When you are moving just across town, you will find it much easier to transport your things without any help. Long-distance moves, especially those across the country, are an altogether different matter and require much more work. It is much better to hire professional movers rather than opting to handle the move yourself. However, not all moving companies are certified to handle interstate moves.
For a company to be certified for interstate move, they have to be registered and have a USDOT number. Interstate moving companies also need to be researched about more thoroughly before you make a decision. Here is a guideline that can help you in researching interstate shipping companies:
The first thing to do is make a list of companies in Gaithersburg that are registered to handle interstate moves. You can easily search for these companies through newspaper ads or the internet. You can also ask your friends and family members about companies they might have used.
Once you have a list of names, start researching all of the companies. The first way to find more about the company is to visit its website. You can learn about the operations and practices of the company, and the services they offer quite conveniently through their website. On most websites, you can also get a free price quote by simply providing some basic information.
Two more sections that you should necessarily go through are the terms and conditions, and the customer reviews and testimonials. While the former is quite beneficial for you to protect yourself against any legal issues later on, the latter can provide you a clear and honest insight about the actual performance of the company.
However, testimonials are not always enough. You should personally call some of the company’s customers by asking the companies for a referral list. If any of your friends or family members have used any of the moving companies, they can easily provide honest feedback.
You should also ask the companies to provide you with their complete credentials. You can also ask them for past records of any incidents that may indicate a fraudulent case. You can also refer to the reviews of the Better Business Bureau to check the credibility of the firm.
Once you are absolutely sure about the credibility of a few moving companies, you can ask them for a price quote. It is essential that you ask the company how they calculated their costs to get a better understanding. Also ask them if there will be any other hidden cost. Make sure that the estimate they provide you is absolute and not susceptible to any changes later.
Another thing you need to ask the company is about transit insurance. It is a legal requirement that professional movers offer a standard coverage option to all their customers. Also ask them about the items that will be covered under the insurance. Make sure they offer insurance based on value, not just weight.
Also make sure that you are not dealing with a broker. Ask the representative if they are the actual movers or not. It is advisable to avoid brokers as much as possible. If you are dealing with a broker, ask him to provide you with complete information about the moving company and get you in touch with their representative.
Make sure you are selecting professional movers for an interstate move. It can save you a lot of time and trouble and also provide your belongings additional safety. Moving companies can be the best way to make your interstate move smooth and convenient.