Sometimes, figuring out how to find a good moving company can be just as stressful as moving itself! Unfortunately, there are many scam artists, unreliable movers, and fraudulent moving companies that want to take advantage of folks when they’re in a high-stress situation like moving.
You can verify that a moving company is legitimate by checking out its reviews, paying attention to red flags, checking its state and federal licensure, and looking into its resources and hiring practices. North Dallas Moving and Storage has the top movers in Dallas, Texas. We’ve been treating clients like family with a professional touch for over fifty-five years, are licensed, insured, and know the ins and outs of creating a secure and streamlined move plan.
In this post, we’ll share our expert tips on how to select a moving company that is reputable and legitimate.
Check Out Reviews
Most moving companies will include reviews on their own websites, but don’t rely on just those reviews. These companies can control which reviews go up on their websites or even fabricate their own to make their services appear more legitimate.
Always check third-party review platforms, like Google Reviews and Yelp. You can also ask the moving company to supply you with references from past clients and ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with the moving company.
Listen Carefully
A common sign that a moving company is a scam is if it never says the name of the company. When you call and speak to the receptionist and they don’t answer with the company name or the vehicles do not have logos or identifying information, the company may have a reputation to hide.
Companies that are found out to be scammers may change their names often to throw off new clients from finding out about their negative reviews.
Ask for Licensure
Every legitimate moving company must be registered through the US Department of Transportation (DOT). It should have both federal and state licensure that proves its legitimacy as a moving company and should be able to provide you with its DOT number upon request.
Want to check for yourself? You can also see if a mover is registered through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website by using its registration search function.
Is the Company Insured and Bonded?
Part of being a legitimate and secure moving company means all movers and vehicles are insured and bonded. This will protect the movers (and you) in the event of bodily injury or property damage during the move. A legitimate moving company will be able to provide you with this information upon request.
Investigate Screening Practices
Ask the moving company if its movers are background checked and how it trains its staff. Illegitimate moving companies often cut corners and don’t background check their movers, which can put your safety and the security of your belongings at risk.
Ensuring a company trains its employees thoroughly can mean a safer move. If movers aren’t sure how to secure your belongings in the truck or don’t know how to pack and stack boxes of fragile items, you could wind up with damaged property by the end of your move. Ask how often the company trains employees and what skills and procedures are covered during the employee training.
Evaluate Resources
Legitimate moving companies are established and equipped with anything your move demands. From offering a wide range of packing materials‒like bubble wrap, a variety of box sizes, and security straps‒to having a diverse fleet of moving vehicles, the company should be more than two guys and a pick-up truck.
Ask about how the company maintains its vehicles to ensure there are no safety or maintenance issues during transportation. When getting your moving estimate or quote, be sure to mention your specialty items and ask how the movers plan to address those items. Do they have a refrigeration system to keep your prized wine collection cool? Do they know what items may warp or shrink when moved in a hot truck for prolonged periods of time, and how do they address that? If they aren’t sure how to answer your questions, it’s time to find a different company.
NDMS Makes Moving Safe and Easy
At NDMS, we have decades of experience with a long list of raving reviews. We’re licensed, insured, and all of our staff undergo rigorous background checks to ensure your belongings are safe. With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and decades of expertise, we can make your next move a breeze.
Contact us today online or call for your free estimate and our downloadable moving checklist!
