Seven known consumer  mistakes

 when choosing and working with

a moving company

1 - Consumers have no idea of the value of their belongings.  Households are charged according to the weight of their shipment, the value of the shipment, the distance shipped, and what extra services are required.  If you do not know what your household goods are worth and what they weight, how will you know if you are being charged correctly?

2 - Consumers found their movers on the internet instead of asking for referrals.  The federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin estimates that only about 1/3^rd of all internet moving brokers meet federal registration requirements.  That means that 2 out of 3 moving companies are operating outside the rules.  Yet, most people start their search for a mover online.  Yes, there are many reputable companies to be found online.  But, find your mover the old fashioned way:  ask for referrals.

3 - Consumers do not research the company they hire.  The moving industry is filled with rogue movers who will hijack your goods and hold them for ransom.  There are many fly by night operators who simply change their name when the claims and fines pile up.  There are companies with terrible safety records and lapses in insurance.

4 - Waiting until the last minute to book your move.  You should book your move at least 8 weeks in advance, 6 weeks at a minimum.

5 - Consumers do not get everything in writing.  The rule for a moving contract is this:  if it is not in writing, it did not happen.  Know what you are signing and what paperwork is needed.  Any changes to the original service order must be in writing.

6 - An issue on every damage claim:  check the mover’s inventory exception sheet thoroughly before signing it.  The inventory exception sheet is written in code, so make sure the codes are explained to you before you sign it. 

7 - Signing the delivery receipt before the truck is unloaded.  Signing the delivery receipt is an admission that all your goods were received in good condition.  You do not know that until the truck has been unloaded and everything has been inspected.