If you are thinking of hiring a moving company to move your belongings, you should carefully research the options available to you. You should know the differences between self-service moving with a broker. You can also learn about the various state laws regulating moving companies. Listed below are some things to look for in a moving company.
Self-service moving
Self-service moving is a great choice for homeowners moving companies London Ontario who don’t need full-service movers. These companies drive a truck to your new home and load and unload your household goods. Your job is to unpack your belongings once the truck reaches your new home. This moving option is perfect for people who are worried about driving a big truck.
Self-service moving is an affordable alternative to full-service movers. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to pay full-service movers, but don’t have time to move themselves. Self-service movers offer the benefit of not having to pay for a truck rental, worry about driving it in unfamiliar neighborhoods, and fill up expensive gas tanks.
Self-service moving with a broker
A broker is a middleman between you and the moving company. This means that a broker will arrange for the transportation of your goods and will sell it to moving companies. However, a broker does not own any moving trucks or professional movers. A broker must use an FMCSA-registered moving company to move your items across state lines.
Self-service moving services are available at a variety of prices. Some are cheaper than others, so it’s important to compare pricing. Prices may differ by size of move and special item handling. Also, insurance policies vary. For example, a full-value protection policy is more expensive than a minimal one. Many companies will conduct a walkthrough of your home before quoting you a price. While virtual walkthroughs are becoming more common, an in-person walkthrough is the best way to get an accurate quote for your moving needs.
Brokers
Moving company brokers are a middleman between you and the actual moving company. These individuals do not own trucks or other equipment, and they are essentially salespeople. You never know who will show up, and there is no way to know if they are insured or licensed. These companies do not have a brick and mortar location, so their services are not as reputable as the moving companies themselves.
Brokers are not as knowledgeable as moving companies, and they cannot provide discounts. They also often operate from call centers hundreds of miles away from your new home, so it’s important to do your homework before committing to a broker. Before signing a contract with a broker, make sure to check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and the FMCSA.
State laws governing moving companies
State laws governing moving companies vary from state to state. Some apply to local moves and some to interstate moves. These laws are meant to protect the public from unscrupulous movers and their practices. Most states require moving companies to have a license before they can move people. Check with your state’s Department of Transportation to see what laws apply to your move.
In some states, movers must provide a written agreement for transporting your goods. It is essential to review these documents before hiring a moving company. Many states have special laws regarding moving household goods. Most of them require that movers have special licenses to move household goods.
Red flags to avoid
When choosing a moving company, there are a few red flags to look for. One of these is a company that wants to ask for a large deposit up front. This is a clear sign that you should avoid working with them. Most reputable companies will only ask for a small deposit, which should be a fraction of the total price. However, if a moving company asks for a deposit that exceeds 25% of the total price, you should look for another company to work with.
Another sign to look for is a company’s complaint history. Check for complaints on the BBB and the FMCSA. While some moving companies may be genuine, others may not be. You should also check for unmarked trucks, as this is an indication of rogue movers.