Intrastate move in Connecticut

[Alba]

Hello,

Your site is wonderful! I have a question. Maybe you can help.

My husband and I always moved ourselves before, but we are thinking about hiring a mover for an intrastate move in Connecticut. But after reading about all the scams and problems (and with the stress already of buying our first home), I've got my doubts.

Does anyone here have any information about A-Amodio Moving (Mayflower) in New Haven, CT. http://www.amodio.com ??

I called a couple of movers from the yellow pages who wanted to give me estimates over the phone (red flag), both saying the move would be $400-$500 (we have a two bedroom apartment, but are selling some furniture so it is more like 3 rooms). I didn't like the phone conversations from either company, and thought maybe a Mayflower affiliate would be more reputable? We were going to pack ourselves.

Or maybe someone has a recommendation? What does a move like this usually cost? (Our new home is about an hour away.)

Thanks, and sorry if this is long-winded...

Alba

[Michael]

Alba,

Sorry to take so long to get back to you. Rebel asked that I try to answer your question for you. I found out Connect. is a regulated state and all movers are required to register with the state. If you have someone come out, they should be able to tell you who is and isnt registered. I know I can here in NC.

After speaking with a few United agents in Connect. It seems to be the general concensus, that moves are not discounted, therefore, no matter your weight, or packing services, everyone should charge you the same rate.

Keep in mind, someone with lesser weight isnt necessairly cheaper, they just estimated less weight. And the same goes for packing. If I estimate you need 5 dish packs @ $36.50 a box, and another company comes in and says they only see 3 dish packs, their rate is still the same @ $36.50, they just estimated less.

Whether your state allows giving guarantee prices, or if they are just estimates, you would have to ask your sales person who comes out to visit. But definitely have a visual done. Check to make sure the companies are fully insured and bonded. Just cause they say they are doesnt mean they are. You can always post that info pack here and Rebel, Tim or Tyrone can work their magic with the info.

Lets us know what you find.

Good Luck

[Alba]

Hello Michael,

None of the companies I spoke with wanted to come in to our apartment to give an estimate (saying are move was small, which it is, and since we are packing everything ourselves). They are all charging rates per hour (vs. a weight charge). After checking the safety records, etc. on the recommended site, and the better business bureau, we decided to use Joyce Van Lines. They were also the most professional to communicate with for the estimate, and the only ones who offered to give us a non-binding estimate in writing without us asking for it.

I'll be sure to post a note here after our move with a thumbs up (hopefully!) in August.

Thanks for your help!
Alba

PS. If anyone has any other recommendations in the meantime, that would be great too.

[Rebel]

SAFERSYS
Joyce Van Lines, Inc
1012 East Sumner Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227
203-881-1687 (Seymour, CT)
(Looks like this is the corporate location with others being agents)
DOT# 247771 MC# 169755
Household goods - Interstate
64 units and 45 drivers
FMSCA records look okay

Legal Name: AAA Executive Moving, Inc
DBA Joyce Moving & Storage
1012 E Sumner Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227
317-788-9210
DOT# 729341
7 units and 6 drivers
Household goods - Intrastate
Operation classification: applying

BBB
Joyce Van Lines, Inc.
195 Christian Street
Oxford, CT 06478
800-451-0653
Fax: 203-881-0518 (Seymour, CT)
Business Start Jan. 1982
Owner: William H Joyce
Add'l phone:
203-881-1687
800-356-6562
860-293-1946
203-772-4842

Joyce Moving & Storage Company, Inc., Joyce Van Lines, Admiral Movers
195 Christian Street
Oxford, CT 06478
800-451-0653
203-881-1110
Business Start: 1993
Agent for Joyce Van Lines
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities License #25689

I don't have time right now to check out the phone numbers, but I would just check out that everything is good with the intrastate part of the company with their licensing. I'm going to ask someone else here who knows more than I on that topic to post a reply.

[twalker]

Just a thought, but you may want to contact the Connecticut Movers & Warehousemen's Association and ask them if they can provide you with consumer protection information specific to Connecticut. Since you are not crossing state lines, your move will be covered under the state laws and not necessarily the federal laws that are involved in interstate moves. You can get in touch with the Connecticut Movers & Warehousemen's Association here:

60 Forest St
Hartford, CT 06105

Local: (203) 367-4481
Toll Free: (800) 937-8363

Tim Walker
MovingScam.com

[Josh]

They were also the most professional to communicate with for the estimate, and the only ones who offered to give us a non-binding estimate in writing without us asking for it.

I think you are confused about a non-binding and a binding estimate.

Non-Binding = You are charged the actual charges no matter what the estimate is.

Binding = You are given an exact price no matter what the actuals are.

Binding "Not to Exceed" = You cannot be charged more than the estimate if the weight is more, but you can pay less if the weight is less.

I am not sure about CT law, but I would double check with your sales rep to make sure you know what type you are getting. Also, did they go out and look at your items? I go out and look at moves much smaller than yours, in fact, I look at every move I book!

Good luck with your move!

[Alba]

Thanks for the number for the Connecticut Movers & Warehousemen's Association. I'll give them a call today.

I guess I didn't realize that there were binding estimates that could have the guarantee "not to exceed" option. I'll see if we can get one of those. I thought a non-binding estimate would be better given that our move is so small and may only require the number of hours they have as a minimum charge. The estimate they offered was for more hours than the minimum. I'll contact them again about this.

They do require a deposit ($100) stating that this is such a busy time of the year and our move is so small. I read on another topic that this is actually not all that uncommon for small moves, especially at peak times. Is this correct?

PS. Yes, the Joyce Van Lines is the one you listed in Oxford and the phone numbers match.

[twalker]

Alba,

Intrastate, and especially local moves are often quoted quite different than interstate moves. It's not uncommon at all for a local move to be quoted at an hourly rate, and deposits aren't unusual in that type of move either. We deal mostly with interstate moves here, so that's why you see advice against deposits so often. You'll still want to make sure that your company is reputable, and be aware of your consumer rights in Connecticut. If you can, stop into the moving company's office and make sure that they take care of their business like you would want them to take care of your belongings. Sounds like you're on the right track.

Tim Walker
MovingScam.com

[Michael]

Alba,

A local move is generally a move inside a 25-35 mile radius. A move outside a 25-35 mile radius is considered a intrastate move. The radius can differ from state to state, if its a regulated state, which yours is. So contact the governing body that regulates moving and ask then the mile radius. I know some companies here in NC still tell people 25 miles, yet the law states 35.

A local move should be charged by the hour. A intrastate move is based on weight.

Services such as packing and appliances can vary from company to company.