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"You Load/We Drive" moves are usually much less expensive than full-service moves. You control your moving costs by loading your items yourself within the space you reserve. Charges are based on space used and distance traveled; weight is not considered. Because you load your own shipment, you are primarily responsible if scratches, dents, and breakage occur, although your shipment is covered for damage caused by company negligence or catastrophes.
Full service moving companies do the loading, driving, and unloading for you and also pack your items if desired. However, these moves are usually much more expensive than self-moves. Charges are based on the weight of the shipment and distance traveled. Items are covered for damage caused by company negligence or catastrophes and you can also buy enhanced valuation coverage for scratches, dents, and breakage from the company.
Auto transport companies These auto transporters own their own trucks and have their own drivers. They are not brokers that would shop your move to the lowest bidder and keep you waiting until someone agrees to move your car. If you ship your car with them, you can talk to the driver so you will always know where your car is. They are not cut-rate operators, but reviews show that they have performed very well for customers at reasonable cost.
Auto transport brokers do not own their own trucks. They book your car with the actual carrier and charge a small fee (typically $150-$200) to do so. A good broker with many contacts can be very helpful. However, choose one like ProStar that works with high-quality carriers and will not just place your car with the lowest bidder. The broker should also stay on top of your move so you know where your car is and when it will be delivered.
International moving companies arrange for your goods to be seen and measured, packaged, moved to port or airport, transported internationally, and delivered. For safety, be sure that any company you contract with is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
MovingScam-Approved Companies There are many good moving companies besides the few companies that are formally endorsed by MovingScam. The following companies are properly licensed and insured. They have numerous excellent, believable reviews and few or no complaints, showing that they are committed to providing high-quality moves. They have each assigned a person to help MovingScam customers with any problems that may arise.  
 
In view of this, MovingScam has given these companies its seal of approval. This seal of approval is a step below formal endorsement only because, as van line agents, they are not able to control every move from start to finish, although they are able to control moves that they do using their own trucks and drivers. Especially for the latter type of move, MovingScam.com recommends these companies with confidence.
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  How to File Complaints Against Your Moving Company

By Tim Walker
MovingScam.com

Companies We Endorse

The following are the only companies officially endorsed by MovingScam.com at this time. Our endorsement is based on the positive experiences of many consumers who have used them.

Move your cursor over the headings for a brief explanation of each type of company and then use the links to read reviews of the companies. Click on the company name to go to that company's website.

You Load/We Drive Companies:
 
Full Service Moving Companies:
 
Auto Transport Companies:
 
Auto Transport Broker:
 
International Moving Companies:
MovingScam-Approved Companies

Many people find out too late how easy it is to fall victim to a scam moving company. Knowing who to file a complaint with, and how to do it can sometimes be confusing and difficult unless you know where to turn. This article will take you step by step through the process, letting you know who to file complaints with, and how the process works.

Be sure to file a complaint with MovingScam.com using our online complaint form. If your move was an interstate move then you may also have us automatically send your complaint to the Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General. This saves time by eliminating a step and also makes sure that the OIG has complete information about your move.

The first government contact you need to file a complaint with is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They have recently streamlined their process, and even if you have filed previously with them using their old system prior to (1/1/2003), you should file with them again. It's easy to file a complaint online using their web site at http://www.1-888-dot-saft.com/CC_Info.htm, or toll-free by phone at 1-888-368-7238.

You should also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation's Office of the Inspector General. Although they don't have a system in place that is as easy to use as the FMCSA's, you can email them at hotline@oig.dot.gov. As previously stated, this can be handled automatically for you when you file a complaint with MovingScam.com.

Next, you should find out if your mover is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). You can find out by calling the AMSA at 703-683-7410, or by sending them an email to amconf@amconf.org. If your moving company is an AMSA member, then they have agreed to participate in the AMSA Arbitration Program. You should file for arbitration with the AMSA by following their guidelines on www.moving.org.

You should file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau even if the company is not a member. You can file a complaint with the BBB online using their web site at http://www.bbb.com.

It's also important to let your representatives in the US Senate, and the House of Representatives know about the abuse consumers are facing in the moving industry. While there is no formal process for filing complaints specifically about the moving industry, it is important to contact them and let them know how serious these issues are.

Quick Links
How to Find a Reputable Moving Company - Our Most Popular Article!
Wholesale Moving Boxes & Supplies - Free shipping, next-day delivery
Need a Full-Service Mover? Customers Recommend
Moovers, Inc.
Planning an International Move - Michael Zlotnik
Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
How to File Moving Complaints - A MovingScam.com article
Free shipping label template available for download!

Latest News
On The Money: Consumer Alert: Don't Be a Victim of Moving Scams - Carlo Dellaverson - CNBC.com On the Money
When Relying on Online Brokers, Beware 'Move It or Lose It' Scams - Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post
Beware Of Movers Who Take You For a Ride - Michelle Singletary, The Washington Post
GAO: Consumers Still Held Hostage by Movers.
Congress Protects Movers at Expense of Consumers - Joseph S. Enoch, ConsumerAffairs.Com
FMC Obtains Injunction Against International Household Goods Movers - Federal Maritime Commission
The hidden costs of moving - Liz Pulliam Weston, MSN Money
Phony Internet Moving Brokerages Take Consumers for a Ride - Cindy Skrzycki, Washington Post
10 Things Your Moving Company Won't Tell You - Nkiru Asika Oluwasanmi, Smart Money Magazine
Don't get scammed by your mover - Liz Pulliam Weston, MSN Money
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