United Van Lines offers tips to make sure your mover is reputable

July 15, 2010 - PRLog -- ST. LOUIS- With the busy, summer moving season in full-swing, disreputable movers are taking advantage of unsuspecting customers. These movers raise their rates after they have already picked up a customer’s belongings and hold shipments hostage for large payments. Some victims of mover fraud say they chose a company that had “United” in its name and were surprised when they discovered they were working with a disreputable mover rather than the genuine United Van Lines.  

Move Rescue, a program endorsed by United Van Lines, is available to help customers who have fallen victim to disreputable movers with free consumer assistance.  The Move Rescue team answers calls from hundreds of consumers each year through the toll-free Help Line (800-832-1773).  They say the best advice for consumers looking to move is to plan ahead by choosing a reputable mover. Consumers can take a few simple steps to make sure they do not become a victim:

•Research your mover.  Ask how long the company has been in business and check with the American Moving and Storage Association and the U.S. Department of Transportation. These organizations will help you to decide whether the company you’re working with is reputable.

•Ask friends and family for recommendations. Testimonials from people you know are much more reliable than those online.

•Always meet with the company representative in person.  The internet is an easy place for disreputable movers to hide. Moving costs are based on either the volume or weight of the items you’re moving.  If a company representative doesn’t see what you’re planning to move, they can’t give you an accurate moving quote.

•Understand your pricing options. Ask your moving company about non-binding versus binding estimates, and read the fine print.  Only the articles and services listed on the estimate are included in the price.  Some movers will surprise customers with extra required services and charges on moving day.  

•Never pay a deposit. Professional movers do not require a deposit for their services.  If your mover requests money upfront, find another mover.

•Make sure they are who they say they are. If a mover claims to be affiliated with a national van line, go to the van line’s website to see if that company is listed. For United visit www.unitedvanlines.com and click on “Find an Agent.”

•Request a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prepares the language in this brochure.  Federal law requires interstate movers to provide this brochure to every customer prior to the move.

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About United
United Van Lines is America’s #1 Mover®. In cooperation with its sister company United Containers, United Van Lines is able to offer a full range of moving solutions from do-it-yourself to full-service. With headquarters in suburban St. Louis, United Van Lines maintains a network of 400 affiliated agencies. For more information about United Van Lines and United Containers visit: www.unitedvanlines.com or www.unitedcontainers.com.