Planning a long distance relocation? Make sure to ask these 5 essential questions of any long distance moving services first about costs, insurance, timelines and more.
Getting ready to embark on a long distance move? Finding an established, reliable long distance moving services is critical for safeguarding your belongings over hundreds or thousands of miles.
With so many providers promising fast, seamless transfers, asking the right questions is key to determining the best fit. Below are five must-ask questions for any long distance movers before you commit.
1. What is Your Licensing and Credentials?
- Interstate moves are complex endeavors under strict regulations, so using properly certified long distance movers is crucial.
- Ask for both:
- USDOT license confirming they can conduct interstate operations
- MC (Motor Carrier) number proving authorization in movers database
- Ask for both:
- This validates they are a legitimate, legally operating moving company. No credentials could signal suspicious business practices to avoid.
2. How Are Rates and Costs Calculated?
- As bids from various long distance moving companies come in, you need to map exact breakdowns including:
- Mileage and weight charges
- Fuel fees and surcharges
- Taxes and tolls
- Packing supplies
- Additional services
- Obtain an in-writing binding quote detailing every expected cost so your final bill holds no expensive surprises. Reputable movers will be transparent about all pricing components.
3. What Insurance Coverage Do You Offer?
- Inventory gets lost. Items become damaged. Disasters transpire. That’s why insurance is mission critical.
- Specifically ask:
- Is cargo insurance included or optional?
- Does standard or full-value coverage options exist?
- What is maximum amount that can be claimed?
- How does claims and reimbursement process work?
- Specifically ask:
- Don’t gamble your valuables without comprehensive protection provisions in place.
Additional Moving Company Questions
4. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
- There’s no better testament to a company’s quality than hearing experiences of past customers. Ask specifically for:
- Recent references able to offer testimonials
- Links to online review sites
- Photo/video examples of previous moves
- Favor companies eager to share recaps showcasing their capabilities plus feedback from satisfied clients.
5. What Steps Ensure My Move Will Go Smoothly?
- Of course everybody hopes executing the big move will be seamless but complications bombard even the most prepared. Getting specifics ahead of time on policies regarding:
- Communication protocols
- Contingency planning
- Delay responses
- Dispute resolution
- Provides confidence they can adeptly handle any hiccups that emerge on moving day. You want to hear concrete plans accounting for traffic delays, weather issues, strained timelines or goods damage.
Invest time upfront asking prospective long-distance moving companies difficult questions before pointing any fingers.
This helps reveal the “too good to be true” operations from the legitimate standouts capable of safely managing your long-distance relocation.
Booking an unreliable or sketchy mover to shuttle your life’s possessions sight unseen hundreds of miles spells bad news.
Be diligent in evaluating options using these key questions as your vetting guide.
Skyrocket peace of mind knowing your items remain protected crossing state lines by picking a transparent, proven long-distance mover ready for anything moving day may unleash!
