How to find a reliable long-distance company

Organizing your move can be a very involving and stressful experience. If you don't take enough time carefully planning your every step, it can easily turn into a lot of trouble. As one of the most important segments, hiring a reliable long-distance company is a necessary part of every long-distance move. You will need all the help you can get, especially when it involves transporting your household possessions over great mileage. But how do you know which company to choose? Among dozens of offers you can come across, it's crucial to recognize which company is worth hiring.

Finding a reliable long-distance company

When calculating your moving costs, two things bestride others:

1. the distance of your new location
2. the number of things you intend taking with you

Many decisions you must make will depend solely on those two facts. The choice of moving company, as well as the way of transporting your goods will depend on these. If your residential move is continental, in most cases, you will take a moving company providing truck transportation. On the other side, if you are moving your business to another continent, trucks won't be of much help here.

Start your search with online research

The best way to start your search for a long-distance moving company is to check some online resources about moving companies. Websites like Verified Movers provide a good deal of useful information and a detailed analysis of companies you may find interesting. Most moving companies have their websites, however, you can't always rely on the usually subjective information you find there. That's why you need the unbiased information you can find on internet portals, forums, reviews, and even social media. On the other hand, the company website is valuable for providing you with the necessary contact information so you can get in touch. Meanwhile, you shouldn't forget to ask for more details while talking to a representative of the company.

What information to ask for when talking to a moving company representative?

You should ask for:

• Full company name and DBA name
• Physical address
• DOT and MC license numbers
• Number of years in business
• References and how to check them

Get a recommendation from friends, family, and trustworthy acquaintances

While online research is very important, you can save some time by getting recommendations from people you know. People move often, so there’s a good chance some of them might have recent experience with moving companies. If that is the case, it will greatly increase your odds of avoiding scammers. Another thing is to check with the local moving companies. While operating within the area is their expertise, many of them have more than enough experience with long-distance moves. Additionally, you may notice that no one in the right mind would jeopardize their local reputation by dealing with scams. Also, it's much easier to check their facilities and vehicles.

The credentials are very important

Let's not dwell on assumptions that if someone is recommending a company, then it must be the right one. Without exception, you should always check the company's credentials. Especially if you are moving between states. If the moving company is licensed, they will have no problem publically providing their DOT number. It's a number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and all interstate moving companies must have one. You can usually find the number on their website. Another thing you can check is if the company has the Better Business Bureau accreditation. If the company is providing a high level of service, BBB will acknowledge that.

Carefully read online reviews about the long-distance moving company

As we already mentioned, online reviews can be a very powerful tool when searching for a trustworthy long-distance moving company. Based on the previous experience, many people will share their opinions about the company of interest. You can find a lot of useful insights into how a certain company is dealing with its clients. From the quality of customer support to the moving day experience, people write about everything. However, be careful when relying on online reviews. Some dishonest companies might have fake reviews to cover up for their failures. After a few readings, you should be able to recognize the honest reviews. Pay special attention to complaints and how the company is responding to them. You can find a lot about the company from how they treat those complaints.

Schedule a couple of in-house estimates

Before even considering making a choice, you should set up an in-house estimate with several movers. Don't rely on online estimates since they are not precise. They can be a good starting point, but in reality, they are far from true figures. In-house estimates will show the exact costs based on the number of items you are planning to move. If the company is avoiding to provide in-house estimates, move on. It's important to show them all the items you intend to move so there will be no misunderstanding on a moving day. Also, you must get their entire estimate with all the costs in writing.

Don't hesitate to ask questions

In-house estimates are a perfect opportunity to ask your potential mover any question you might find important. Combine it with answers you get from their customer service and you will have a good picture if they are reliable or not. The honest long-distance moving company won't have any trouble answering all your questions. If you want to know how do they calculate the final sum, don't be afraid to ask. Sometimes, you will need special services like moving your delicate artworks or instruments. See how the company is handling the transportation and packing of these items. Also, check what type of packing services they offer. Those who don't have enough time to pack by themselves will need those services. Ask about the insurance and storage options they offer. Check their attitude about a deposit. Many companies won't ask for money before the service is complete.

By now, you should have at least basic knowledge about how to find a reliable long-distance moving company. Carefully consider all the available options and make a smart decision. Long-distance moving is a serious matter. Anyone who appreciates its hard-earned money should take time to prepare and choose what is best for him.