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; state consumer agencies 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, across the country, or around the world, be sure to read through this move planning guide and these helpful moving day tips.

With proper planning and a bit of forethought, you and your family, along with your service providers, can accomplish a household move quickly and efficiently when moving day arrives.

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 Rental
  
  Personal moving truck rental quotes and reservations – safe, easy-to-drive trucks for self moves.
  www.PenskeTruckRental.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/

Household Moving Companies

• Allied Van Lines
  
  This Illinois firm is a well-known moving van line that offers relocation services for families and employees.
  www.AlliedVanLines.com
• Mayflower Transit
  
  This Missouri-based firm is an innovative and recognized provider of moving services to individuals and corporate America.
  www.Mayflower.com
• United Van Lines
  
  This moving and storage firm offers household moves, do-it-yourself moves, corporate moves, and special services.
  www.UnitedVanLines.com
• Atlas Van Lines
  
  This 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
  
  This 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.NorthAmerican.com
• Bekins Moving
  
  This full-service 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.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 Truck Guide • Moving Vans • Rental Trucks