A moving company helps people relocate, whether it’s to a new home across town or a new office building in another state. They provide a wide variety of services, including packing and unpacking, transporting items to and from storage, and assembling or disassembling furniture. Some companies also offer additional services, such as cleaning or appliance servicing. Others may specialize in certain types of moves, like commercial or residential. The specific services a moving company provides will depend on the type of move, its location, and other factors, such as the customer’s budget and time constraints.
There are about 7,000 licensed and insured moving companies in the United States. Many are local independents, while others are affiliated with national van lines and operate as local agents. An agent represents the van line and handles paperwork processing, dispatching, shipment routing and tracking, and claims settlement. Most van lines also have a central office that oversees the logistics of interstate moves.
To find a good moving company moving company Kennesaw, check its website for reviews and certification details. You should also be able to find the contact information of any previous customers who have provided testimonials or feedback. In addition, ask friends and family for recommendations based on their own experiences. Also, tap into your network at work and other community groups to find out who they’ve worked with. Finally, talk to your doorman and building superintendent about which movers are most trustworthy and efficient in your area.
Getting a ballpark estimate for your move is difficult, as there are dozens of different factors that affect the final cost. For example, the distance of the move will affect how much you pay, as will the weight of your shipment. To get a more accurate quote, the company will send an inspector to your home or business and take a complete inventory of your belongings.
A binding or nonbinding estimate will then be provided, which is a price that the moving company agrees to not exceed once all services are completed. If any factors change, such as adding or removing items from your inventory, the move will be revised and adjusted accordingly.
In addition to insurance, a moving company should be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Those that are certified as interstate carriers must provide both full-value and released-value protection. The former covers the replacement value of your items, while the latter only offers a cash settlement in the event they’re lost or damaged.
It’s also important to check a moving company’s status on the FMCSA database before hiring them for an interstate move. This will help you avoid scams by ensuring that the moving company is properly registered and insured to perform your move. It will also ensure that the company is not merely acting as a broker and passing your shipment to a separate carrier. This is a common practice with international moves and can lead to problems down the road.