04/08/2022
Over the years, I have received numerous phone calls and emails requesting information from potential clients regarding questions for moving their household goods. As we know, so many people have been taken advantage of during their household move. Being retired law enforcement, just when I think I have heard the worst horror story regarding a household move, I hear something even worse.
I would like to take a moment and address some questions and or concerns you may have when working with a household mover. Do your research on the company you are using. If possible do not use a “broker.” I am not saying all brokers are bad, however, every scam that I have heard of a broker was involved.
When working with a company, Federal regulations state that movers are required by law to provide the potential client with “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and “FMCSA’S Ready to Move” brochure. This means that when a moving company gives you an estimate, not a contract, that company by law must provide you with the booklet and brochure. This is very important because it protects you during the moving process.
Do you need to give a deposit? In general, it is legal for a moving company to ask for a deposit... but that doesn't mean it's routine. In fact, it's rare to encounter a moving company that asks for one. While lawfully allowed, the request to supply a deposit upfront serves as a warning to the customer. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists several red flags. One stating, “The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move is a red flag.”
How long does it take for the client to receive their household goods? Every company is different when it comes to the length of time that you will receive your household items. Some companies will put your household goods into storage while they wait for another client to book a move in proximity of where you are moving to. This could delay you getting your household goods for weeks before they arrive.
Many clients ask if they must share the trailer with another client. Again, that is a question that you need to ask the company you are working with. Personally, I am not a fan of sharing my trailer with two clients. My main reason is, the more time your items are open to others, the more chance your items can be stollen. This goes for off-loading your items into storage. Another issue that arises when sharing a trailer with someone, you do not know if they have “pests.” I have off loaded household goods from my trailer and have found cockroaches, black widow spiders, and other interesting bugs. Make sure to ask the company if they fumigate their trailer(s) before their next move.
Finally, please understand your rights when it comes to a binding or non-binding contracts. A binding estimate means that the price quoted in an estimate is the amount you pay—even if there is unforeseen extra costs. A non-binding estimate means that the price you pay will probably end up being different than the estimated price movers tell you.
I have attached the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and “FMCSA’S Ready to Move” brochure to this post. Please take the time to educate yourself when choosing a moving company.
At BSB Transport, we strive for customer satisfaction. We do not broker out our clients to other companies. We work with one client at a time to make your move as less stressful as possible. We do not share our trailer with two clients. Once the doors are closed, we are off to your new home. We do not upsell for loading, unloading, blankets, shrink wrap, tape, and or strapping devices. Our truck and trailer is regularly maintained, inspected, cleaned, and disinfected. If you have any questions regarding your move, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and I will answer any questions that you may have.
Brian Bates
541-244-2429
DOT #2928520
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.../Rights-and-Responsibilities...
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.../Ready_To_Move_Brochure_2006...
