Moving Your Business? What You Need To Know About Your Moving Company
Posted on: 12 December 2014
If you are moving your business for the first time, you likely do not understand how the moving industry works. When you start looking for a moving company, there are things you should know about them before you agree to let them move your things.
Licensing Numbers
Before you hire a moving company, you need to know if they are a legitimate business. One way you can find this information is by getting their Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Division (DOTMCD) numbers, and do a background check on them. If you are moving locally, they should have a state license number, which you will also need for reference.
Type of Move
Make sure the moving company has the ability to perform your move if it is an international or interstate move. If you are moving internationally, you should get their Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) number. Not all moving companies are licensed to perform international or interstate moves, so find out this information before you do anything else.
Additional Fees
Ask the moving company about any additional fees that may be unplanned or unforeseen for during the move. This is particularly important if you are moving internationally, because there are many charges and fees that may not come up in the beginning. The fee the international mover gives you will likely not include any additional costs, such as customs and parking fees.
Storage
If you need temporary storage while you are moving, ask the moving company if they can provide this for you, and what they charge for this service. Some companies will offer one month of storage or more at no cost to you for using their company for your move. This is not always the case, however, so make sure you ask.
Valuation and Insurance
Every moving company is required to have liability insurance, which covers them if they are hurt or their vehicle is damaged during the move. Valuation insurance is not required, so you should make sure to ask them if they have this. Valuation insurance will cover your belongings if they are damaged during the move. The moving company you hire should have both valuation and liability. If they do not, find another company.
You should also ask them to give you some references, and make sure you check them. Your move can go smoothly if you take the time to hire the right moving company, such as Arrow Moving & Storage Co. Inc.
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