Moving Terms that Can Save You from Fraudulent Movers

When it comes to moving, some Minneapolis moving companies will prey on whether or not you are knowledgeable about moving. How exactly? By using fancy words that most homeowners are unaware of. Since most people do not move more than a few times in their lifetime, the knowledge of common moving terms and charges is not typical. However, this is exactly how movers can get you in a trap. If you are moving to Minneapolis, local moving company All My Sons wants you to know the following key moving terms that can save you from fraudulent movers. If you use the following terms in order to ask your Minneapolis mover questions, they will be able to see that you are prepared and will be less likely to try and pull a fast one on you.

1. Interstate versus Intrastate moving – perhaps one of the most important aspect that you will need to know about your move is how many miles away it is. An intrastate move is one that requires a moving company to travel across state lines. An interstate move is within one state. Now, how does this differ from short haul moving and long haul moving (aka long distance moving)? Short haul moving is the simplest; short haul moving is when you are moving to another city or town within your state, typically within 150 miles from your current residence. The tricky part is determining whether your move is long distance or not. If your Minneapolis mover says that you are moving long distance, it is typically because your move is over 400 miles. Your move does not have to be out of state in order for it to be considered long distance.

2. Linehaul charges – if you are moving long distance or intrastate, most Minneapolis moving companies will calculate the cost of your move by the difference between the weight of the moving truck while it is empty, and the weight of the truck while it is filled with your belongings.

3. Tariff and Bill of Lading – the tariff is the document that outlines the price per pound of your shipment. The tariff will also outline legal implications like the moving company’s policy, fine print of the bill of lading, and service order. The Bill of Lading is basically your receipt and it will have a detailed list of your shipment and its contents; be sure to sign off on the contents so that nothing is missing from their list and then coincidentally goes “missing” during your move.

4. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - The FMCSA works hard to handle and assuage moving complaints. In order to safeguard yourself from hiring a fraudulent moving company, you can visit their website to check if your mover is registered with a USDOT Number. However, keep in mind that if you are moving to Minneapolis locally, the moving company may not be listed. Moving companies who need a USDOT Number are those who carry out intrastate moves.

5. Binding Estimates and Non-Binding Estimates – binding estimates are not as typical as non-binding, as binding estimates are an exact cost for moving services. If a Minneapolis moving company offers you a binding estimate that means that they cannot go above the quoted price. Since moving companies in general, are notorious for giving a quote and then inflating it – that is called a non-binding estimate.

6. Fuel charge – a fuel “surcharge” is when a moving company charges you for gas, on top of your quote. This practice is said to be illegal, so if a moving company calls it a “surcharge” on top of your quote, this is a red flag and a sign to avoid using that particular Minneapolis mover.

7. Extra stops charges – if your mover has to stop at more than one location along the way to your new residence, you will be charged an extra stop charge; these charges can run you roughly $75 per stop.

8. Moving broker – In the era of the Internet, you most likely found your Minneapolis mover online, but how? If you went on any website that gave you a quote online, you most likely dealt with a moving broker and they are not accurate at all. It is important as a homeowner who is looking to move, to avoid moving brokers at all costs. Although the task may seem daunting, the very best way to hire a professional moving company like All My Sons Moving & Storage, is to contact the moving company directly and have them send an estimator to your home for an accurate assessment of your home and moving needs. Do not settle for a lazy moving company who will only give you a quote over the phone.