If you are thinking about relocating or moving your stuff from one place to another, a professional moving service is what you need. There are two different types of moving services; brokers and carriers. A moving broker service has a license to book and coordinate shipments while a moving carrier owns trucks and handles the shipment itself. In case of a broker service you will be charge for a fee for relocation, handling logistics and also customer services whereas with a carrier you do not have to pay for sales and marketing but you might face fewer delivery date options.
Types of movers
Long-distance movers
These movers move your stuff from long distances such as from one to state to another within a country. These movers have different rates depending upon various factors like the number of items required to be moved, time of delivery and the distance. Long-distance movers need to have licenses for moving items from different areas.
Local movers
These kinds of movers become an option when you need to move items to a defined local area. They often charge an hourly rate.
Corporate movers
These companies come handy when you need to move entire businesses. They specialize in moving large number of item and they make sure that the turnaround times are quick.
International movers
These kinds of movers help people, families and corporations to move their belongings overseas. With the international movers you do not need to worry about immigration issues or handling of customs.
How to find moving services
In the year 2012, the Better Business Bureau received over seven thousand complaints about movers within the United States. So, you can understand how important it is to choose the right moving company for your transition. No need to worry, we are here to help. Here’s some tips as to how you can find the best moving services.
- Get Referrals
When you are looking for a good moving service, the best way can be to find a referral from your friends, family, coworkers or your neighbors. Also some real estate agents can prove to be of help when you are trying to find a referral. Another way is to browse the internet and get quotes from movers through Moving.com’s Find a Mover service.
- Follow the Rule of Threes
The rule of thumb here is that you should not settle for the very first estimate you get. Select at least three companies and get an in-person estimate from all three of them. No company would be able to get a thorough estimate until they see your stuff. But an in-person estimate will allow you to select the best out of three.
- Watch Out for Red Flags
Another thing to keep in mind while receiving an estimate is to watch out for red flags. If a mover asks for a cash deposit before your move, they might not be running a legit business as most reputable moving companies won’t ask for an advance cash deposit. Also note the professionalism of the movers while you are getting estimates from them. If they do not seem sure of their abilities you better stay away from them.
- Make Sure the Mover Is Licensed and Insured
Every licensed interstate mover must have a U.S.DOT number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Make sure to verify the moving company’s license through the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov site and also request the company’s U.S. DOT number if you are moving out of state. This will help you if you have to file a claim against the company later.
- Check With the Better Business Bureau
You can also track the record of the moving company on the BBB, online. Stick with moving companies that have a good rating.
- Ask About Professional Accreditation
Moving companies carrying the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover logo are approved. You can directly check that from the American Moving and Storage Association’s Moving.org site.
- Verify the Address
The last step is to make sure that the moving company’s address is listed and registered under the company names.
Top Rated Movers
American Van Lines
Type of moves: Out-of-state, commercial, corporate, military
Broker/carrier: Carrier
Additional services: Storage, packing and crating
American Van Lines specializes in moving items that are fragile and of high value. They have different types of long-distance mover services such as residential, business and military customers. Also they provide the facility of flat rate pricing for their customers. There vans have a plus point of having air-ride suspension. To secure your move you need to pay an upfront deposit.
Customers reviews:
- Quick communication with the customers
- Highly professional
- Helpful and well-informed staff
- Responsive and proactive moving coordinators
Colonial Van Lines
Type of moves: Long-distance, corporate, cross-country
Broker/carrier: Both
Additional services: Storage, packing services
Colonial Van Lines is a well-known company which handles around 19000 moves per year. This makes this mover service a highly experienced one. It provides the facilities of climate-controlled storage options, different packing options for your items and accommodation of last-minute moves as it has a large fleet of vans. To confirm your move you need to make a deposit. When requesting a quote you have to ensure that you list all the items you need to moves so that the estimate does not differ afterwards.
Customers reviews:
- Better communication and responsiveness
- Attention to detail.
- Moves exceeded expectations
- Pleasantly surprised many customers
- Willingness to acknowledge mistakes and right wrongs
BMS Bold Moving and Storage
Type of moves: Long-distance
Broker/carrier: Carrier
Additional services: Packing and unpacking, storage, cleaning, auto transport
Bold provides moving services out of the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. This moving service offers residential and commercial/corporate moves. With this company you have many options such as a full-service option where you do not to worry about packing, cleaning your old place, storage and unpacking. All of this will be handled by the employees of this company. Like the above two companies, it requires a deposit to confirm moving dates.
Customers reviews:
- Professional movers
- Careful and personable
- Prompt and clear communication
- Stress-free experience
References
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/moving-services-industry/
