BBB Offers Tips to Find the Right Moving Company
Austin, TX - February 1, 2010 – Moving to a new home or apartment can be exciting, but also challenging and stressful. Moving companies can help consumers make the transition to a new residence, but there are some who take advantage of consumers by engaging in dishonest practices. For consumers planning a Spring move, Better Business Bureau recommends doing some advance legwork to save on money and avoid disappointments.
“BBB received 182 complaints last year about moving companies,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas. “While the majority of these disputes were resolved, consumers should take their time to choose the right company for their moving needs.”
BBB reminds consumers to take the following steps when planning a move:
- Plan Ahead. Start making plans six to eight weeks before a targeted move-in date. Ask friends or neighbors to recommend businesses and check the BBB Reliability Report™ for each.
- Start With Trust. BBB’s Member Pages and eQuote services are designed put consumers in touch with trustworthy BBB Accredited Businesses who can provide quick estimates on moving costs.
- Take Inventory. Make a list of every item and go over it with the mover before packing begins. Make sure all items are numbered, listed and described correctly to avoid confusion.
- Insurance Should be Included. The minimum coverage required by federal law to cover moving liability for a consumer is $0.60 per pound per article and is usually included in an estimate. Consumers can purchase additional liability protection from their mover.
- Know Your Rights. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require consumers to be provided with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” for all interstate (across state lines) moves. The pamphlet has instructions on what to do if belongings are damaged or lost during the move.
- Who Can Help if There is a Problem? Consumers who feel they are a victim of a moving scam should file a complaint with BBB. Additionally, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if the move was within the state of Texas and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if the move was across state lines.
To review the reliability report of a moving company, visit www.bbb.org.
About BBB:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.
Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas at (512) 445-4748.
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