Quantcast
"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.
Go to movingscam.com home page Go to Read the founder's own moving scam story Learn how scammers operate Go to the message boards Go to the links page Send us your comments Go to the verified reviews Search movingscam.com Tell a friend Links to news stories
MovingScam Home: Avoid Moving Company Scams
Site Navigation: Avoid Moving Company Scams
We want to hear from you after your
move too! Submit your review here!
 FAQFAQ   Subscribe to this topicSubscribe to this topic   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in  Superlist

In Home Estimate Question

  		 
Post new topic   Reply to topic  Moving Company Forums Index -> Helpful Moving Information
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. MovingScam accepts referral fees from these companies.

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:
 

For more information on international moving, read this article.

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
beemer889



Joined: 27 May 2011
Posts: 3
PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:13 pm    Post subject: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
This is probably a dumb question but I'm going to ask it anyway Smile I'm working on trying to find a mover for a local move. All the information I've read has said that you should get an in-home estimate when moving. Does this also apply to local moves or is it interstate moves only? Thanks!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
cnoblit



Joined: 24 Feb 2005
Posts: 496
Location: Long Island, NY
PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:46 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
It applies to all moves.
_________________
Christopher Noblit
Professional Mover
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
Diane



Joined: 06 Oct 2003
Posts: 15834
Location: Los Angeles
PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2011 12:46 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
I disagree . . . for short-distance local moves, especially small ones, it's common and not a red flag for a company charging by the hour to give you a ballpark price estimate on the phone. Just remember that it is a ballpark and you will pay for the number of hours the move actually takes.

That said, it is always preferable to get an in-home estimate if possible, but during the busy summer season many companies are unable or unwilling to do that for small local moves.
_________________
Diane
Check out domestic companies on this thread. Click here for a detailed, authoritative article on international moving.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
cnoblit



Joined: 24 Feb 2005
Posts: 496
Location: Long Island, NY
PostPosted: Thu Jun 02, 2011 12:55 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
Diane wrote:
I disagree . . . for short-distance local moves, especially small ones, it's common and not a red flag for a company charging by the hour to give you a ballpark price estimate on the phone. Just remember that it is a ballpark and you will pay for the number of hours the move actually takes.

That said, it is always preferable to get an in-home estimate if possible, but during the busy summer season many companies are unable or unwilling to do that for small local moves.


I was trying to keep it simple. I thought of writing this...

...Unless one has a finite, small, and a very specific and exact list of the articles one needs to move an in-home estimate is the only way to guarantee a reasonably accurate cost estimate. However, should one have a finite, small, and a very specific and exact list of the articles one needs to move most professional movers will be able to provide you with an accurate price over the phone...

But I decided that I was tired and it was better to keep it simple, thus the brevity of my OP.
_________________
Christopher Noblit
Professional Mover
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
KnowItAll



Joined: 30 Apr 2012
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 7:45 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
As a small mover , I can tell you that I generally do everything over the phone. My moves on average take 8 hrs , To drive out an do an estimate with all sorts of related paperwork other "pro" movers on here say you need ,would probably take 4 hrs. Someone would have to pay for that,I would assume the customer.
_________________
I dont even know what a binding estimate thingamabob is....
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
BigLeeCalif



Joined: 23 Aug 2003
Posts: 4534
Location: Escondido, California
PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:49 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
In California, you cannot give estimates over the phone. You can only quote hourly rates and your minimum.

Once you quote a charge, it becomes a not-to-exceed estimate.

You should check the regulations in your state.
_________________
"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt" Mark Twain
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
MusicMom



Joined: 25 Feb 2004
Posts: 18775
Location: DC Metro
PostPosted: Tue May 01, 2012 3:36 am    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
Sounds like this guy's a "pro".
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
NYCMover



Joined: 09 Mar 2009
Posts: 454
Location: New York, NY
PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 10:28 pm    Post subject: Re: In Home Estimate Question Reply with quote
KnowItAll said:
Quote:
As a small mover , I can tell you that I generally do everything over the phone. My moves on average take 8 hrs , To drive out an do an estimate with all sorts of related paperwork other "pro" movers on here say you need ,would probably take 4 hrs. Someone would have to pay for that,I would assume the customer.
_________________
I dont even know what a binding estimate thingamabob is....

Being a "pro" - to me your quote speaks volumes... Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bump up your
thread in Bumpal
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic
   Moving Company Forums Index -> Helpful Moving Information All times are GMT - 6 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Home | Site Seach | The True Story | The Scam | Moving Message Board | The Links
Verified Reviews | What's New | Comments | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Media Kit | About Us
© Copyright 2013 MovingScam.com, a division of Consumers First Corp.

phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group