Relocating to Miami

Before you even have the company do a walk-through of your home, ask these questions while you have them on the phone. This is your chance to interview the company to see if they are going to meet your needs.

• Registration Number The moving company should have a registration number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), called a USDOT number (US Department of Transportation Number). If a company only travels within one state, than they may not be registered. You can check online with FMCSA.

• Rates and Estimates Ask the company what there rate is; most companies will provide a rate per pound and a distance rate. If the company offers a quote based on cubic feet – do not hire them.

• A company estimate must be based on weight if you're moving long-distances. For short-distances, some companies will charge a per hour rate. Both the hourly rate and that poundage rate will not change, whereas the estimate can depending on the type the carrier provides. Keep in mind that the moving company must give you an estimate in writing and they must provide you with a copy. The estimate must include all charges and both you and the mover must sign it for it to be an agreement. The estimate must also indicate the method of payment and be dated. You can read more detailed information on estimates by going to the articles on binding estimates and non-binding estimates.
  

• Subcontractors Some of the larger movers subcontract to a smaller company. If this is the ase with the company you are thinking of using, ask for the subcontractor’s
  name and if the company uses several subcontractors, ask for a complete list.
  If the mover is uncertain, ask them to find out and get back to you. This
  information should be readily available and should not be withheld. If subcontractors are used, make sure you check out the drivers to ensure you'll till receive good service. Most subcontractors are local movers who have urchased their own truck for transport. We've worked with subcontractors efore and have had very good service.

•  Additional Fees Find out if there are any additional fees or when additional fees apply. Some companies will charge extra for awkward items, or if the destination does not have easy access, or if the load has to be hand-carried over a certain distance. To avoid such costs, note any larger items and pre-arrange where the truck can park, if there are any stairs, and if you are moving to a condo or high-rise, investigate any possible obstructions such as elevator usage and load restrictions. These extra charges are called flight charges and long carry charges and they should be discussed with your mover ahead of time. If you're well organized, have arranged for parking and elevator usage, these charges should not apply.
  

• If your old or new residence is not accessible for a large carrier truck or van, you may need to have the mover arrange for a shuttle service, which will also incur additional costs.
  

• Additional costs may also include fuel surcharges or transportation surcharges if you are moving to a remote area. In addition, if your belongings cannot be unloaded on arrival, they may need to be stored. Storage-in-transit fees will be charged along with warehouse handling charges. Try to avoid either by ensuring your new residence is ready on time.
  

• Additional Transfers For long distance moves some companies may transfer your belongings from one truck to another. Additional transfers increase the possibility of damage and loss. Keep this in mind when you are choosing your carrier and ask beforehand. Also, if you are moving during the winter or rainy season, find out if the company protects against water damage.

• Insurance Ask detailed questions about insurance. The moving company will provideminsurance at an additional cost. Insurance is usually based on weight, so you will need to assess the value of your goods versus what the insurance policy will provide should your belongings arrive damaged or not at all. Standard coverage is 60 cents per pound and is usually not enough to cover the true cost of the damaged item. Before you purchase more insurance, look into your home insurance to see if they offer additional coverage for moving.

• Packing/Storage Services Find out how items are protected and labeled. Most companies will shrink-wrap our sofa and provide a free blanket wrap service; smaller companies may charge for his service. Ask how items are labeled and how they will be identified on arrival. ake sure you keep an accurate list of all your items, number of boxes, single pieces nd odds and ends. In addition, ask up front if the moving company expects appliance ervice charges, and if they do, ask about their policies for preparing appliances for ransport to see if you can either do it yourself or find someone who'll do it at no cost. In most cases, companies don't charge for standard major appliances, but will for any extra item.

• If you require storage, ask the company if they provide storage service.
  
  
• Usually, the larger companies do and this can save you time and money by having the truck drop off your items for you. It's a good idea to check out the storage facility beforehand.

• Complaints and Claims Ask the company if they have any unresolved complaints or claims against them. ost will give you a history of complaints and claims, and if they were resolved atisfactory for the client. Details won't necessarily be provided, but if there are some utstanding issues, ask for more information about why and the nature of the omplaint and claim. Also, ask how many claims and complaints they've had; this is a good indication of their incident record.

• Ask for Referrals/Recommendations
  
  
• Most reliable companies will automatically provide you with letters of happy clients. And although anyone with a printer and computer could generate supportive documents, you can usually assume they are legitimate and factual.
  
  
• Make note of anything suspicious. And above all, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
  

• Set Up a Moving Timeline If you set a timeline for your move, you'll find it easy to check off tasks week by week to ensure you don't forget anything such as booking a babysitter, getting shots for Fido or calling the city for a parking permit for the moving truck.