At Vanlines Inc., we strive to help clients make an informed decision and choose a moving company that practices good customer service in conjunction with accurate pricing estimates.
While there is no one perfect choice, it helps to be prepared with knowledge when searching for an honest, reputable, and experienced moving company. There are several key factors to look for and Vanlines Inc. has been a moving industry leader long enough to gain the expert knowledge to make your transition as seamless as possible.
Since moving companies don’t rely on customer loyalty to stay in business, so even if services are unsatisfactory, most moving companies are not concerned about it. Most states have different laws regarding moving companies, posing a challenge with transportation and cargo protection if something goes wrong. Vanlines Inc. encourages you to be realistic with expectations in comparison to price. Not all companies quote like we do here! That’s why it’s important to compare quotes from movers who are realistic with expectations and possibilities, not just agreeing to requests to win the bid.
There are a few realistic ways to ensure you’re making the right decision:
Start by checking if the moving company is registered with the Department of Transportation (FMCSA) with an up-to-date DOT # and MC #. In order to do so, you can click HERE. Search by Company (dot.gov) Some of the companies listed as top movers on the internet may not even be registered with the DOT. Another requirement for moving companies is to be listed as a Household Goods Carrier. They are not legally allowed to touch your items without the HHG endorsement. The DOT and MC numbers should be listed on the Moving Company’s webpage
A vast majority of reputable moving companies have negative reviews from customers or competing companies. Many moves do not go as planned, but it’s what the company does with those reviews that proves if the positive or negative ones better reflect what the company’s values are. For example, Vanlines Inc. is adamant about following up with our customers throughout the moving process, especially after and rectifying any issues that arise. The BBB: Start with Trust® | Better Business Bureau® is a good reference to the companies that resolve their issue and the companies that do not.
Be aware of moving scams. The cheapest price is likely not the best one. The old adage that “you get what you pay for comes into play here.” All customers should be looking for the services that are offered to them and not just the price. Ask for references from past customers, if they don’t have them then read the longer reviews not just the ratings. If you are just looking for a cheap price, a company like Vanlines Inc. may not be the best fit because we aim for quality over sales.
You also do not want a mover who generates a quote without fully accounting for everything you plan to take with you. To prevent a price change, its best to be detailed about how much stuff you have and not try to strategize by leaving items out if you’re bringing them anyway. Many moves are larger in scope than customers realize. Size matters. So when customers underestimate the size of their inventory and the mover fails to request more information, both parties are going to suffer when the price and time increase on the day of the move.
Communication is Key. Customers should be able to pick up the phone and call their moving company any time they have a question. Vanlines Inc. is with our customers throughout their whole move, from the first initial call to book the move until the last box is unpacked. Our full-time sales, customer service, operations, and billing departments are eager to help, any time.
Another key to success is for the company you are booking with to inform you that you or an authorized pre-selected representative must be present for the pickup and delivery. There are legal documents that need to be signed as well and making sure that everything that is to be placed on the truck to move gets on the truck. Do not sign blank documents. If a driver hands you blank documents, you should not sign them. Call the dispatch team or any representative from the delivery company and ask them to send digitally signed documents.
Reputable moving companies will provide a schedule and conduct the job within an agreeable window. Between May and September are the busiest times of year for most moving companies, and you can expect rates to skyrocket and quality to suffer. Avoid this by booking far in advance to lock in your cost and get the scheduled slot you prefer. It’s actually better to schedule early and move it, as opposed to waiting to book.
For safety reasons, federal laws prohibit moving companies from transporting any hazardous materials including paint, ammunition, propane, and other flammable items This means the moving company cannot move items that contain gas such as grills and lawnmowers with gas in them and may not take perishable things like food, plants, or pets. It’s up to you to find out what you personally must be responsible for moving so there aren’t any surprises on moving day. We suggest using up your products and buying travel sized ones for the last week or two in the home you’re leaving.
Vanlines Inc. is here to serve customers who value being informed and ultimately satisfied. Even if we’re not the company you think can best accommodate your needs based on price or availability, we are a company who is happy to help find the one that is, and who knows? Maybe you’ll recommend us to your friends or family because that’s how well we treat our clients!
