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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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  What To Look For On Your Bill Of Lading

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

Recently more and more problems are showing up on Bill of Ladings written up by rogue moving companies performing interstate moves. As a consumer you should be aware that the Bill of Lading serves as the actual contract between you and your interstate moving company. The law requires that the mover prepare a Bill of Lading for every shipment, and the driver must give you a copy of the Bill of Lading before loading your belongings.

Some important things to remember about your Bill of Lading:

  • The information on a bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service.
  • If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied it is correct.
  • The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested.
  • You must pay the charges set forth in the bill of lading.

Remember to keep the Bill of Lading with you where it will be readily available to you. Whatever you do don't put it in a box and send it off with the rest of your belongings! You should also keep your original written estimate that you received from the moving company with you. These two important documents should always be kept together.

There are 14 items that your Bill of Lading must include. These items are:

  1. Your mover's name and address, or the name and address of the motor carrier issuing the bill of lading.
  2. The names and addresses of any other motor carriers, when known, who will participate in the transportation of the shipment.
  3. The name, address, and telephone number of the office of the motor carrier you must contact in relation to the transportation of the shipment.
  4. The form of payment your mover will honor at delivery. The payment information must be the same that was entered on the estimate and order for service.
  5. When your mover transports your shipment under a collect-on-delivery basis, your name, address, and telephone number where the mover will notify you about the charges.
  6. For non-guaranteed service, the agreed date or period of time for pickup of the shipment and the agreed date or period of time for the delivery of the shipment. The agreed dates or periods for pickup and delivery entered upon the bill of lading must conform to the agreed dates or periods of time for pickup and delivery entered upon the order for service or a proper amendment to the order for service.
  7. For guaranteed service, the dates for pickup and delivery and any penalty or per diem entitlements due you under the agreement.
  8. The actual date of pickup.
  9. The identification number(s) of the vehicle(s) in which your mover loads your shipment.
  10. The terms and conditions for payment of the total charges including notice of any minimum charges.
  11. The maximum amount your mover will demand from you at the time of delivery for you to obtain possession of your shipment, when your mover transports under a collect-on-delivery basis.
  12. The Surface Transportation Board's required released rates valuation statement, and the charges, if any, for optional valuation coverage. The STB's required released rates may be increased annually by your mover based on the Department of Commerce's Cost of Living Adjustment.
  13. Evidence of any insurance coverage sold to or procured for you from an independent insurer, including the amount of the premium for such insurance.
  14. Each attachment to the bill of lading. Each attachment is an integral part of the bill of lading contract. The following three items must be added as attachments:
    • The binding or non-binding estimate.
    • The order for service.
    • The inventory.

Make sure that your mover is following the laws and never sign a Bill of Lading that is incomplete or incorrect.

 

 

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