A moving company helps individuals and businesses relocate their goods from one location to another. They may use trucks, vans, containers or shipping vessels. Moving companies are typically national or regional in scope with local branches, affiliates or agents. Some are franchises while others operate through a cooperative model where the local agent owns a share of the national company or is owned by the parent organization. There are also many small independent moving companies that operate within a given area.
Before selecting a moving company, consumers must determine the types of services they require and their available budget. Once they have a list of options, they must verify that each is licensed and insured. Then, they must compare estimates and services to find the best fit.
When comparing estimates, it’s important to have a clear idea of the amount of items that need to be moved. This allows providers to more accurately provide an estimate based on the specific situation. While many companies can give general pricing over the phone, a good mover will send someone out to see the space and items that need to be moved.
It’s also helpful to get referrals from friends, family and business associates. Referrals can help consumers avoid pitfalls such as unscrupulous or underqualified movers. Additionally, it’s important to verify that a moving company is licensed and insured in the state where they operate. Consumers should check for a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and the ProMover designation, which certifies that a mover has passed a background check and agreed to adhere to industry standards.
In addition to checking licensing and insurance, consumers should also consider a mover’s reputation. Ideally, a company should have an excellent track record of reliability and quality service. This can be confirmed by looking at customer testimonials, reviews and recommendations. It’s also a good idea to find out about any complaints against the moving company and how they were handled.
Aside from referrals and online reviews, local moving companies can market themselves through traditional methods such as printing brochures and posters and participating in community events. They can also post their contact information on social media sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to reach potential customers in a more direct way.
Most movers specialize in either residential or commercial moves, but some offer both. For example, Mayflower offers residential and commercial services as well as storage and auto transport. It also provides a customer portal that allows users to track their shipment, make payments and file claims. Other perks include free storage for 30 days and real-time GPS tracking.
Other movers, such as United Van Lines and Atlas Van Lines, focus solely on commercial moves. These companies employ specialized staff and have equipment specifically designed for handling large loads of boxes and heavy furniture. They also offer a variety of services, such as commercial planning and employee relocation. Additionally, they have a network of movers that can handle international moves.