Hints And Tips For Interstate Moving
If you move interstate, there are a number of rules and regulation that you need to adhere to. As such, the first thing you should do is check with <a href="https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/glossary/interstate.htm">the U.S. Department of Transportation</a> and find out whether your move is actually classed as interstate.
"If you do not see your move pictured, check with your mover and state and local authorities for clarification."
If it is indeed an interstate move, then you will come under FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules and regulations. These will determine whether or not you are able to move certain items across state (and international) borders. Additionally, if you are moving inside a state, but you are crossing state borders to reach your new location, then you will also have to adhere to their rules. Generally speaking, your moving company will be aware of the rules around long distance moving and there will be nothing for you to worry about in particular. However, it is always best to check out some details yourself, just to be on the safe side.
Choosing Your Moving Company
It is very important that you spend a little bit of time looking into the various moving companies that can service you. Strangely enough, interstate moves are highly regulated by the FMCSA, but interstate movers are not. This is why it is so important that you look into how they <a href="http://business.time.com/2012/05/07/moving-season-5-ways-to-make-the-transition-go-smoothly-and-avoid-costly-problems/">follow the various rules</a>.
"Get at least three moving companies to visit your home, especially if you're moving across state lines. In some jurisdictions, movers are regulated and consumers have some protection, but interstate movers are largely unregulated."
Most moving companies will be able to give you an online quote. However, it is very important to get a truly accurate quote that is a result of the company actually looking at what you intend to move and how. Hence, when you plan on cross country moving, or moving between states, you should only accept price quotations that have been based on an actual visit. These should still be no obligation, but the price in the quotation should be fixed. That way, you won't find yourself having to pay far more than you had initially expected.
Price Considerations
Price is, unfortunately, very important. However, you have to make sure that you are not blind-sided by low prices. What you should be looking for is value for money. If a price looks too good to be true, you can almost be sure that things will go wrong at some point. Perhaps you have to pay a little bit more, but if in return for that, you receive packing materials, insurance and excellent service, then it is worth paying more. It is all about value for money.
Prices that are too good to be true are just one of the warning signs to look out for. Moving companies that want huge deposits, don't give you any detail about their licensing, use rental trucks or are vague about their company name should be avoided. It is unlikely that these companies will follow the necessary rules and regulations, and this could mean that you are the one who could end up being in trouble.
One particular element to look into as well is <a href="https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/rights/RightsB.htm">liability insurance</a>.
"In general, your mover is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during performance of any transportation of household goods and of all related services identified on your mover's lawful bill of lading."
This is why it is so important to have a complete bill of lading. Check each item that is loaded onto the truck, and each item that is taken off the truck at your destination. It is all about protecting yourself and your belongings
Southside Moving and Storage
1533 Harpers Rd
Virginia Beach, Va. 23454
757-234-7080 or 800-587-7474
Proudly serving all of Hapton Roads, Suffolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Petersburg, Franklin,
Isle of Wight, and Smithfield.
