Long Distance Moving – What you Need to Know

Long Distance Moving – What You Need to Know

Long Distance Moving Help
Long Distance Moving Help

Pricing 

How does a long distance moving provider price moves?  This is a loaded question so I will throughly explain this.   Legally, a long distance mover must weigh your move.  Period.  There are movers who claim they don’t “weigh” customers’ shipments and they will provide a total based on square footage that the long distance moving truck after it is loaded.  I suggest not using movers who go by “square foot, here’s why:

1.  If you hire a long distance moving company going by square foot, they may not load your shipment “high and tight” instead they can essentially load the shipment to take up more space if they need to fill a truck…  I am sure you understand this concept.

2.  It is really quite hard to estimate a shipment that is charged by square foot simply because of whoever is loading your shipment.  Remember that Atari game from the 80’s called Tetris.  Some people have a good eye for seeing empty spots and some don’t.  When your shipment is priced by weight, it is an indisputable number.  There is no confusion whether or not the people loading the truck did a good job or not.

Guaranteed Dates for Long Distance Move Delivery

At this time there are only a handful of movers that can actually guarantee delivery dates.  These are the best movers to use.  This means they have great logistics and services.  Find one of these movers near you.

Laws, Rules Regulations for Long Distance Movers

Long distance  moving companies must cooperate with DOT regulations and laws regarding licensing and weigh stations.You see, when a moving company is traveling across state lines/past weigh stations, they have to make sure the truck isn’t overweight ( or there are huge fines enforced).  Good long distance moving companies will have their licensing numbers clearly on the door of their truck.  Their drivers also need health forms and log books at all times.  I suggest making sure your long distance mover has full time labor and drivers that stay with the shipment.  The last thing you want is a poor crew on the offload of your shipment in your new home.  Make sure your mover has full time labor and experienced drivers.

Coverage aka. Insurance for Long Distance Moving

There are no moving companies that provide insurance.  They only provide coverage which is bound by their insurance company.  Please, make sure your mover is insured – ask them to provide proof of insurance.  I love to support mom and pop businesses but, honestly – this is not the industry that I would suggest trusting anything anyone says over the phone.  Ask for proof, ask for paperwork.  If they want your business this should be easy to provide.  Here’s how long distance moving company coverage works –  every moving company, by law must cover good for $.60/lb/article.  I always chuckle when movers add “basic coverage included” in their estimates – it’s required by law and movers cannot charge an additional fee for this basic coverage.  Some, great movers offer full replacement value coverage.  Choose a long distance mover who does.  Even if you don’t opt for the full replacement which is always an additional fee – you know they have quality movers that will do a great job. The additional fee for full replacement coverage for long distance moves is based on weight.  Some moving companies charge an exorbitant amount for full replacement coverage.  Also, some have a deductible.  Get all of these fees in writing.  Some movers make you choose this coverage before the move.  I kind of steer clear of movers who do this unless you plan on taking the coverage.  It’s kind of like saying okay – if you pay extra, we’ll send you a good crew.  I would suggest movers that let you choose on the day of the move.

Long Distance Moving Resources to Make it an Easy Move:

Long Distance Moving with Kids

Long Distance Moving with Pets

Long Distance Moving Checklist

Long Distance Moving Packing and Unpacking

Long Distance Moving for Senior Citizens

Flat Rate Long Distance Movers

Compare Long Distance Movers

Long Distance Moving Estimate