Making a long-distance move is a stressful process. It requires a lot of work and patience from your side. But not all of it has to be hard and painful, though. It can also be refreshing and a new experience. Doing it alone, however, is not an easy task, so some professional help comes a long way. Before you start, though, preparation is key. In those terms, it is often good to ask your movers questions before you start engaging in this task. In this article, we will discuss some of the most prominent questions to ask your long-distance movers before the relocation.
One of the questions to ask your long-distance movers is whether they are brokers or carriers
One of the first questions to ask your moving company is if they are a broker or a carrier. Being a broker moving company means that they outsource their information to a system of moving companies. In return, you can expect to be given a lower price than when engaging the carriers’ services. This is due to the number of moving companies that are currently bidding on your job. This can also have some cons, in terms that when starting to move, you can encounter a moving company that you have never talked to or heard of before. As a broker does all the work, more often than not, you can encounter a miscommunication problem along the way. On the other hand, carrier companies have their own staff that handles your belongings. This can be crucial information so you can know how to prepare for the movers. Though not cheap as a broker or hybrid company, they are consistent. Before you opt-in for a specific moving company, make sure to know what type they are in the first place.
Is your long-distance mover licensed through the FMCSA?
One of the most important questions to pose before starting the moving process is whether the long-distance mover company has an FMCSA license. To put it short, having an FMCSA license means that the moving company is accredited. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a government agency that regulates commercial vehicle operations to guarantee safety for companies and consumers alike. This does not, however, mean that those companies will give you a fair price or a good quality service. Having an FMCSA approved moving company shows that they are not a scam, which you can always check with the MC # and its U.S. DOT # in the FMCSA database. Hiring a reputable company lowers your chances of being involved in a scam.
Does the long-distance mover cover all you need?
Can you help me move my stuff from the attic? Can you help me move my prized possessions such as paintings and clocks, or help me pack fragile items? These are all the different types of services a mover company may offer and questions to ask your long-distance movers before relocating. Although they all have a price menu for different services, not all of them will accept moving everything. It is crucial to know what can or can’t be moved and at what price, before starting the moving process. Typically, these are the types of services they provide:
- Packing
- Crating
- Loading and unloading
- Storage
- Shipping
- Furniture disassembly and assembly
Some companies don’t cover everything on this list, so it is very important to hire a company that can satisfy your needs. Be sure to check it out before committing to a single one.
An excellent question to ask your long-distance movers is about coverage options
Coverage options are very important. Moving coverages represent a safety service and a guarantee for your belongings. This insurance-like service can guarantee to give your money back if an accident occurs during moving. All the moving companies must provide basic liability coverage free of charge. This basic package protects and insures your belongings for an additional cost depending on the type of move you’re making. Different companies have different coverage options, and some even offer their own, custom-made ones. If you are looking for the best protection there is on the market, then full-value protection is for you. This option means you will be offered the full value of the item in case of an accident. This option, however, is expensive, and not all the companies have it. Choosing reliable cross-country movers that suit your needs and have the coverage options you desire is very important.
Alt-tag: A pile of one-dollar bills
Ask your movers about the cost
The cost of long-distance moving can greatly affect your ability to move. This can be one of the most crucial questions to ask your long-distance mover. Before even starting the move phase, knowing how much this endeavor will cost you is paramount. Most of the time, these factors determine the cost of your move:
- Shipping distance
- Shipping weight
- Labor rates
- Season
Other factors can contribute as well, but they mostly depend on the company in question. When thinking of costs to consider when moving long distance, make sure to account for these beforehand. The most logical course of action is to ask your moving company for quotes. Having an overview of the whole process can greatly help you out. It can also save you time and money in the long run.
Why should I choose your moving company?
What sets apart one good moving company from another is its ability to tackle various items to move. Let’s be honest, there are as many different types of items involved as there are different movers. Choosing the right company that suits your needs is the way to go. Knowing if you can or can’t count on said company to move your possessions can be crucial. What separates a good company from a bad one is the ability to be flexible and cooperate. Having good communication means spending less time and money on hidden fees. Asking a company ”Why should I choose you?” is hard, but it can yield many benefits. This is a good question to ask your long-distance movers. Most importantly, depending on the answer, you will be sure if that particular long-distance moving company is the right one for you and your needs.
Choosing a suitable long-distance moving company can be a tough process. We have discussed some of the most prominent questions to ask your long-distance movers before relocating. Use them when engaging in this hard process. It is important not to be afraid to ask questions that can benefit your cause. This is a sure way to be prepared for the journey ahead and to be successful in it.