Finding the right company to move you and your family can feel overwhelming, so to guide you in your search for a mover, here’s 5 tips for selecting a moving company that is just right for you!
1. Reputation
There are plenty of great resources to help you research your mover. The best resource we recommend is the Department of Transportation / Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This government website is where you are able to verify that the company is licensed, bonded and insured with the DOT. You are also able to see their verified complaint history as well as the exact complaint history they have.
As a rule of thumb, more than 20 complaints with the DOT in one year is a red flag that you should be cautious of. You can search moving companies/brokers by either their name or their DOT# which is legally required to be on every estimate you receive.
Dougherty Brothers Moving is a 5 star, veteran founded company with a track record of excellence. We encourage you to do your due-diligence when considering any moving company and we would expect nothing less when it comes to us. Our US DOT# is 3397306. Also, check out our services to learn more about us.
2. Price
While this sounds like a no-brainer, shopping based on price can be a double-edged sword. Of course, you want to find a company that offers an affordable rate. But you have to be cautious of moving companies that operate under “bait and switch” tactics. This is when they give you a generic quote not based on an inventory to get your business, then they charge you much more when they come to pick up your belongings.
Another form of this “bait and switch” tactic to be cautious of is in the form of “under-quoting.” Interstate moving is more than often done by method of a shared-load, meaning that your items take up only a portion of the space in a large truck. For this reason, your price is based on either the weight of the shipment (lbs.) or the volume of the shipment (cf). If a moving company does not have a thorough assessment of the items you will be taking, they are unable to give you an accurate quote. Make sure that your moving coordinator is very thorough with you and you take the time to list all of the items they will be loading on the truck for you.
At Dougherty Brothers Moving, transparency and honesty are the guiding principles we were founded with and continue to operate with for all of our customers.
3. Services
When considering all of your options, you need to consider what services are included with the package you select. The most common options are truck rentals, pods, and full-service. When it comes to full-service moves, there are still varying levels of services that are available to you. The standard package for most moving companies does not include the packing of boxes, T.V.’s, removable glassware, etc. These are typically added services that should be accounted for before you receive a quote from any company.
At Dougherty Brothers Moving, we offer 30 days of free storage with free re-delivery, platinum packing services, à la carte packing, expedited shipping services and special pack options for specific items!
4. Operating Authority
Moving within state lines and interstate moving both require separate licenses. Local movers cannot transport household goods over state lines without the proper authority. A U.S. DOT number is required by the FMCSA for interstate moves. For moves within a state, requirements vary. Check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general.
Interstate moving is a highly regulated industry, be sure to verify that the company you select is licensed, bonded, and insured with the DOT and FMCSA. Dougherty Brothers Moving specializes exclusively in moves over state lines. Be sure to consider us for your interstate move!
5. Flexibility
The moving process can be a highly stressful process for a lot of people. You may be waiting on the closing of your house you are moving out of, the closing of the house you’re planning to move into, or for a job opportunity to be solidified. Whatever the case, you need a moving company that accommodates your needs. You don’t need any added stress during this time, rather a company that can take some of that weight off of your back.
Dougherty Brothers Moving offers solutions to any concern you may have. Our most commonly utilizes services are 30 days of free storage, packing services, guidance to finding additional insurance and auto transport, and floating reservations. Floating reservations can be the perfect solution for you if you want to pay early booking rates but you’re not sure what dates you need to schedule for pickup. This option allows you to take your time as you get things solidified on your end and not have to stress, knowing you have the best possible price with the best possible company. We work for you, not the other way around.
Hopefully this short list of tips can help you select your moving company with a little more confidence and sense of security. Picking the right company requires your due-diligence and a little bit of time, but it is absolutely worth it. When it comes to your household belongings, it is important that your items are well taken care of, and you are treated with respect and professionalism.
As you can see, Dougherty Brothers Moving fits the bill in every one of these categories. However, at the end of the day this is your decision. We want to make sure you are well-equipped and well-educated to make sure you pick the absolute best company for you and your family.
