How to Find the Best Long-Distance Moving Company

Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Especially for a long-distance moving company. But, finding a satisfactory moving company does not have to be so frightening.

All you need to know is what to look out for and how to prepare for any surprises. That's what this article will help you accomplish!

Long-Distance Moving Companies And Fraud

Part of the reason so many people have fallen prey to moving fraud is due to the laws regulating these businesses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates these businesses. But, enforcement of these laws across state lines is more difficult.

Federal law prohibits unlicensed moving agencies from operating. But, it is hard to stop them from existing because identifying the signs of a scam is up to the customer.

Anyone with a truck and a couple of workers could potentially market themselves to people seeking assistance. They may approach families with a sold sign on their lawn and offer an extremely low rate or an impossible delivery speed.

This is when it gets difficult. If these movers are not registered, the government cannot prosecute the criminals until it's too late. All you want is a smooth trip to your dream home.

This is much more common for long-distance moving companies because they can disappear a lot easier. They swindle a customer in one state and then move on to another state where they continue their fraud.

It becomes increasingly difficult to identify and track such frauds due to their movements. But, knowing the signs will help you avoid falling prey to these scams.

Avoid Unrealistic Estimates

The price of a moving company varies state by state. But there are certain general price ranges that are helpful to know if you're looking to avoid fraud.

The cost for movers on average is around $2,200.00. This average can fluctuate based on several factors.

Long-distance movers tend to charge more due to potential delays and difficulties. Not to mention, traveling costs money in fuel and wear on the vehicle.

Extra-large and heavy items such as pianos will also increase the amount you will potentially pay. Adding such items could increase your fee by $400.00-$600.00. Very large items could even bump the price up by $6,000.00.

Remember it is important that you understand the average rate for your state and the state where the company originates. Workers' wages vary rather substantially state by state.

Charges of anywhere between $20-$50 per worker per hour are normal. This could increase your fee if they call extra workers to complete the move.

Consider these factors when evaluating a proposal. This is true no matter the state you're in. Understand what the average is for similar moves and compare it to yours.

Some movers may just be giving you a good deal or have a special running. But, remember that no one wants to work for free, so if it seems too cheap it probably should be reevaluated.

Can A Moving Company Increase Prices After Delivery?

This is a complicated question to answer. If a moving company tries to increase the rate after delivery it does not necessarily mean they are trying to scam you.

This varies a little from state to state. But generally, moving companies can offer soft quotes. These quotes are supposed to be an honest estimate based on the presumed average costs for the assumed necessary services.

This means a company cannot outrightly deceive you. They may look at the items you wish to move and guess the average amount of time and labor needed to successfully do the work.

But, things could change. Perhaps someone offers you a free bookcase or bed and you wish to have it moved to your new home. The manager might adjust your price based on the time it took their workers to move it.

This does not mean you are being swindled. It just permits the company to make adjustments for the labor costs. But, movers are not permitted to charge more than a 110% increase of the original price they quoted.

A scam looks a little more like this. A moving company gives you a rough estimate of $1,000.00. You do not request extra work and there are no issues on the road, but the company is demanding $5,000.00 when they arrive.

This is a good sign of a scam. Furthermore, they refuse to return your items until you pay them the fee and offer little to no explanation for the price increase.

This raises two more questions: are there ways to prevent changes in price? And, can a moving company refuse to give you your furniture if you do not pay them?

Try To Get A Binding Estimate Of The Price

A binding or non-binding written agreement can help prevent you from getting swindled. What are binding and non-binding estimates?

A binding estimate means the moving company and their client have agreed to set services and prices. This does not mean you can request more services for free, though.

A binding agreement exists on both ends of the bargain. If you requested to have x amount of items transported a certain amount of miles the quote reflects this.

A binding agreement is a great idea though when determining the legitimacy of a company. If a company refuses a non-binding or a binding estimate, there's a good possibility they may be trying to scam you.

This is because it is hard to press legal charges without any kind of legally binding estimate. This could be anything from a written non-binding agreement to a written binding agreement.

The differences between these agreements are the level of commitment they hold. A binding agreement should only change if additional services are added. A non-binding written agreement does not make any guarantees of price.

But, at least if the services were not delivered or items were lost/damaged you will have some written record. Otherwise, it's very much hear-say. And, it's one of the best ways to root out deceptive companies.

Can Movers Keep Your Belongings If You Do Not Pay Them?

The short answer is, yes they can keep your belongings if you refuse to pay them upon delivery. This rule is generally in effect to ensure the movers get paid as was agreed.

Movers are permitted to hold belongings until paid 100% of the binding agreement fees. They are permitted to hold it as well if 110% of the non-binding agreement is not paid.

You can think of these as a way for movers to ensure they get paid in the end. But, they are not permitted to sell your items. They are permitted to put your belongings in private storage that you must pay until you pay the mover fee.

The important thing to consider when dealing with this situation is whether the price asked is over the legal limit. Illegitimate companies are not likely to put your items in storage either.

They are afraid to be caught. They're more likely to take your stuff and run. In this case, call the police and report them to the Better Business Bureau.

Where To Find A Good Long-Distance Moving Company?

Now you understand how to identify a legitimate moving company from a false moving company. Where should you start your search for a good company? And, can you find cheap long-distance moving companies?

With the internet, it is very easy to get overwhelmed trying to find a company. There is a lot to sort out to find the right one for you, but don't worry it is possible.

If you combine the internet with word of mouth and local ads it is easier to narrow down the options.

When you first start searching, go to the Better Business Burea's website. Here you will find records of numerous companies and how they rank compared to others.

By searching the company you're considering hiring you can see how well-liked they were to previous clients. And, you will see if they've ever been accused of fraud.

Let's see how to sort out the best companies. Where should you look for a good long-distance moving company? And, what traits should you look for in state-to-state movers?

Ask For Local References For Movers

Ideally, you will find a local company owned by people you know or perhaps know through someone else. This is a good way to know if they are trustworthy individuals.

Sometimes, small companies do not have much of an online presence yet, but they do good work. It's possible they just haven't made a website and people haven't ranked them here.

This isn't cause to not hire someone. But, you want to pay attention to why your acquaintance or friend is recommending them to you.

Do they describe them as honest and hardworking? Or, do they urge you to hire them because they are cheap and available?

These are important factors to keep in mind when choosing a company through word of mouth. Maybe your friend was just looking to have a few items moved and did not have much invested in these items.

But, this doesn't mean they will be the best choice for you if you want to move valuable pieces. You just want to be extra careful that you know what you need and what is suggested to you by your friends.

Online Message Boards and Reviews

The internet is filled with thousands of movers and with reviews to match. Facebook marketplace is one of the most common places to find local movers that meet your needs.

This is where users can leave reviews and details on moving companies they have used in the past. This place can be a little intensive, but it is a good place to find honest opinions from real people.

You could also google the company and see how they rank here. Just be wary of any reviews which seem a little too positive.

If you notice a lot of reviews that are only positive it could be a tell-tale sign of deceptive reviews. Deceptive companies may hire and pay people to leave a positive review. Some of these people have never even used the service they're suggesting.

Be especially wary of positive reviews on a company that has multiple reviews that are negative. Or, reviews that state this company is a scam. In these cases, the positive reviews are probably not honest.

Local Newspaper Ads

Newspapers used to be the main way people kept up to date on events. But, it was also where people tended to post ads for services and for hiring workers.

Despite the fact that the internet has largely taken over the newspaper's place, it remains a reliable source. Especially for local companies, the newspaper is a great place for them to find local customers.

The best part is, if you find your company through the newspaper it's easier to verify their reputation. Also, you might be able to stop by their location and get a feel for how they are.

The newspaper provides a lot of options that may not be on the internet. You can also ask local people for suggestions about the company. This is usually more reliable than a stranger online.

What Traits Makes A Good Moving Company?

Now you know where to find the right company for your needs and your rights as a client. Let's see what traits make a good company.

But, how do you go about sorting out the best moving company to handle your goods?

You do not just want a company that won't steal your stuff or try to gauge you with the price. You should find a company that will treat you and your belongings with respect and care.

There are several ways you can sort out the best company from the average company. The best companies will have a well-recognized reputation and track record.

When they meet with you analyze how they speak to you and present themselves. Appearances are not everything, but they do mean something.

Do They Behave In A Professional Manner?

You want a company that takes their job seriously. You do not want to hire a company that is careless and thoughtless about what they do.

How they dress is somewhat important. Remember they are workers, so they may not show up in a suit and tie. But, if they are clean and dressed professionally, it is a good sign.

Do they have clean trucks? This might seem picky, but if they keep their trucks in good condition it helps indicate that they are professional.

This means they have clean interiors and exteriors. Many work trucks will have the insignia and company number on the sides of their trucks. If the paint looks peeled or scraped off, this is a bad sign.

If they are a fraudulent company they are unlikely to have nice-looking trucks. And, they probably won't have contact information or licensing numbers on the sides either.

How Many Employees Do They Have And For How Long?

When you meet with them to discuss their quote ask them about their company. How many workers do they have? How long have they been in business?

If they have several employees this means they expanded their business. This is a good indicator that they have success at what they do. If their workers are there with the manager you might be able to ask how long they've worked there.

This isn't really a nail in the coffin, but if they have good employee retention it's a good sign. It means they are a decent company overall and legitimate.

If they have several years of experience then they are more likely to be more dependable. They have an established reputation that you cannot only verify but that they wish to preserve.

Ask about how they handle delicate items and pay attention to the details they give. This is an important aspect of the meeting for you to see how they deal with complicated situations.

Companies that have experience and reputations will be able to provide you with some details. Again, pay attention to the details.

Do They Ask For Money Upfront?

Most movers will not ask you for a deposit upfront. This is a sign that they trust their work and they are sure they won't disappoint.

But, they may ask for a small deposit to "seal the deal". This isn't uncommon. A red flag will be them asking for the money completely upfront or a large sum.

This is delving into tell-tale signs of a scam. Legitimate companies won't ask for a huge deposit because they know how to handle situations the legal way.

If they aren't paid they know that they have legal recourses they can go to. But, if a company is not licensed or is operating illegally, they do not want to go to the law for help.

So, if the company is trying to pressure you into a deposit upfront that is excessive, be cautious. Good companies wouldn't ask for this.

What Sort Of Tools Do They Have At Their Dispense?

Most well-to-do mover companies will have a good inventory. This is not to say that you should take a pen and paper and take an inventory of their resources.

But, if a moving company has a good revenue of trucks and tools of good quality then it could mean they are successful. This depends on the size of their company, but it is a useful indicator.

Moving companies usually have hand trucks, lifts for the tail of the truck, and other tools. Keep an eye out for these indicators and take note of them when choosing a company.

This is also important for you based on the items you need to have moved. You want to make sure the company has the proper resources available.

Are They Licensed And Official?

Last, do they have the appropriate licenses and insurance? They should have a proper licensing number from the Department of Transportation (DOT).

This number can be verified and is usually displayed on the outside of the work trucks.

You should always hire movers that have insurance. Especially for long-distance moves. The further the distance the more time there is for an accident or damage.

Make sure they are official. If they only have a P.O. Box for their mailing address, make sure you verify they are real.

The best way to make sure a company has all their paperwork filed and is official is to check. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a database where you can verify if a company is who they say they are.

The importance of insurance and licensing is to protect you and the company. If a company accidentally damages your goods it is easier for you to get compensated for this.

If you feel a company is not being honest with you, double-check their credentials. This is one of the best places to check to make sure they're not going to deceive you.

Which Long-Distance Moving Company Is Right For You?

Hiring a long-distance moving company is an excellent idea for saving time, effort, and money. A good moving company has all the tools and resources necessary to minimize the workload.

A lot of people think it's a better idea to do it themselves. They may think it's cheaper and they can handle it. But don't put yourself through the hassle for no reason.

State to State Moving Company will help you make your move quick and easy. Fully insured and licensed, they will keep your property safe. Email us for a quote and get to your new home with ease.