Move It – Don’t Lose It
September 18, 2009
Consumer Tips for Finding the Right Moving Company for You
By Commissioner Rachelle Chong, California Public Utilities Commission
With websites like Craigslist.com and uShip.com, it is very easy to find a number of small, low-cost moving companies. Before you write a check or sign a contract with a mover, however, know your rights as a moving company customer.
Unfortunately, no matter which moving company you use, there is no guarantee that the move will go perfectly. When trusting your personal belongings to somebody else, you want to make sure that your items are protected, in case something goes wrong. You also will want to make sure that you do not end up being charged more than you expected, or more than you can afford. Here are six simple steps consumers can take to make sure that they are protected from these risks.
1) It is important to compare moving companies by the services they offer, as well as the prices they will charge. It is always a good idea to do research on the companies, like checking their complaint histories with the Better Business Bureau. When possible, you might also consider going to a mover’s actual place of business to see for yourself if it looks like a professional operation, as opposed to a “fly by night” type of business.
2) Before you pick a mover, make sure that they have been properly authorized to operate legally in the state. You can do this by calling the California Public Utilities Commission at (800) 877-8867, or checking the list of companies on the CPUC’s Consumer Information Center at www.cpuc.ca.gov/movers.
3) Do not accept a “sight unseen” estimate of the cost of your move before the company has come to inspect your goods in person. An estimate given over the phone or over the Internet cannot be enforced, and you may end up paying more on the day of your move once the movers actually see your goods. Be sure to let the moving company know of special conditions that may affect the move, like stairs, narrow stairs, and parking restrictions.
4) Make sure you are given a Moving Service Agreement, as well as an “Important Notice About Your Move” document that shows a “Not to Exceed” price. Keep signed copies of these documents, as well as any other paperwork you are given during or after the move.
5) While basic insurance is included in the mover’s rates, additional protection may be purchased to ensure the cash value of the goods or their full replacement value. You may want to buy the extra insurance if your goods are very valuable.
6) If something does go wrong with your move, note the loss on the mover’s shipping order and keep a copy of the bill to bring your claim to the moving company. Remember if you cannot find a solution, you may file a complaint with the CPUC by clicking File a Complaint at www.cpuc.ca.gov or calling the CPUC at (800) 366-4782.
For more information on hiring a moving company, visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/movers.
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I’m glad that this warning was posted. I just want to add that people moving INTERSTATE from (or to) California should also look up a company’s record on http://www.protectyourmove.gov to make sure it is properly licensed and insured and to check on complaints, if any. A moving company transporting goods between states is required to have both a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number and a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) number, although some van line agents use the van line’s numbers rather than having their own.
On the consumer advocacy website MovingScam.com the founder has posted an excellent article about how to choose a reputable mover at http://www.movingscam.com/findmover.shtml People can also go to http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8038 to see an alphabetized state-by-state listing of moving companies that have been discussed on the MovingScam website since 2005.
I mention interstate moves specifically because historically, most of the worst abuses such as “hostage freight” (where the company demands more money to release the customer’s goods) have occurred on such moves rather than on moves within California.