The first thing to remember when you are hiring is that you should never depend on a phone or online estimate. You should also avoid relying solely on a booklet that the company provides you. If you have any concerns, you should contact the American Trucking Association (ATA) or file a complaint with the ATA.
Avoid relying solely on a phone or online estimate
While it’s tempting to make a quick call to a prospective moving company and expect to get a price that’s as close as you can get, it’s better to scour the Internet for reputable companies that have a reputation for providing good service. This is especially true if you’re moving long distance, which means you have to take your time choosing a hauler.
To find the best mover, you’ll want to consider the state of your home and the location of your new residence. You should also look for a moving company that has a local presence. If possible, find out if the mover has a BBB rating, which could help ensure you don’t end up with a scam.
It’s not uncommon to find “movers” who don’t show up on time, or who rely on the old adage, “The best movers go to their competition.” To avoid the headaches associated with hiring unprofessional movers, be sure to ask plenty of questions.
You should also look at the bigger picture, including getting recommendations from friends, real estate agents, and online review sites. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees interstate movers, and you can check out their company database to see if a particular interstate mover is licensed.
Avoid relying on a booklet from a mover
When you’re shopping for a moving company, it pays to be educated. There’s no shame in reading online reviews or talking to friends and neighbors who have recently moved. But if you’re looking to move to another state, you’ll need to do some more legwork to ensure you get the best price.
Specifically, you should read the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) guide on a moving bill of lading. It contains all sorts of interesting tidbits about the process. From the most efficient way to load a truck to the tastiest foodstuffs thrown into the box, it’s full of tips and advice. Keeping this information on hand will give you an edge in the competitive moving game.
Of course, if you’re going to be moving cross-country, you’ll need a solid estimate. A good one should include the distance your shipment will travel, as well as the type of goods you’ll be shipping. And if you’re moving with a company that’s based out of a different state, you’ll need to find out the exact date the goods will be delivered.
Lastly, you’ll want to keep track of the company’s name and phone number. You’ll be needing them for anything from the signing of the contract to tracking down your shipment once it’s arrived.
Submit a complaint to the American Trucking Association
If you are unhappy with the way your interstate movers handle your belongings, there are a few things you can do. First, contact the moving company directly. However, if the company is unwilling to respond to your concerns, you can submit a complaint to the American Trucking Association.
The ATA is a trade association that represents thousands of trucking companies, local delivery services, and other transportation businesses. Its members must adhere to a code of ethics.
ATA offers a complaint arbitration program to help resolve disputes between customers and their movers. Disputes can arise over overcharges, damaged goods, delays in delivery, and more.
When you file a complaint, it is important to provide a lot of evidence. This can include receipts, images, recordings, and names of people involved. Once you have gathered all the necessary details, submit a complaint to the American Trucking association.
Alternatively, you can also file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA regulates the trucking industry and is a good place to start if you are unhappy with the company’s service.
Lastly, you can submit a complaint to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a consumer advocacy group that works with consumers to protect them from deceptive and unreliable businesses. You can file a complaint online or in person. They will then contact the carrier to discuss your complaint and give you an estimate of when you can expect a response.
