20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

When it comes to a Pittsburgh long distance moving company, it may feel intimidating. However, there are several ways to ensure you're making the best choice for your needs. You can simplify by asking 4 very important questions and following some practical advice when choosing your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these four important questions before you hire them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for an upfront payment prior to your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a brick and mortar location (and not just a PO Box) on its website?
• Does the company list licensing info on its site, such as their DOT number?
• What is the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and are they certified with AMSA?

If the answer to any question above is no, then you could be dealing with an unscrupulous company, or be falling victim to some other type of moving scam.

The following is an outline of the steps to take to ensure you make the right move when choosing between moving companies.

Where to start

• Begin your search for a long-distance mover by asking your friends, family, and business associates] about Pittsburgh movers they have used and liked.
• Contact a real estate agent you trust to find a minimum of 3 moving companies that have actual brick-and-mortar locations in Pittsburgh.
• If you are using a phone book, remember—just because a long-distance mover has a full-page ad does not necessarily mean it is reputable.
• Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential moving companies, contact the companies via phone to get the official company name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and Department of Transportation / MC license numbers.
• Go to the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety ratings, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer associations in Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania.

Getting estimates

 

• You need to set up either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided without cost. A reliable long distance moving company WILL NOT give you a quote via a phone call, or without evaluating your possessions, house, and transportation logistics.
• Don’t rely on a quote provided without seeing the items over the telephone or via email. When moving across state lines, your charge is based on the weight of your shipment, and the distance between your old and new location. You are better off speaking directly with the mover’s representative to to be certain that you both understand the scope of the work.
• During a virtual evaluation, be sure to show the estimator everything that needs to be moved. Don’t forget about belongings in the cellar, or the major pieces of furniture you have sent away for fixing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. The representative should also ask you questions – about your new home, the schedule of your move, etc..
• Ask about “valuation” plans. Valuation gives protection from theft to your possessions. The valuation plan you choose sets the basis upon which any dispute will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. The liability of a mover for loss or damage is based upon the mover’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and omissions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.
• Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than the rest. "Deceptively low" price quotes could result in inferior service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "raise" the price in a "bait and switch" moving scheme. Some "unscrupulous" movers are known to take household goods "hostage" and demand exorbitant fees before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are numerous quality branded van lines in Pittsburgh to choose from. If you have never heard of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no references from friends or business affiliates, be very careful! Don’t be swayed by a cheap rate from an unknown firm; remember, you are placing faith in your mover with nearly all of your personal possessions.
• When considering a moving service, you should consider the attentiveness of your sales representative is. Do you have confidence that the salesperson will be there to help you through the planning process? Are they able to provide the names and information of additional support employees such as a customer service agent?
• If you're in the market for a mover, it's a good idea to stop by the mover’s warehouse. This will give you a sense of their level of quality and professionalism. It's crucial to choose a service provider that meets the level of quality and professionalism you expect.
• Long distance moving companies are required by law to provide you with a digital copy, or provide it on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110% Rule” is explained. The rule states that under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus ten percent more, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110% amount within the following 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least four to six weeks before the moving date. If at all possible, try not to move during “peak” times.
• All year long, the end of the month is a busy time for movers, because of the expiration of leases and preferred closing dates.
• During summer – May to mid-September, when children are out of school, are “peak season” for movers. Schedule summer moves as far in advance as possible…and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates. Peak periods moves should be planned at least six to eight weeks in advance to make sure the dates you’re looking for are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, many consumers will fall victim to dishonest movers this year. Fortunately, there is an organization called MoveRescue available to help. Those who feel they may have been tricked should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Homeowners who call this number will talk to a specialist who will assess the situation and lead the caller through the appropriate procedures. MoveRescue, which is supported by a network of legal firms throughout the United States, and supported by top van lines, serves as a hub for people who need legal help or fraud awareness resources. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for items being held by rogue movers.

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