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Posts Tagged ‘binding estimate’

Protect yourself from moving fraud

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Question

Can you suggest a good moving company in or near Savannah, GA? Our last move was a disaster. Without getting into too many details, I’m afraid to get scammed again. We’re moving again in a few months to Exeter, NH, and I need to find a company. We have a lot of really very heavy furniture, so moving ourselves and renting a truck just isn’t an option. I have found some companies through internet searches, but I am really looking for personal recommendations. Thank you very much. Barbara

Answer

We won’t be able to give you any specific recommendations. If you can’t get any referrals from anyone you know, the internet would be an easy place to look for one.

To minimize your risks, you should verify the licensing and insurance of moving companies on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Follow this Link. Once on the website, you will need to click on “Licensing and Insurance” under FMCSA searches. You will then need to provide name and location of the company or its license numbers (can be found on web sites or quotes).

You can also check for membership with moving associations (although for itself it does not necessary guaranty that the company is fully licensed), and make sure you do get everything in writing, including the “Rights and responsibilities” booklet (the booklet can be found on and printed from the FMCSA website or downloaded as PDF version from their site). It explains the interstate moving process, charges and regulations.
For the booklet and additional consumer information (including tips on how to Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Protect Your Move website.


* Movers Needs is not responsible nor guarantee the accuracy of any question, answer, comment or content. Go to terms page for full Disclaimer.

Getting an accurate estimate

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Question

What’s the best way to get an accurate estimate? I know sometimes people are given quotes and then it ends up being much more because of extra charges and hidden fees. How can I avoid this? Thanks. Rebecca.

Answer

You didn’t mention if you are planning an intrastate or interstate relocation (local or long-distance). In any case, get an onsite estimate- have the mover come to do a walk-through in your home. That way the mover can actually see what you need to pack, move, the access to your place, etc. The estimate will be more accurate. Also, keep in mind, on any interstate relocation movers have to do an onsite estimate unless waived in writing by you. You can also request a binding estimate (which means you are to pay the quoted amount, whether your shipment weighs more or less than the estimate, or on local move, takes more or less hours than the estimate), or a not-to-exceed estimate (which means that you will pay for either the actual weight/time or the estimate, whichever is less). Keep in mind though, that the mover can revise an original binding estimate at origin or bill you for additional items or services that you request or require.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any additional advice or clarifications. For additional consumer information please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Protect Your Move website.

* Movers Needs is not responsible nor guarantee the accuracy of any question, answer, comment or content. Go to terms page for full Disclaimer.

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