▪ Know your rights. Movers must give written estimates. If your mover provides you (or someone representing you) with any partially complete document for your signature, make sure the document contains all relevant shipping information, except the actual shipment weight and any other information necessary to determine the final charges for all services performed. Learn more about your rights at www.protectyourmove.gov or from your state attorney general’s office.
▪ Make sure the mover has insurance. The insurance should cover your goods while in transit. Be sure you understand what the insurance covers, and whether items will be repaired, replaced or if you will be offered a cash settlement that you can use to repair or replace the item on your own. Standard insurance usually covers the weight of the item damaged at only about 60 cents per pound. (If your 100-pound sofa is torn in transit, the mover with standard insurance will be required to pay only $60 for the damage.) You may want to consider getting full value protection (insurance), which may add to the cost upfront but could save you headaches after the move.
▪ Check the mover’s complaint history. Always check out the business at bbb.org/ccie first. BBB Business Reviews include complaint history, customer reviews and more.
▪ Does not make an on-site inspection of your household goods.
▪ Demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
▪ Has a website that has no address and no information about a mover’s registration or insurance.
▪ Claims all items are covered by their insurance.
▪ Answers their calls with a generic “movers” or “moving company” rather than a business name.
▪ Has locations that are in poor condition or do not exist.
▪ Arrives in a rental truck rather than a business-owned or marked fleet truck.
If you would like more information on moving-industry regulations, or want to file a formal complaint, you can contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, www.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can also file a complaint at bbb.org/ccie.
Action Line is written by Blair Looney, president and CEO for the Better Business Bureau serving Central California. Send your consumer concerns, questions and problems to Action Line at the Better Business Bureau, 4201 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 107, Fresno, CA 93722 or info@cencal.bbb.org.