In the US today, moving companies are copious. So, no matter where you are, finding one to cater to your relocation needs will be a breeze. However, the multiplying nature of transport companies in America means everyone is prone to rogue movers who extort you in the guise of rendering professional shipping aid. 

If you are looking for long-distance moving companies near me to help with your next big relocation, you should learn how to choose a removal company. 

1. Find Reputable Movers Via Referrals

Even the smartest person may fall prey to rogue shippers. So, the best way to avoid moving scams is to seek recommendations. Referrals play a vital role in assuring you of the value people bring to the table. Contact people you can trust, from your intimate household to neighbors, friends, co-workers, and other loved ones, to provide essential information on any shipping company they know that can deliver rightly. 

2. Choose Three Different Companies

One of our best working strategies on how to choose the right moving company is to stick with three contractors. 

Every company differs in the services offered, pricing, insurance, and even professionalism. Choosing one single firm means when their price, conducts, services, and valuation covers don’t meet up to your expectations, you begin from square one to search for more shippers. 

When you get three contacts on your list, you avoid this stressful search process since you have three different offers you can choose from. 

3. Be Alert for Rogue Moves

As mentioned earlier, rogue shippers are real. It’s rare you even spot them on the first meeting. So, to ensure you aren’t working with rip-offs. Watch out for malicious conduct like:

 - Request for hefty upfronts
 - Offering estimates without the necessary information
 - Offering impossible low pricing
 - Refusal to disclose hidden fees
 - Frequent name switch
 - Asking to sign a blank contract
 - Withholding information on insurance

4. Verify Insurance and License Status

A good moving company must be insured and licensed by the state government. The state dictates this law to limit the level of rogue activities. So, before you hire shippers, be sure that the FMSCA legally recognize them. 

Also, consider the type of insurance they offer. Some shippers will offer binding estimates, non-binding and non-binding to exceed quotes. As much as possible, avoid the guaranteed or binding quote because it may mess up your finances. Any moving services that fail to offer a valuation cover are likely rip-offs. So, don’t sign a contract with them. 

5. Find Trusted Sites to Know More About the Company’s Track Record

The internet is a space where computer geniuses can gain access to any information they need and even tamper with it. While you can't put 100% trust in reviews on the company's website, you can contact other organizations like the better business bureau to get information on the company. 

The BBB provides many consumers, especially those considering relocation data on the company’s ratings, reviews, complaints lodged by past clients, and other essential information needed to satisfy your curiosity about their reliability. 

6. Check Professional Certifications

Verifying their accreditation status is a good strategy because it lets you know about the shipper's professional experience. Still, accreditations aren’t something shippers will often willingly provide because they know you decide whether to choose them or not with it. So, instead of directing asking them, look for signs and stickers belonging to one of these certification bodies:

 - Associated Moving Companies (AMC)
 - American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
 - American Furniture Movers (AFM)
 - International Association of Movers (IAM)

These associations make up the framework of the US shipping company. So, any organization posing as shipping contractors without membership stickers, logos, or certificates from these associations may not be reliable.  

7. Confirm the Address They provide is Reliable

Rogue movers are rampant in the United States. To cover their tracks, they often change names, phone contact, and even their physical location. Before signing any contract with them, visit their official corporate address. Also, ask people around to know if they've been operational in the environment for long. 

8. Request Estimates

Once you are satisfied with the information you’ve gotten so far, from their insurance to license, accreditation, reviews, and referrals, ask each company to send an estimate. Too-good-to-be-true estimates are a red flag. So, skip their estimate and study the rest. On the other hand, a company that offers estimates without doing a walk-through or taking in-person inventory of your home may not be reliable. Dependable estimates are those that factor in your special needs by taking an onsite tour of your home. 

9. Get Every Agreement Written

You don't want a situation where the company agrees on one term but renegades on it halfway through the contract. To avoid this, it’s always best to get the terms and conditions, from extra charges to hourly price, stated clearly in writing. 

10. Choose Who You Need 

Learning how to choose a long-distance moving company will make it easy to find the experts you need for your primary and special needs. 

 - Do you want to transport a piano?
 - Have you gotten any packing materials?
 - Will you require a large or small truck for your homewares? 
 - Do you need temporary storage for some items?

Every relocation firm won't offer these services. So, to get the best value worth your money, ask these questions and more (if any) to each moving contractor you’re considering so you can make the best pick. 

Conclusion

Whether you're considering a local or far-distance move, learning how to choose movers is no easy task.  Hopefully, with this guide on how to pick a good moving company, you’ll find it easy to hire the best relocation services that meet your needs and won’t keep you on your toes.

 

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