When planning a successful relocation, it is important to find a trustworthy moving company that is qualified to handle the job and will make your employee feel comfortable with their personal belongings in someone else’s hands.
In recent years, rogue movers have become increasingly more common in the moving industry, especially during peak moving season in the summer months. Despite the frequency of these instances, mover fraud continues to rise.
Rogue Movers are fraudulent movers that disguise themselves as a legitimate company. What they are known to do is this:
• Give a cheap estimate over the phone or the internet, most times without even evaluating the personal goods being moved.
• Pack goods onto truck, then demand more money before delivery to new home.
• Hold goods for ransom and force exceedingly more expensive payment than original agreement in exchange for possessions.
The best way to avoid rogue movers is to be on the defense, do your research, and pay attention to the red flags.
Consumers can be easily wooed by the cheapest cost, without evaluating the company’s record or reputation. Trust that “it’s too good to be true” gut feeling -- because it is valid. Most scam moving companies use lower pricing as bait to get the attention of potential customers. The cost of moving is not cheap, so seeking to minimize the fees is completely understandable. Just know that lowest cost does not equal the best deal. It’s important to pause and question why the price estimate might be so low.
With the internet, it’s easy for almost anyone to appear to be a reputable moving company online. The ProMover Program was established by AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) to give consumers a trustworthy source for finding quality interstate moving services. The program certifies that members have passed a background check and agree to uphold their Code of Ethics.
The initiative is designed to combat rogue movers by giving consumers protection and quick insight into distinguishing professional movers from con artists looking to exploit their customers. More than 2,800 movers have been certified. All ProMovers are fully licensed and insured and meet high standards for safety and professionalism.
If you are just starting your search for a professional mover, use AMSA’s Mover Referral Service, free of charge. If you are already in the midst of moving, you can verify your current moving company to ensure they’re licensed and insured by entering their motor carrier number here. You can also review an alphabetical listing of all ProMovers here. Leave the moving to the experts – the ProMovers.
Corrupt movers want to avoid all in-person meetings before moving day. They would prefer to fly under the radar and conduct an estimate over the phone or online. It is important to remember that evaluations should be done thoroughly before any estimate is given. A pre-quote, detailed inspection is a general step in the moving process. Legitimate moving companies can then provide your employee with accurate costs based on their specific household goods. Companies who offer suspiciously generic inspections, or offer none at all, should be considered untrustworthy.
Traditionally, reputable movers do not charge up front. Full payment is not expected until after the move is complete. One typical behavior of a rogue moving company is to demand either the full payment or a large deposit before any service has even been provided.
Trustworthy movers also always have a contract that discloses elements of the move such as scheduling, pricing, dates, and more logistical details that set expectations for your transferee. Be on the lookout for rogue movers who avoid contracts and lean more toward verbal agreements. It is a tactic that plays a major role in their ultimate scheme to hold belongings hostage for money.
Whether there are cautious feelings or not, it is vital to ask for previous references and analyze online feedback about your potential moving company. If your movers cannot provide references about their services and previous customer experiences, then there is a chance that you are dealing with scam movers.
Thanks to the internet, it can only take a matter of seconds to discover if a moving company has a poor track record.
Resources to research moving companies:
• Better Business Bureau
• Your local chamber of commerce
• Online forums
Though it may seem like this is only adding one more thing to long list of relocation “to-do’s”, it is an imperative step in ensuring that your employee’s personal possessions are in the right hands.
Reputable moving companies are clearly identifiable and have the professional assets necessary to prove their legitimacy. Search for a company logo and name, which should definitely be visibly recognizable on their vehicles come moving day. Also, ensure the company’s legitimacy by looking for a proper business address.
Most rogue companies operate remotely or through a P.O. box. Avoid using companies who are not reputable enough to have a legitimate business address. Then, there are the technical details like licenses and insurance. You should never hire a moving company that doesn’t have proper licensing. All companies should be happy to provide you this information upon request, but there are other options for extra peace of mind. For long distance or cross-country relocations, your mover should be licensed with the United States Department of Transportation. There is an easy was to check for this:
• Request their U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) number
• Look them up in the FMCSA system
Note: For in-state moves, movers are regulated by the state. For local moves, check licensing with your state.
Similar to the licensing information, the moving company’s insurance information should be accessible upon request or readily available on the company website.
Moving personal belongings, family heirlooms, and important items to a new home is not a service that should be taken lightly. With everything to think about during your employee’s upcoming relocation, there shouldn’t have to be any worry or concern for the actual move itself.
You'll be glad to know that Allied not only has the largest moving network in the world, we also have more than 85 years of experience that makes us exceptionally qualified to help your employee get through their move smoothly and efficiently. For four years in a row, Allied has been recognized as America’s Most Recommended Moving Company by the Women’s Choice Award. Our customizable moving solutions are unparalleled by any other moving company.
Checkout Allied Van Lines to learn more about our corporate relocation services.