Know your Moving Company

I watched a good report on one of the news shows the other night – it was about interstate moving company fraud. Moving interstate is a big deal, much different than moving between your own state or town. I did a little digging and this is what I came up with.

Last year some 6,000 complaints were filed by consumers who experienced some form of moving company fraud. This included items that were missing or damaged – in other complaints consumers reported that after signing a contract, the moving companies jacked up their prices and in some cases their possessions were held hostage until the extra money was paid.

Here are some telltale signs to watch out for when dealing with moving companies:

• Lateness – they don’t show up on time (in one complaint showing up 5 hours late)
• Can’t get in touch with them
• They show up in unmarked trucks or vans
• Dealing with a Brokering Agency
• Movers not keeping track of boxes

Here are some complaints from consumers once their move was in progress:

• The movers called saying they were delayed and there will be extra charges.
• Moving company calling saying household items are overweight there will be extra charges
• Possessions will go into storage if extra charges are not paid ( in one case after extra charges are paid owner got key to storage unit to find boxes damaged, crushed on purpose)
• When checking out boxes after them back there were no identifying stickers on them

Bottom line is to KNOW YOUR MOVERS – check their history and complaints against them. The more you know about your moving company, the better your move.

For the right information and key tips, contact the BBB (Better Business Bureau), use Google to find out if the company you’re paying will be moving you or will they contract out to someone else. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has great resources check them out.

And by all means, don’t sign a contract unless you know who you’re dealing with.

Good luck with your move, plan ahead and be safe!