What Should I Look For When Choosing A Top Moving Company?
The foremost priority for a homeowner while planning a relocation is to find the right moving company. From valid licensing to positive customer reviews, a thorough inspection of different areas is important.
Key Takeaways
- Verify Credentials: Always check for an active USDOT/MC number for interstate moves or an IM number for local/intrastate moves using official registries.
- Choose Proper Insurance: Select between basic Released Value Protection ($0.60/lb per item) or Full Value Protection based on the value of your possessions.
- Insist on Written Visual Estimates: Opt for detailed in-person or virtual inventory walk-throughs, and avoid red flags like quick phone-only estimates or large upfront cash deposits.
- Assess Range of Service and Equipment: Ensure the company provides full-service solutions (packing, storage, specialty handling) and utilizes professional protective gear and temperature-controlled trucks.
Moving a home or an office comes with immense stress and financial investment. This indicates the need for relying on a mover who will ensure a smooth move without giving you any trouble. The US moving services market is flooded with multiple players and finding the right one is a tedious task.
This blog guides homeowners on finding an ideal relocation service.
Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Professional Moving Company
Are you planning a move? If yes, here are the aspects you need to consider to find a top moving company.
Proper Licensing and Legal Credentials
Verifying a company’s legal credentials is non-negotiable to protect your home and belongings from theft, scams, and unexpected fees.
For Local or Intrastate Moves (Within the Same State)
Movers are regulated by individual state agencies, such as an Intrastate Mover (IM) registration in Florida or a NYS DOT license in New York. You can verify state credentials on official state databases, such as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Mover Registry or your state Department of Transportation.
For Interstate Moves (Crossing State Lines)
Movers must hold active USDOT and MC (Motor Carrier) numbers issued by the federal government. You can verify active status using the official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration SAFER System and the Protect Your Move Portal.
For Local and Interstate Moves
Ensure the company maintains active registrations on both state and federal registries. Value Added Moving operates as a fully licensed and insured nationwide moving company under USDOT number 3488475 and MC number 1147286.
Table 1: Licensing and Credentials to Check Before Selecting a Moving Company
The USDOT number and MC number of Value Added Moving are 3488475 and 1147286, respectively.
How to Verify a Mover License in 3 Minutes
Before giving any moving company your deposit, follow these three steps to audit their credentials on official government databases:
- Step 1: Get the mover USDOT number from their website or quote paperwork.
- Step 2: Visit the official Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration SAFER System and enter the USDOT number into the Company Snapshot search box.
- Step 3: Check three specific items on the results screen. First, ensure their Entity Type lists them as an Authorized For Hire Carrier. Second, confirm their Operating Status shows Active. Third, click on Insurance History to verify they carry active Household Goods Liability and Cargo Insurance as mandated by federal regulations
Liability and Insurance
Reputable movers offer transparent liability coverage options defined under federal law by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Valuation Guidance.
Option A: Released Value Protection Cost
Included at no additional charge.
- Coverage Limit: 60 cents per pound per item.
- Example: For a damaged 200-pound sofa worth 2,000 dollars, maximum compensation is capped at 120 dollars (200 pounds multiplied by 60 cents).
- Best For: Low-value items or budget-conscious moves.
Option B: Full Value Protection Cost
Requires an extra premium (typically 1 to 2 percent of the total declared shipment value).
- Coverage Limit: Full repair cost, replacement, or cash settlement at current market value.
- Example: For a damaged 200-pound sofa worth 2,000 dollars, compensation covers the full 2,000-dollar replacement value.
- Best For: High-value furniture, electronics, antiques, and artwork.
Table 2: Released Value Protection vs Full Value Protection
Delivery Day Checklist: Protecting Your Right to File a Damage Claim
If your belongings are damaged during transit, your ability to collect reimbursement under Full Value Protection depends on how you handle delivery day:
- First, mark damaged items on the Bill of Lading. Never sign the mover delivery receipt until you have noted missing boxes or visible damage directly on their copy of the paperwork.
- Second, photograph damaged items immediately. Take high-resolution photos of the broken item alongside the original shipping box and protective wrap before throwing anything away.
- Third, file a formal claim in writing. Under federal guidelines explained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Consumer Protection Division, you have up to nine months from your delivery date to submit a written claim to your mover. Submitting your claim early with photos and original purchase receipts ensures faster resolution.
Transparent Pricing and Estimation Process
Top moving companies acknowledge visual inventory assessment because phone estimates miss hidden volume, fail to assess logistical challenges, and combat binding pricing accuracy. Go for a mover that ensures detailed walk-through estimates over quick phone guesses. The common estimation types of relocation firms are:
Table 3: Types of Estimates
Pro Tip: If a moving company provides a low offer, does not offer in-writing estimates, or demands a large cash deposit upfront, ignore that red flag.
Five Questions to Ask Movers During Your Survey to Prevent Surprise Fees
When an estimator conducts your in-home or virtual walkthrough, ask these five specific questions to ensure your written estimate covers all potential access charges:
Question 1
Are there extra fees if your truck cannot park within 75 feet of my front door?
Why it matters
Movers often charge long-carry fees if they must carry items long distances from your door to the truck.
Question 2
Does this estimate include flight fees or elevator wait time fees?
Why it matters
Stairs and apartment elevator delays can trigger per-flight or hourly labor surcharges if not written into your contract upfront.
Question 3
Will my shipment require a shuttle truck at delivery?
Why it matters
If your destination street is too narrow for a 53-foot tractor-trailer, movers must transfer your belongings to a smaller box truck, which incurs a shuttle fee.
Question 4
What is your exact policy and daily rate if my home closing or lease is delayed?
Why it matters
If you cannot take delivery on the agreed date, your goods will enter Storage in Transit, which involves storage fees and re-delivery charges.
Question 5
Is this quote a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate?
Why it matters
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules, a binding estimate guarantees your total cost based on the agreed inventory, whereas a non-binding estimate can fluctuate based on final weight.
Reputation and Track Record
Before hiring a moving company, evaluate verified feedback regarding pricing transparency, punctuality, packing materials, and customer service across independent platforms.
Research the company's complaint history on the Better Business Bureau and search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration National Consumer Complaint Database.
Value Added Moving maintains thousands of 5-star customer reviews across major platforms and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Service Range and Equipment Quality
A top-tier moving company provides complete end-to-end relocation services utilizing commercial-grade protective equipment.
Full-Service Offerings
Professional packing, custom crating, loading, direct transit, unloading, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and climate-controlled storage solutions.
Protective Equipment
Heavy-duty moving blankets, floor runners, door-jamb protectors, double-wall corrugated boxes, unprinted craft paper, and bubble wrap.
Fleet and Transport Capabilities
Temperature-controlled air-ride trucks, hydraulic liftgates, GPS shipment tracking, and climate-controlled short-term or long-term storage facilities.
Specialty Item Handling
Dedicated crews trained in handling specialty items like artwork, heirloom antiques, pianos, and heavy machinery.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the company is experienced in handling specialty items like artworks, heirloom antiques, heavy machinery, etc.)
Communication, Privacy Policy and Refund Policy
Even if you are satisfied with the offerings and reputation, you need to evaluate how well they assist the customers. Check whether your preferred mover has a single point of contact or dedicated support throughout the move. At Value Added Moving, we ensure that customers have a personal advocate at every step of the way to take care of all of their needs.
We have a dedicated privacy policy where we offer top-level privacy to your personal information. Referring to our refund policy, any rescheduling or cancellation request should be submitted in writing to “support@valueaddedmoving.com”.
Wrapping Up
Before selecting a mover, homeowners must check their credentials, insurance coverage, pricing transparency, customer reviews, etc. The right selection results in a stress-free relocation and also within time.
Ready for a Stress-Free Relocation?
Value Added Moving provides complete, full-service moving solutions tailored to your schedule and budget. Our experienced in-house moving crews handle every phase of your move directly, from custom packing and secure loading to safe long-distance transit.
Call Value Added Moving at 888-325-5081 today to speak directly with our relocation specialists and secure your free, transparent moving estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the move, keep copies of the moving contract, inventory lists, insurance documents, receipts, payment records, and all written communications with the moving company. These records are important if any dispute arises during the transit. Rather than keeping the soft copies, try to keep the hard copies.
Companies using dedicated, background-checked employees offer greater accountability, consistent quality, and clearer communication. Before you hire a mover, ask them about their crew members. Avoid the ones that rely on third-party subcontractors.
This depends on the training of the crew and the communication process of a moving company. Renowned firms explain to customers how they take necessary precautions to keep their belongings safe, especially fragile items. You need to ask questions about it before hiring.
If your move is delayed, you need to contact the moving company immediately. This will help you to understand the reason for the delay and you can get an updated schedule. Keep essential items, medications, and important documents readily available.
In short, yes. Many full-service movers offer furniture disassembly and reassembly services. This can make it easier to transport large items safely while minimizing the risk of damage. Ask your mover beforehand.
Value Added Moving is one of the nation’s largest moving long distance moving companies licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Value Added Moving is a Household GoodsTransportation Broker for Interstate Moves. (DOT #3488475 , MC #1147286)
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