If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a moving company, file a complaint with TDCI’s Division of Consumer Affairs at tn.gov/consumer. Moving scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.
What are the responsibilities of a moving company?
A mover helps their clients move furniture and items from one location to another. Their tasks include lifting heavy objects, packing them into a moving truck, and driving the items to their new location.
Can a local moving company cross state lines?
No matter the distance, all moves that involve crossing a state line require special, federal authority. U.S. federal laws and regulations, including insurance requirements, are designed to protect consumers before, during and after their moves.
How do you protect yourself from moving companies?
Avoid movers that can’t provide an address or licensing information. Ask whether they have marked trucks, and use a mover that does. Never hire a company that relies solely on a phone or online estimate, or one that requires a large deposit. Verify licensing.
Can movers move from two locations?
You may have your belongings spread out over multiple homes (or storage units), or you may be combining two separate residences into one new one, as often happens with a marriage. If this is the case, you may need a moving company to make multiple stops along the way.
What happens if movers damage something?
If you notice any damages or missing items before the movers leave, alert them and make a note on the inventory sheet or Bill of Lading. If they offer to settle on the spot, politely decline. You may end up underestimating the damages. Remember your rights.
What happens if you dont pay movers?
If you are unable to pay at the time the shipment is delivered, the mover may place your shipment in storage at your expense until the charges are paid. The mover is not permitted to charge for giving a non-binding estimate.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?
Certified moving companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. It’s always recommended to work with a certified moving company. To confirm the credentials of a mover who claims to be certified, visit this DOT site and choose “carrier search”.
What is considered long-distance for a moving company?
400 miles
Are you moving within 50 miles, 100 miles, or 450 miles of your home? A general rule of thumb for most moving companies is that if a move is over 400 miles, it is considered long-distance. A long-distance move can also be called long-haul moving or interstate moving if you are moving out of one state and into another.
What distance is considered a local move?
50 miles
A move is considered a long-distance move when it is over 400 miles. Any moves that travel less miles, say 100 miles or 50 miles, are considered local moves. Also referred to as a cross-country move, interstate move, or a long-haul move, depending on the distance of the move as well as its destination.
How do you trust a moving company?
Top 10 Tips on How to Find a Mover You Can Trust
- Ask Family & Friends for Recommendations.
- Confirm They’re a Mover, NOT a Broker.
- Research the Moving Company (Who Are They?)
- Consult Federal & State Resources.
- Verify the Mover is Licensed and Insured.
- Reviews Matter – Check Them Out.
- Visit Their Office to Meet Them in Person.
Should you give a moving company a deposit?
An honest and reliable mover will never ask you to put down a large amount of money before the move takes place; The deposit is not a separate fee and should go toward the final cost of the move; Moving brokers always require deposits.
Is American Van Lines a broker?
Many moving companies are both a broker and a carrier, but American Van Lines operates only as a moving carrier.
How much can you fit into a 26 foot truck?
For reference, the majority of 26 ft. moving trucks get up to 10 miles per gallon (not great.) and can hold around 10,000 pounds of cargo (equivalent to 8 rooms of furniture and belongings). Typically, they are capable of seating three adults and come with towing capacity as well.
How do you move across states?
There are two different methods you can use:
- Traditional mover: a moving company will move your stuff by truck from your old place to your new one.
- DIY move: you’ll rent a truck or trailer, pack up your stuff, and drive the truck and your car from your old one to your new one.
What is the cheapest way to move between states?
6 ways to move out of state cheaply
- Rent a moving truck. To transport your belongings for long-distance moves, you can rent a moving truck.
- Rent a cargo trailer.
- “Hire” friends and family.
- Get your packing supplies for free.
- Ship your items in a moving container.
- Sell your stuff.
What if movers break my TV?
If you only purchased what is known as released-value insurance, for instance, your movers will set the value of your items at 60 cents a pound. If your flat-screen TV is destroyed during the move, then your movers will only reimburse you 60 cents for each pound that TV weighs.
Why do movers ask for cash?
But, it is not uncommon for moving companies to ask for a deposit of some kind. Even established, reputable, and honest companies will sometimes ask for deposits up front. This is because when you hire a moving company, you reserve a date, and they are setting aside their workers and their time to help you out.
Can a moving company holding my stuff hostage?
A moving company can hold your things for up to 21 days. Legally, that is the amount of time a mover has to deliver your things without owing you anything. However, a reputable mover may still offer compensation for delayed delivery if they must deliver outside of the promised time frame on your estimate.
Should you pay movers upfront?
The “required” deposit
Reputable movers will NOT demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay upfront, you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card that will help you fight any fraudulent activity.
What is the difference between local and long distance moving?
Local moving is usually defined as moving within the same city or a 30 mile radius. Long distance moving would then be any move over 30 miles; however, the term usually refers to a move 100+ miles away and more often than not, it refers to a move to another state.