Searching for a firm to help you with an upcoming move can be tedious. At a time when there are many other tasks to check off your list, it may be the last item you want to tackle. But unless you want to DIY your move, you need to find a mover or broker.
If you’re new to this whole moving thing, you may be slightly overwhelmed with choosing a professional moving company. Do you choose movers or brokers? What is the difference? Is there a difference?
There are some critical differences between the role of a moving company and a moving broker, and it’s essential to know the facts to make an informed decision.
Professional Movers
Moving companies are the ones who do the hands-on heavy lifting and assist you in your move from start to finish. Many offer packing and moving services. They own their trucks and moving equipment and have a team of professional movers. When getting an estimate from a moving company, you’re getting it straight from the source, which will most likely be more accurate than the number a moving brokerage gives you. Moving companies might base their pricing on the amount and weight of your stuff or set an hourly rate.
Sometimes there are additional fees with a moving company depending on other services, such as packing and storing, preparing appliances for your move, or moving something large like a piano. Some companies may also have fees for expedited services or long-haul charges.
Moving Brokers
When you hire a moving broker, you hire a ‘middleman’ between you and the mover. Instead of communicating directly with your moving company, your broker does it for you. A broker will find you a mover. Brokers do not do hands-on work on a moving day; they aren’t involved in moving your items. They schedule a move with full-service moving companies on your behalf.
Why Choose a Mover Instead of a Broker?
Hiring a broker to find you a moving company is unnecessary in most situations. It’s better to go right to the source and do your research for peace of mind that you’re going with a reputable and well-established moving company with positive reviews. Brokers don’t have moving trucks or equipment, so they can’t answer questions about the details of your move. Brokers also can’t negotiate prices or offer discounts, which is a downside when you’re about to embark on an expensive move.
When you hire a moving broker, you’re paying for the broker plus the moving company, which includes additional and unnecessary costs. Brokers often work out of call centers, and it can get frustrating to call a call center with many different reps whenever you have a question or need to address an issue. The call center might be hundreds of miles away. Stopping by the office is not an option.
Always Do Your Research
Regardless of whether you choose to go with a broker or a moving company, it is crucial to do your research and due diligence to verify the credibility and reputation of the firm.
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Check that they are licensed with the Better Business Bureau and the FMCSA
This is important to ask because the Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a government agency in place to regulate commercial vehicle operations and guarantee safety for companies and their customers. Just because a company is licensed with the FMCSA doesn’t automatically mean they are professional and trustworthy; however, if they aren’t licensed, that’s a great first way to weed a company out during your research.
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Ask if they are a broker or a moving company
Now that you know the difference, this question will help you decide which is better for your situation.
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Browse the online reviews
Reviews are everything in this day and age. What are people saying about the moving company you’re about to hire?
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Ask about their coverage options
Make sure your moving company has at least basic liability coverage, and ask if they have other coverage options based on your needs.
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Make sure the company offers all the services you need
Some services you may want to ask about include loading and unloading, packing, storing, custom crating, assembly/disassembly, transporting large/specialty items such as pianos, cleaning services, and vehicle shipping.
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Ask about their rates and any hidden fees
You don’t want any financial surprises on moving day. Some Utah moving companies suddenly have higher costs on moving day. This is often because of fees that are hidden in your contract.
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Find out if they background check their employees
Movers will be in and out of your house all day on moving day. They are essentially strangers to you. Knowing that none of them have a criminal record may bring you peace of mind.
Knowledge is power, and now that you know a little more about movers and brokers. It’s up to you to decide what would be best for you and your family’s move. The best way to find the moving help you need is to ask the crucial questions and choose a moving company or broker that you can trust.