulatory and tax burden placed on the trucking industry by the both the feds and the states, as well as the HUGE number of stereotypical “Boss Hogg” sheriffs in all 50 states, an affiliation with a major carrier is a “must have,” for any moving company seriously interested in interstate moving. On top of that the ability of the ability of the major carriers to consolidate shipments sold by numerous agents in an area serves to keep the cost of long distance moving down.
- Your Estimate – Many moving companies will offer “phone or internet surveys,” or even using the newest technology, “walk through video.” While it may be possible to get “close,” using these technologies, there is no substitute for having an experienced moving professional come to your home, walk through and identify your needs and wants, and address your expectations. In the age of the internet, and the “commoditization of everything,” there is no substitute for human to human contact when it comes to your most prized possessions. We recommend that you get three in home estimates from representatives of the major carriers(you can always get more, but there does come a point when information overload (TMI) happens.) All estimates should be based on Weight, cubic feet is NOT a legitimate estimate.
- Types of Estimates – There are two types of estimates that you can receive from your mover, “Binding”, which has subtype titled a “Not to Exceed” and a “Non-Binding” estimate.Binding – “This is your price.”
Not to Exceed – “This is the maximum price that you will pay for your move, if weights and services turn out to be less, you could pay less, but, this is a cap on your price.”
Non-Binding – “we think that this is your price, but it may be MORE or LESS,” you will pay for actual weight and services.
- Payment – Moving is a COD business, for an interstate move direct from your existing home to your new home, you should pay for the services on delivery. Do not pay a deposit, do not pay a percentage at loading. You will be required to pay your bill in ”good funds” in full prior to the doors of the truck being opened. Your mover should accept your credit card for payment, or a Bank Check or Money orders and of course Cash. Personal checks will not be accepted. A couple of clichés are needed here as well. “If I can’t perform your move unless I get money every step along the way, what possible hope do you have of recourse if something goes wrong?” and “While 99% of people would never think to give a bad check out, those bad apples have ruined it for the rest of us!”
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