How to Select your Moving Quote
Free moving quotes in writing are paramount in avoiding unforeseen moving costs
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) constantly issue red flag alerts against scam movers. People on the move will testify to the effectiveness of written moving quotes and estimates as the consumer's first line of defense against scam moving companies.
Consumers should avoid moving estimates over the phone because they cannot be fully guaranteed. Free moving quotes over the phone should be followed by an in-home inspection of your belongings to formulate a written moving price based on the calculated weight of your belongings plus moving distance. A free moving quote in writing prevents scenarios of being quoted one price over the phone, only to exceed original moving estimate once belonging are loaded in truck.
The BBB encourages consumers to obtain at least 3 written quotes from 3 different moving companies for the purpose of efficient comparison, and thereby selecting the movers that best meet your moving requirements within your budget. There are three different types of moving estimates: non-binding, binding and "not to exceed":
"Not to Exceed": The moving company will calculate the weight of your belongings together with the moving distance to come up with a moving rate not to be exceeded. This means that even if your actual weight is much heavier than weight in original written estimate - you still pay the original estimate, while a lighter shipment will entitle you to pay less than original moving quote.
Binding: You agree to pay a fixed moving price regardless of actual weight of your belongings or moving distance. A binding estimate poses risks both to the consumer and the moving company. On the consumer's side the estimator could highball the moving price to get extra money for non existent weight, while on the movers side the consumer could turn up with extra weight not included in the original moving quote.
Non-Binding: You pay a set price per every pound of total weight of your belongings after the entire shipment has been weighed. Non-Binding quotes cannot be guaranteed, only after your belongings have been measured and weighed properly. If the final moving cost exceeds original estimate, upon delivery date the mover can charge up to 10% in addition to original moving quote. The mover is then required by law to deliver all belongings to your new destination while you have 30 days by law to pay the additional amount of money.
Mover New York offers free moving quotes to help you better approximate your total moving cost.