When it comes to hiring a transport company, every relocation company will offer you different services they think is better than others. But, not all shippers will provide the kind of services you need.
Some specialize in domestic moves while others travel long-distance. How good a shipping company is will be determined by how professional they are, its price rate, valuation protection plan, and many more.
Want to know how to hire quality movers for your next transit in Chicago? These tips on hiring professional movers will show you how to hire long-distance moving companies Chicago area.
1. Moving inventory
The first factor that governs how professional and reliable a removal company is, is based on whether they make an inventory of your homewares. A good transport company will also consider the weight of each item to know its value on it. But, that is not the goal here. The objective is to know how they generate your estimate. Most companies won’t provide this service. So, when you get one willing to do so, you want to select them.
2. Get a walk-through, virtual or in-person.
Quality movers will also offer a walk-through of your home to know every item your current home hold and the plans you have for them. If you get a contractor that offers this service, make sure to be very open-minded so that shippers will know how to offer the right services to suit your needs.
3. Avoid paying any large upfront before delivery.
Reliable movers will only ask for upfront if you have cargo for a 10-bedroom space to transport. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay any deposit when delivery isn’t complete. Another advantage this step offers is that shippers tend to deliver the cargo faster than when paid some cash. Regardless, you need to avoid any company that asks you to pay large deposits before the departure day since they are most likely scammers.
4. Avoid a transport service with a name switch.
Regrettably, most transport companies are not to be trusted since some only establish the business to swindle people. Hence, one needs to be cautious of the kind of shipper they choose to hire. The most telling sign of such a dishonest professional mover is frequent name switches. Deceptive shippers often change their company name to stay undetected by the law.
5. Get recommendations
The most crucial step in hiring quality movers is asking people you can trust for the contact of a shipping company they know. The verbal recommendation usually works better than online reviews because they’ve witnessed firsthand how professional the transport company is, so they can either warn or encourage you to employ their services.
6. Avoid packing costs
If you are trying to save costs, particularly when working on a tight budget, you need to learn to avoid packing costs. When you hire shippers to do this job, you invariably increase the moving estimate you get from shippers. Price inflation is one factor that deters people from hiring quality movers. If you want to get the best services for your next home transit, pack your belongings yourself and avoid extra packing costs.
7. Verify the price and fee rates
There’s never a great price estimate when it comes to hiring shippers. In fact, most will only give the surface cost and hide every other cost that may arise. You want to avoid this situation as much as possible. So, ask about the additional cost that may arise.
Also, if transporters have to go through several flights of stairs to transport your belongings or need specialized services to move your large furniture and musical equipment, you need to be ready for additional costs.
8. Say no to a binding estimate.
Shippers will always provide three types of contract; binding, non-binding and non-binding to exceed to estimate.
The binding quote provides you with a definite cost for the service you request. If you request any additional service apart from that agreed upon during the move, you will need to pay the extra free within 30days of delivery. On the other hand, a non-binding quote will only require you that you pay below 10% of the initial quote even if extra costs apply. Any estimate you receive in the non-binding to exceed estimate is the maximum you pay regardless of the extra services.
The only one you need to avoid from these contracts is the guaranteed quote because it can potentially make you spend more than your budget.
9. Report any problems
When you get your cargo and notice some mishaps, you need to report the problem to get the insurance prerogative on the item as soon as possible. Usually, this will only be feasible if you report any concerns within nine months of receiving your cargo.
10. Know your Insurance and value protection options
Another important factor to keep in mind is that the valuation protection you will get for your cargo will differ depending on the shipping service you employ. Two of the most common liability protections moving companies offer are the Full (replacement) value Protection and the Alternative Level of Liability. The difference between both is that one provides minimal protection while the other offers a full insurance plan for your belongings.
The full value protection plan ensures that movers assume full responsibility for the item when your cargo gets lost, damaged, or destroyed. Shippers can either repair the item to its previous condition, get a new one of the same quality or pay you in cash to replace it. The alternative level of liability offers only a 60% protection plan per article destroyed, damaged, or lost.
Get a FREE Moving Quote
Since you know all the necessary tips for hiring movers, it’s time to get on the way to your next home. Simply ask for a free quote today to get the best quality shippers at your service.
