Top 10 Tips On How To Choose The
Best Cross Country Movers For Your Move

Top 10 Tips On How To Choose The Best Cross Country Movers For Your Move

Moving across the country can be an exhilarating journey. With the right cross country movers, the experience can be one of trust and ease.

When the time comes to select a moving company, you want to know you’re hiring the best. To help you choose the best cross country movers for your move, and understand cross country movers pricing, check out these 10 tips that will give you the confidence to find reliable movers that come with a great reputation.

1. Should You Move Yourself Or Hire a Professional Cross Country Moving Company?

When determining whether to hire a moving company to transport your belongings cross country, or to move yourself, you first need to ask yourself some important questions:

• How much stuff are you moving?
• Who will do the heavy lifting?
• Who will drive your belongings?
• How much time will it take?

To help answer these questions, it’s a good idea to start researching the costs and logistics involved in both moving options. Once you have gathered enough information, you will have a better understanding of what each move entails and the associated costs. This will allow you to make an informed decision when deciding if you should move yourself, hire professional cross country movers, or use a combination of both moving options.

2. Research, Ask For Recommendations And Read Reviews Before Hiring Movers

Extensive research is vital when it comes to choosing the best cross country movers for your relocation. With such a large amount of moving companies to choose from, taking the time to research is the first step to selecting the best cross country movers for consideration. In addition to using an online search to find moving companies, recommendations and word of mouth from friends, colleagues or neighbors is another good way of finding professional, reliable moving companies.

Once you’ve narrowed your search and have a list of potential companies, the next step is to read their reviews. The internet is an excellent source for research where you can learn about moving companies and the moving industry. With sites like Yelp, Citysearch and Trustlink, you can gather a lot of knowledge and information. If any of the companies you are considering have a lot of reviews, either positive or negative, make sure to read and compare their reviews on other sites. The Better Business Bureau is a site that allows customers to check business ratings, read reviews and see if any complaints have been filed against any company. The mission of the BBB is to build greater trust between consumers and businesses.

During your research, ensure any long distance moving company you are considering has a professional website and confirm that they actually have a physical address where the offices and moving trucks are located. As a potential customer, you have the right to visit the office of any moving company you might be considering for your cross country move.

3. Is The Moving Company Licensed And Insured?

Any cross country moving company that is going to move you from state to state is required to have a unique USDOT (United States Department of Transport) license number. You can check if the license is valid by visiting USDOT - FMCSA, a public page to check license and insurance for any moving company. If the moving company you are considering does not have a license number, or is not insured, do not hire them to transport your belongings across the country.

If you are told that the moving company is licensed and insured, but you have not been given their USDOT number or insurance information, again, be wary of these companies. Any reputable long distance moving company will provide this necessary information. It should also be clearly visible on their website.

4. How Long Has The Company Been In Business?

Experience is gained over time. A moving company that has been in business for many years, and has a good record and reputation with its clients, is a company that knows how to stay competitive, while providing excellent service and meeting the needs of their customers.

5. Get Estimates

Once you have done your research and selected at least three reputable moving companies for consideration, you’re ready to contact them and begin receiving cross country moving pricing, which comes in the form of estimates. Depending on the size of your move, having an in home estimate is always recommended and the only way to receive an accurate quote. The best moving companies are able to offer guaranteed price quotes. It’s very important that you get your estimates in writing and they include any additional charges you will need to pay for. When possible, you want to know up front if there are going to be extra charges.

In some cases, unforeseen circumstances can arise leading to additional charges occurring. These could happen on the day of the move or once items are in transit. These extra charges will add to your final cross country moving cost. When you receive your estimates, make sure to read through them thoroughly to understand the companies policy regarding extra charges. Before you hire a cross country mover to transport your belongings, compare quotes with at least three reputable moving companies and choose the company that best suits your individual moving needs.

It's important not to choose a moving company based on the lowest estimate; in the long run it could end up costing you more. It’s also crucial to look at the level of professionalism you receive from the companies you are considering. This begins from your first contact all the way through to making your final decision on which company to hire. Did your estimator arrive on time? Return your call in a timely manner? Where all your questions answered? Did the estimator have questions for you? Have the company had previous experience with your type of move? How you feel is vital, you will be entrusting your belongings with this company.

6. Questions To Ask Cross Country Movers

Before you start to receive estimates from long distance movers, contact the cross country moving companies you are considering, either by phone, or by email and ask them some of these important questions.

• Are you licensed and insured?

  
  All cross country movers are required by law to be licensed and insured. Check with the USDOT - FMCSA to confirm company license and insurance numbers.
• Do you provide in home estimates?
  Depending on the size of your move, reputable moving companies are able to provide in home estimates, also referred to as an onsite.
• What type of estimates do you provide?
  There are three types of estimates within the moving industry: Non-binding, binding, and binding not to exceed. Understanding each will help you choose the right estimate for your move.
• Do you offer packing services?
  Most moving companies provide packing and unpacking services for an additional fee. If you will require this service, make sure it is possible and included in your quote.
• Do you use subcontractors?
  Many moving companies use subcontractors for interstate cross county moves. This means that your items will be transported, all or part of the way by a subcontractor, a company that does not work for the moving company you originally hired. If you are not comfortable with the use of subcontractors, it is best to hire a moving company that does not use subcontractors. If it’s not a problem, it’s advisable to check that any company hired as a subcontractor is licensed and insured.
• What kind of liability coverage does your company provide?
  Knowing that you have coverage should anything unforeseeable happen to your belongings while in transit is very reassuring. Reputable cross country movers are required to provide details of liability coverage. You also have the right to request to see the moving company’s proof of insurance.
• What happens if I need to file a claim?
  Should you need to file a claim due to items being damaged or missing upon delivery, its important to know the process of filing a claim, what information will be required, and that it will be resolved in a timely manner.
• How long does it take for items to be delivered?
  Delivery for a cross country move is typically between 1 – 2 weeks. This can of course depend on the time of year that you will be relocating. During summer, which is the busiest time of year for the moving industry, you can expect your items to take longer to be delivered, and arrive closer to the maximum timeframe of two weeks. During the quieter winter months, your belongings can arrive sooner than two weeks. Make sure to understand any differences in delivery timeframes between the moving companies you are considering, as these can vary considerably. Use a time frame calculator to calculate delivery times. Any company that promises to deliver your items in a very short, unrealistic timeframe should be avoided. Remember, truck drivers are legally only able to drive for a maximum number of hours per day.
• Do you provide storage?
  There are a lot of moving companies that provide storage. Short-term storage, up to three months is very common and is called, Storage in Transit (SIT). Long term storage is also an option with a lot of moving companies. Many cross country movers offer free storage for a certain amount of time, usually 30 days.
• Are there added fees?
  Knowing if there are added fees is very important when calculating how much cross country movers cost. If you will be required to pay extra due to any unforeseeable circumstances, or request extra services, you want to be prepared financially. Any extra service performed, will be charged as an additional fee.
• How do you protect my items and prevent property damage?
  Reputable cross country movers take all measures to ensure your items do not get damaged while in transit. This is achieved by following standard guidelines when it comes to packing and protecting furniture. It is also extremely important that items are maneuvered safely through your home to prevent damage to both the furniture and the home. Moving companies are experienced and have access to tools and equipment for any unforeseen situations.
• Can you provide references?
  Any trustworthy moving company will be happy to provide references. Often, satisfied customers are happy to be contacted to answer questions and provide testimonials.

7. Does The Moving Company/Estimator Have Any Questions For You?

The moving company should also be asking you questions, to better understand your move and how they can provide the best service possible. Each move has unique needs, and the moving company needs to be aware of all the small details to ensure they can perform all aspects of the move, provide you with the most accurate quote, and that your items are delivered as expected.

8. Know The Lingo

There are many terms used within the moving industry to describe some of the services and fees. Knowing the terminology can be invaluable, especially when looking over the details of your estimate and during the different stages of the move.

9. Avoid Rouge Movers And Scams

As the moving industry continues to grow every year, so does the number of moving companies. Most cross country movers are legitimate, and this can be confirmed with some simple research. However, there are unfortunately some moving companies that are not legitimate and trustworthy, due to this, moving scams can at times happen. To avoid rogue movers, research thoroughly and make sure to know what to look out for. Some things to pay attention to are:

• Never sign the bill of lading or any other documents if they have been left blank. Reputable moving companies will never ask you to sign a blank document.
• Being asked to pay large deposits.
• If the moving company refuses to provide an in home estimate, above a certain size.

10. Know Your Rights Before Hiring Cross Country Movers

Moving company are required to provide you with a booklet: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. It is issued by the US department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to protect consumers and provide knowledge about your rights when hiring household goods movers, and the regulations for interstate cross country moves.

After applying these top 10 tips on how to choose the best cross country movers for your move, you’re sure to have done thorough research and hired one of the best moving companies to transport your belongings!