More than 10,000 cases of mover fraud have been reported in the United States since 2002, often occurring when rogue movers offer low estimates and then hold shipments “hostage” demanding higher payments.
The moving industry has stepped up to educate and protect consumers from rogues. MoveRescue® is a central source for consumers who need anti-fraud information or legal assistance if they believe they’ve been scammed by a dishonest moving company. MoveRescue is endorsed by a national network of legal counselors and by moving industry leaders, as well as Mayflower Transit (www.moverescue.com)
Planning ahead can reduce potential problems in the moving process. The following tips are designed to protect your family and provide a safer, easier and more cost-effective transition into your new home.
Where to start
§ Ask your friends, relatives and business associates about movers they have used and liked.
o Chances are their recommendations are listed in the Yellow Pages under “Movers.” But be careful – just because a mover has a large ad doesn’t necessarily mean the company is reputable.
o Major moving companies also have Web sites that direct you to local representatives (called “agents”).
§ Contact prospective companies via phone to get the full company name, “doing business as” name, the number of years in business, mailing address, phone number, Web site, e-mail address, references, and Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) license numbers.
§ Go to SaferSys.org, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Web site and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety information, any orders to cease operation, licensing and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area.
Go with a name you know and trust
§ There are plenty of quality “brand name” van lines to choose from.
o If you have never heard of a particular mover and have no references from friends or business associates, be very careful.
o Don’t be swayed by a super-low price from an “unknown” firm. Remember, you’re entrusting your mover with most of your personal possessions.
Is there an industry, trade or government organization that regulates movers?
§ Movers, who are members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), based in Alexandria, Va., have all agreed to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by that organization.
o Many AMSA members also are participants in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program (www.moving.org)
o An interstate moving company must be registered with the U.S. DOT, the federal agency that regulates movers. A mover that holds such a registration is subject to all of the consumer and other regulations administered by the DOT.
Timing is important
§ It is important to try to make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least four to six weeks before the moving date. If at all possible, try not to move when everyone else wants to move. Throughout the year, the end of the month is a busy time for movers because of the expiration of leases and preferred closing dates.
§ The summer months are what movers call the “peak season” – from May to mid-September – when children are out of school. Schedule summertime moves as far in advance as possible ... and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates.
Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines and transports household goods, electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art and specialized freight, utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarters are located in suburban St. Louis. Further information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.
