Moving cross country is a significant undertaking, and finding the right moving company can make all the difference. Unfortunately, with the high demand for moving services, there are also unscrupulous companies that may try to take advantage of customers during this vulnerable time. From hidden fees to holding belongings hostage, moving scams are a real threat. The good news is that with some knowledge and careful research, you can avoid falling victim to these scams. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find trustworthy cross country movers and avoid the pitfalls of rogue companies.
Understand Common Moving Scams
To avoid moving scams, it helps to understand how they typically unfold. Here are some of the most common tactics used by rogue moving companies:
- Lowball Estimates: Scammers lure customers by offering an estimate far lower than any legitimate competitor. Once your items are loaded onto the truck, they’ll demand a significantly higher price to deliver them.
- Hostage Situations: Some rogue movers will hold your belongings hostage, refusing to deliver them until you pay additional fees that weren’t initially agreed upon.
- Name Switches: Fraudulent companies often change their name frequently to avoid bad reviews and legal trouble. If you come across a company that has recently changed its name or uses multiple business names, proceed with caution.
- Upfront Deposits: Legitimate moving companies may require a small deposit to secure your booking, but if a company asks for a large sum upfront, it’s often a red flag.
Knowing these common scams can help you spot them early and avoid falling victim.
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Research Moving Companies Thoroughly
The most effective way to avoid moving scams is to thoroughly research potential movers before making any commitments. Here are key steps you can take to ensure you’re dealing with trustworthy cross country movers:
- Check Credentials: Cross country movers are required to have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. You can verify this number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. This ensures that the company is licensed to operate and meets federal standards.
- Read Customer Reviews: Look at customer reviews across multiple platforms, such as Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pay attention to recurring themes, whether positive or negative. A pattern of complaints regarding hidden fees or unprofessional behavior is a definite red flag.
- Get Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they’ve had a good experience with a moving company. Personal recommendations can often lead to finding reliable movers that you might not come across through a basic internet search.
- Check for Complaints: Visit the FMCSA and BBB websites to see if there are any complaints against the moving company. A company with a long history of unresolved complaints is likely one to avoid.
Ask the Right Questions
When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential cross country movers, contact them directly and ask specific questions to gauge their reliability. Here are some questions to ask:
- Are You Licensed and Insured? Make sure the company is fully licensed for interstate moves and has adequate insurance coverage.
- Can You Provide References? A trustworthy company should be happy to provide references from recent clients who had a similar type of move.
- What Services Are Included in the Quote? Ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included in their estimate, such as packing materials, labor, and transportation. This will help you avoid hidden fees later.
- What Is Your USDOT Number? A legitimate company will have no problem sharing their USDOT number so you can verify their registration.
Get Multiple Estimates
One of the biggest red flags in the moving industry is a lowball estimate. To avoid being taken in by this tactic, make sure to get at least three estimates from different cross country movers. If one estimate is significantly lower than the others, it may be a bait-and-switch tactic to lure you in before raising the price.
Also, beware of companies that offer quotes over the phone without conducting an in-home or virtual walkthrough. A professional moving company will need to understand the scope of your move before providing an accurate estimate.
Look for Warning Signs During the Estimate Process
The process of getting an estimate can reveal a lot about the company. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Vague Pricing: If the company is unwilling to provide a detailed, written estimate, it’s a red flag. Legitimate cross country movers will provide a thorough quote that outlines each cost.
- Lack of Branding: Professional movers will have branded trucks and uniforms. If the crew shows up in an unmarked truck or without company identification, it may be a scam.
- High Upfront Deposits: As mentioned earlier, while some companies require a small deposit, large upfront payments are usually a sign of a scam. Be wary of any company that demands full payment or a substantial deposit before services are rendered.
Verify Insurance Options
Cross country movers should offer different levels of insurance to protect your belongings. At a minimum, they should provide Released Value Protection, which covers your belongings at 60 cents per pound. However, this is basic coverage and may not be enough for high-value items.
Look for Full Value Protection, which ensures that the moving company will repair or replace items that are lost or damaged during the move. Understanding your insurance options can help you make an informed decision and protect you from potential losses.
Avoid Moving Brokers
Another way to avoid scams is by staying away from moving brokers. Moving brokers do not actually move your belongings. Instead, they sell your job to a moving company, often without doing any research into the company’s reliability. This can result in higher costs, lack of accountability, and increased vulnerability to scams.
Whenever possible, deal directly with cross country movers rather than going through a third-party broker. This gives you more control over the process and ensures that the company you hire is the one responsible for transporting your belongings.
Review the Contract Carefully
Before signing any contract, read it thoroughly. Make sure all verbal promises are included in writing, and verify that the dates, costs, and services match what you agreed upon. Pay close attention to any clauses that seem vague or that mention additional fees.
If the moving company is hesitant to provide a clear, written contract or pressures you to sign without giving you time to read it, consider this a major red flag. Trustworthy cross country movers will be transparent and give you all the time you need to review the terms.
Trust Your Instinct
Sometimes, your gut feeling can be the best indicator. If anything about a moving company feels off—whether it’s the way they communicate, their insistence on cash-only payments, or the overly casual way they handle your questions—it may be best to walk away. Trustworthy cross country movers will be professional, communicative, and forthcoming.
How to Find Trustworthy Cross Country Movers
Moving cross country is a big endeavor, and finding the right movers can make all the difference. By understanding common scams, thoroughly researching companies, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
If you’re looking for trustworthy, professional movers for your cross-country relocation, My Movers Inc is here to help. We pride ourselves on our transparency, reliability, and commitment to excellent customer service. Contact us today to get a quote and experience the difference of working with a team that genuinely cares about your move.
