While every moving company is different, most offer similar services. This article will discuss things all good moving company should do.
Full-service movers are trained to pack your belongings, including fragile and valuable items expertly. They can also disassemble and reassemble large pieces of furniture as needed.
Some movers provide guaranteed pickup and delivery dates in exchange for higher minimum shipment weight charges. Ask your moving company about these extra options before signing a contract.
Anyone can buy a truck and call themselves movers, but only those who are licensed and insured have the legal right to protect your belongings. A reputable moving company will display its license number on its website or in its advertising. They also have to carry a bond to ensure that they will pay you back in the event of loss or damage caused by their employees.
You can check whether a moving company is insured by looking for their DOT number, which is required for companies that transport goods across state lines. Most movers will have this on their websites, while some may volunteer it upon request. You can then search the number on the FMCSA website to verify that they are legitimate.
If a moving company does not have a DOT number, you should be cautious as they might be operating illegally. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines national regulations for interstate moves, and they can face hefty fines for not complying with these rules. A professional moving company like Scanio should have liability insurance that covers your items during the move.
The amount of coverage depends on the size of your relocation and the type of services you need. For example, a small move may only require packing and loading assistance, while a larger move might need additional services such as furniture disassembly and assembly. Choosing the right amount of coverage will help you avoid paying extra for services that you don’t need.
In addition to the ICC and FMCSA requirements, professional movers must hold general liability insurance. This insurance policy covers damages to your belongings caused by the movers during transportation, as well as any injuries that the movers may incur while working on your relocation. Typically, this insurance is charged at $0.60 per pound of your total shipment weight.
A reputable moving company will have a clear and transparent pricing structure. They should also provide you with a contract detailing the terms of service, including any costs that are not covered by the insurance. This will ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to the final bill.
Experienced
A moving company that has been around for a few years is likely to have experience in both residential and commercial moves. This means they are likely to have the necessary tools and trucks to move a large quantity of items in a short period of time. They are also likely to have a solid track record as far as being on time and keeping rates fair. Choosing a more experienced company is always a good idea.
One of the best ways to find a reputable moving company is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also check online reviews to see how past customers have rated the service. Another thing to consider is whether or not the moving company offers shipment tracking. This can be a huge relief during a stressful move, as you will know when your items will arrive.
Many moving companies also have processes in place to follow up with their clients after the move is complete. This helps them stay top of mind and increase repeat business. For example, they might send an email asking for a review two weeks after the move, followed by a call to see if there is anything else they can help with a month later.
When looking for a moving company, you want to make sure they have the right size trucks for your needs. You also want to ensure they have a wide range of services, including packing and storage. Many companies offer discounts for their long-term clients and can save you money on the cost of moving.
You should also check whether the moving company is a broker or carrier. Brokers work with multiple moving companies and are often less expensive than carriers. However, they may not be as dependable.
Lastly, you should read the contract carefully. It is important to understand what services are included and what they cost, as well as what their cancellation policy is. It is also essential to understand their payment methods and how they handle damages and losses. If there are any misunderstandings, it is better to resolve them before they escalate.
Offer Additional Services
An established moving company can offer a host of other services to help make your move easier. These are called ancillary services and can include a range of packing and crating options, furniture servicing and appliance disassembly. For those with delicate pieces of art or other valuable items, they can provide custom packaging that ensures these treasured items are protected.
Another important service is house surveying. A qualified inspector can visit the residence prior to moving day and evaluate items for proper transport. They will then prepare an itemized inspection report and a financial estimate. The amount charged will be based on the total weight of the shipment and the distance to be traveled.
If a full-service move is chosen, an additional fee will be charged for packing. Trained packers can get the job done quickly and safely. A good packing service can reduce the stress of the move for you and your family by eliminating a significant part of your moving to-do list.
During the packing process, movers will wrap and secure items for transportation. They will also dispose of any used packing materials. For more expensive items, movers will crate them for added protection and security. Crates can be made from a wide variety of materials. For example, wood crates can be designed to accommodate specific artwork or antiques. In addition, they can be padded and wrapped to protect against vibration.
In addition to the basic services, a good moving company will offer additional options like shuttle service and storage-in-transit (SIT). Shuttle service uses a smaller vehicle to transport items between the house and the truck. This service is often necessary when a new home isn’t ready for the movers to load up and deliver. SIT is a temporary storage solution that can be offered for up to 90 days for an additional charge.
When choosing a moving company, you should ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors who have recently moved. This is a great way to gain detailed insights into the company’s professionalism and efficiency. They can also share their experience with a particular mover and any challenges that came up.
Customer Service
One of the most important factors in choosing a moving company is the level of customer service provided. Whether it’s the person answering the phone or movers showing up at the door, customers want to know that their move is being handled by people who care. This can be conveyed through great customer service and a sense of professionalism, which is especially important when dealing with customers during one of the most stressful times in their lives.
This type of customer service includes listening well to what a customer is saying and understanding their needs. It also involves providing information in a clear manner and explaining things in a way that is easy to understand. Having good customer service skills is essential for any business, but it’s particularly important in the moving industry where customers are often stressed out and worried about their move.
Another aspect of customer service is treating a client with respect and dignity. This is essential in the moving industry, as many items are costly and hold sentimental value. People are looking for a company that will treat their belongings with care and respect, and that will do whatever it takes to ensure they’re satisfied with the move.
If a moving company doesn’t treat their clients with respect and dignity, they can risk losing business. In addition to being exposed through social media, unhappy customers can also file complaints with the FMCSA and other professional associations that govern the transportation of household goods.
Lastly, good customer service means being active in the community and supporting local causes. This can help a moving company build its reputation and attract new customers. It can also help them develop a rapport with the locals and make them feel comfortable when hiring them for their next move.
It’s important to take the time to choose a reputable moving company that is licensed and insured. It’s also a good idea to check their online reviews and references to ensure they have a solid reputation and won’t scam you. Additionally, it’s a good idea to get recommendations from friends and family members who have used a particular moving company.
