A moving company helps individuals and families move from one location to another, often across state lines. They can provide full-service moves, which include packing and coordinating, or self-service moves that allow customers to pack their own boxes. Some moving companies are national, while others operate locally or regionally. They may use standard moving vans or containerized trucks for international or long-distance moves.
Finding the right moving company can save you time and money in the long run. While price is a factor, it’s important to find a company with a strong reputation for customer service moving company in Texas and professionalism. A good place to start is by looking at online reviews, or asking friends and family members for recommendations. You should also do a search of the company’s licensing status and any complaints or lawsuits filed against it.
Once you have a list of potential movers, reach out to each one for more information. Some companies offer instant quotes on their websites, while others will ask to visit your home and perform an inventory of your belongings before giving you a quote. Ensure that the company is licensed to operate in your state and that its insurance is up to date. It is also important to note whether a moving company’s quote is binding or nonbinding. A nonbinding estimate stipulates that the mover will not exceed the total cost of your shipment unless you agree to extra services or costs that were not outlined in the original quote.
The Better Business Bureau offers a free tool that lets you see how other customers have experienced a moving company. This can help you decide whether or not the company is a good fit for your move. You can also look at a moving company’s USDOT and MC numbers to determine its licensing status. Companies licensed as carriers directly handle all moves they book, while those that are brokers may contract out the work to other companies.
Make sure that the moving company accepts your preferred payment method and schedule. You also want to be aware of any deposit requirements. Most reputable companies will not require more than 20 percent of your estimated total, and some will not demand any payment until your items have been delivered to the new location. Michael recommends putting any deposits or payments on a credit card so that you can dispute the charge in case of fraud.
If you are planning an interstate move, it’s also a good idea to check that your mover is properly licensed. The federal government’s website allows you to search for the USDOT number of any moving company and see if there are any violations listed. For intrastate moves, licensing requirements are typically on a state-by-state basis, and you can verify licenses by searching for a mover’s MC or DOT number. The website of your local or state transportation department should also have this information.