How to Choose an Interstate Moving Company

Moving just a few blocks away can be a pain. Moving a few states away is an even bigger ordeal. Your first task is choosing the right interstate moving company for you. All you need is some preparation, patience and these steps for choosing an interstate moving company. Once you choose an interstate moving company, you can then move onto the fun stuff--packing!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to friends or colleagues who also have moved across state lines recently. Their recommendations for interstate moving companies could help steer you in the right direction.

2. Compare the quotes of at least three interstate moving companies. Make sure the quotes from these companies are final and do not include any hidden costs. Beware of interstate moving companies that only allow cash payment; you should not do business with them.

3. Check the Better Business Bureau website for customer satisfaction records. If an interstate moving company has a number of unresolved complaints, take your business elsewhere.

4. Verify the interstate moving company's U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Visit the FMCSA to confirm these items; if the mover does not have a USDOT number or its status with the FMCSA is pending, do not do business with the mover.

5. Clarify the interstate moving company's responsibility regarding damages in the event something happens to your belongings. Go elsewhere if its claims policy is vague or nonexistent.

6. Make sure you can contact the mover before, during and after the move. If an interstate moving company does not provide all of this information, do not give it your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Deal with the moving companies directly. Do not give your business to brokers, who sell jobs to the highest bidding movers and are not liable for anything that happens after they have struck their deals with customers like you.
• Realize that several local movers may get involved in your interstate move. Some bigger interstate moving companies divide their business among smaller movers.
• Always ask questions if you don't understand something. It's your right to inquire about anything regarding your move that is unclear to you.
• Insure your belongings before your move. This safeguards against any issues you may have with your moving company regarding damages to your items later.
• When you have decided on a mover, get the deal in writing.

Resources

• Get customer satisfaction records and more at the Better Business Bureau homepage.
• Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website for information regarding large trucks and buses.

[movingquotes]

on 3/6/2009 This is a good tip. I would recommend also to do some basic research about the moving company online. The actual syntax on how to do that can be found on this webpage: http://www.movingcompanyquotes.blogspot.comBest of lock choosing the right moving company.