Moving Trucks

The moving industry has endured some criticism because of a few unscrupulous movers taking advantage of consumers, so if you plan to hire a mover, there are a few steps you can take to protect your interests:

1. Ask family members, friends, co-workers, and your real estate agent for several moving company recommendations.  Reputable movers are often members of AMSA, the American Moving and Storage Association.

2. Check to ensure that no complaints have been filed against the movers with the Better Business Bureau or government agencies.  FMCSA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, oversees the interstate household goods moving industry and state utility commissions regulate intrastate household moves.  Ask the moving companies if they have corporate relocation contracts and check references if possible.

3. Obtain two or three written bids and ask whether the bids are binding or non-binding.  Be sure you understand how charges are calculated, because some movers charge by weight and distance while other movers charge by time and materials.  Packing materials and moving boxes can be a substantial part of your moving costs.  Many movers also have storage facilities or moving trucks where your household goods can be stored, if necessary, while you are "between houses."  Be sure these potential storage costs are included in the bids.  The moving industry is quite competitive, so be prepared to negotiate for lower fees.

4. Most moving and storage companies include a very basic level of standard insurance coverage in their bids, but you may wish to obtain additional coverage through the mover or your own insurer.  Many consumers transport smaller valuable items and plants themselves.

5. For insurance purposes, keep a record of purchase receipts and serial numbers of your big ticket items, and photograph or videotape your household effects as they are loaded into the moving truck.

Whether you are thinking of moving across town or across the country, be sure to read through this move planning guide and these helpful moving day tips.  With proper planning and forethought, a household move can be accomplished quickly and efficiently when moving day arrives.

If you are looking for a local moving and storage professional, try visiting Service Magic, a service which can help match you to prescreened moving and storage contractors in your area.

Moving Truck Rentals

• Budget Truck Rental
  Features local and one way truck rentals, moving boxes and supplies, moving tips and guidance, and a rental location finder.
  www.BudgetTruck.com

• Penske Truck Selection Tools
  Personal moving truck rental quotes and reservations – safe, easy-to-drive trucks for self moves.
  www.PenskeTruckLeasing.com

• U-Haul Rental Trucks
  Moving and storage resource.  Easy loading, smooth driving moving trucks designed for the do-it-yourself mover.
  www.UHaul.com/Trucks/

• Ryder
  Rent moving trucks for local or one-way moves from this leading logistics and transportation firm.
  www.Ryder.com

Household Moving Companies

• Allied Van Lines
  This Illinois firm is a leading moving van line offering relocation services for families and employees.
  www.AlliedVanLines.com

• Mayflower Transit
  Missouri-based firm is an innovative and recognized provider of moving services to individuals and corporate America.
  www.Mayflower.com

• United Van Lines
  Leading moving and storage firm offers household moves, do-it-yourself moves, corporate moves, and special services.
  www.UnitedVanLines.com

• Atlas Van Lines
  Nationwide moving company is a leading carrier of household goods between residences in different states of the USA and between the USA and Canada.
  www.AtlasVanLines.com

• Global Van Lines
  Leading household moving company features military and corporate moves as well as international moves and relocation services.
  www.GlobalVanLines.com

• North American Van Lines
  North American offers moving services for households and corporations.  "Moving you in a new direction."
  www.NAVL.com

• Bekins Moving
  Premier moving company features corporate relocations, household moves, and international moves.
  www.BekinsMoving.com

Household Moving Company Resources

• Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
  Federal regulations protect consumers on interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers and household goods carriers (movers).  This article, published by the FMCSA, is located on the Protect Your Move website.
  www.ProtectYourMove.gov

• Transportation of Household Goods in Interstate or Foreign Commerce
  Lists general requirements, regulations and responsibilities for household movers and moving companies.  Published by FMCSA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  www.FMCSA.DOT.gov

• Household Goods Consumer Complaints
  If you feel that you have been victimized by a Household Goods Mover on an interstate move, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA.
  NCCDB.FMCSA.DOT.gov

Moving Trucks • Moving Vans • Rental Trucks