Moving can be a very stressful time in your life. Not only are you moving your family and your household goods from the home you are familiar with to a new unknown home, you may also be entrusting your household goods to complete strangers when you select a moving company. You do not know if the moving company will move your household items from your old home to your new home safely, intact, and whole. However, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that you will select a moving company that you can trust.

Before you select and hire a moving company to move your household goods, you should first obtain bids from several licensed moving companies (it is critical that you make sure that the moving company you seek a quote from is licensed). This allows you to narrow down your search based on the prices that they quote and the terms of the agreements that they want you to sign. In addition to obtaining quotes from moving companies, you should also ask for customer references. This way, you can contact the moving companies’ customers to determine the quality of service that they provide.

While you have the movers’ terms and conditions in hand, you should read in great detail these terms and conditions and compare and contrast them with the terms and conditions of the other moving companies. These terms and conditions will generally tell you what will happen when problems arise and what events would lead to additional charges.

Finally, you should find out if the moving company is willing to provide you with the driver’s cell phone number or if contact is provided through a dispatcher. This way you will know how to contact your driver if the need arises.

With the rise of foreclosure and people having to make a move to adapt to the new economic climate, relocation of one’s place of residence is becoming more and more a common avenue for a lot of people to survive.

All across the world, there are fresh news pouring about the proliferation of the scam movers who have been duping customers all over.

Most moving companies are working in a legitimate manner, however, there is a number of complaints against coast to coast moving companies that stems from the fraudulent practices of a small percentage of what’s called “rogue movers”.

Here’s A Few Pointers To Disclose A Would-Be Rogue Mover.

The Bail Hauling:

The rogue mover would simply wait until after all your property is hauled away to think of additional charges sometimes doubling or tripling the original quoted rate and unless you agree to pay this new price, the moving company would simply wait out until you agree to pay - sometimes this new rate even includes storage and maintenance fees incurred at their warehouse. There have been instances when possessions of certain people have been dumped in large warehouses and left to rot, until the customers have paid hefty amounts to regain their possessions.

Lower-Than-Average Estimated Quotes:

The Federal Agency that regulates “Interstate Moving” is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) of the US Department of Transportation. Because reputable trustworthy movers are expected to operate within some price boundaries, it is easier to notice when you are getting way below market rates for your move. This alone should be an indication that there is already something uneven when compared to the competition.

However, you wouldn’t know this fact if you don’t resource to getting moving quotes from these potential movers you are considering to hire. When you request that moving estimated be made during a “home visit” you are discouraging the rogue mover to participate in this bidding process because usually rogue movers operate by giving you oral estimates over the telephone.

Advanced Payment:

Don’t pay any deposit. A professional D.O.T. approved moving company would never ask for any fees up front. However, an unscrupulous moving company would require an up front fee as a sign of your moving commitment to their company which is totally an out- of-the-market practice.

Guard against Moving Brokers:

There are many people who have opted as brokers in the business of long distance moving. If you come across such people, especially on the Internet, just avoid them. This is because these brokers eventually pass your shipment to the movers who are themselves rogue movers and not the professional ones. For many other reasons, don’t allow your move to be auctioned off like this.

The “Bait And Trolling Recipe:

By law, interstate charges are based on the weight of your shipment which is usually done on a state-certified scale when the truck is empty and then when the truck is loaded with your property. The difference in weight is what you should be charged. A rogue mover would tell that the cubic feet of your good exceeds the original estimates to justify the inflated rate. Again either you pay this new price or your property is being held for ransom. Always ensure that your charges will be based on weight for any out of state move.

Bottom Line:

Keep in mind that from Memorial Day to Labor Day are the peak months when the movers are doing hundreds of moves nationwide. Most consumers prefers to move toward the end of the month so they can begin a new lease at the beginning of the following month.

Thus prices on these days will be higher as compared to other days. The fraudulent mover will never let you know the exact prices. Even if they will tell, they will ask for prices that are lower than the normal rates. Hence better be cautious. Do not get lured into cost-saving measures when moving your possessions.

Don’t fall victim to a rogue mover. When moving companies bid out for your move, you can get a better idea as to the market value of your relocation. When each moving company recognizes you’re a wise consumer, you can get the best rates, schedule, and incentives on moving supplies. Follow this links to learn more how to have a worry-free move.

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