Protect yourself from moving company crimes and moving scams. Following are some precautions to consider when researching moving companies:
* Don’t use Internet databases to find moving companies. The people who operate the databases act on commission and have their own best interests in mind. You won’t be able to hold them responsible if a moving company they endorse turns out to be a scam artist.
* Make sure any estimates and quotes received are inclusive of all items that you are moving, all packing, and includes the desired insurance. To avoid charges for additional services, be sure to tell your estimator of any exceptional situations about your destination such as elevators or stairs.
* Never work with a mover who contacts you first. Do your own research then contact a mover whose business practices you trust.
* Be especially careful if dealing with movers in Florida or New York. A tremendous amount of complaints have been filed against movers in these areas.
* Request that the movers provide you with references and check those references.
* Ask your mover for the estimated weight of your items. Compare weight estimates from different moving companies. Ask for a copy of the survey showing the estimated weight.
* Make sure your initial deposit is credited to your bill.
* Movers must offer "full value protection" or "full replacement value" insurance at an additional charge. This holds the mover responsible for damaged or lost goods. If you have any articles that are of extraordinary value, such as those with values exceeding $100 per pound, make sure the care of this item is listed specifically on a high-value inventory receipt. If you do not elect to have additional insurance, the mover's maximum liability is 60 cents per pound per article.
* Ask the mover to put down the date or time period of pickup and delivery.
* If the mover fails to pick up and deliver your shipment on the dates entered on the bill and you have incurred direct out-of-pocket expenses you otherwise wouldn’t have had, you may be able to recover those expenses from the mover. This is an inconvenience or "delay” claim.
* After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the driver's copy of the inventory to show you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items.
* Avoid “rogue” movers, or movers that offer low estimates then demand more money than originally agreed upon. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) offers information regarding rogue movers on their web site at www.protectyourmove.gov.
* Make sure your mover complies with Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) regulations. Some movers work with the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) regulations, making it easier for them to slip in extra charges. Have the mover promise in writing that they will comply with ICC regulations.
* Keep a record of every contact you make with movers. As an extra precaution, videotape them as they load items into their truck.
* After your move, the mover will ask you to sign an Addendum. Don’t sign anything unless you are fully satisfied with their services.
http://www.myguidesusa.com/movingandrelocation/moving/moving-tips/avoiding-moving-scams/
