Your upcoming move will be one of two things: an interstate move
with
long-distance moving companies (between states, such as a move from
Texas to Florida), or an intrastate move (within the state, like between St.
Petersburg and Orlando).
Although both types of moves share many characteristics, they differ in how they're regulated, and so they have a bearing on how you should check out
St.
Petersburg moving companies.
Interstate MovesIf you're moving to St. Petersburg from another state, your move is governed by rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In these types of moves, make sure the mover you pick has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport between states, and has the proper insurance.
You can determine if a mover is registered with FMCSA by visiting
www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing, and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. (This article can take you step by step through
how to check out a moving company on the FMCSA website.)
Also check with the
Better Business Bureau to ensure the company doesn't have a long history of unresolved complaints. (The intrastate section below also has tips on picking a mover that apply to both intrastate and interstate moves.)
Intrastate MovesIf you're moving to St. Petersburg from
another city within Florida, these Florida moving companies are overseen by the state, in this case the Florida Department of Agriculture
-- Division of Consumer Services.
To find out if your mover is registered with the state, call 1-800-HELP FLA
- also ask about any complaints the state has received about the company.
Before you hire a moving company, have at least 3 movers actually come
to your home to see what you want moved.
Once you get quotes, they should be within a reasonable range. If
there's a moving company that's quoting you far less, that's a good sign you're
getting set up for a scam.
Other questions you should ask when speaking with Florida moving companies:
* How long has the company been around? Does it do business under any other DBAs (doing business as).
* What are my insurance options with the moving company?
* What is the moving company's process for settling claims?
* Does the mover have arbitration for claim disputes?
Whatever company you choose should provide the following:
* Enough liability insurance coverage
* A written estimate and contract.
* They must also accept at least two of the following forms of payment:
cash, check or credit card
Your estimate must have:
* Name, telephone number, physical address and state registration number of the mover.
* The proposed date of the actual move, and the date you were given the estimate.
* Your pick-up and delivery address, name and telephone numbers.
* Breakdown of all costs and services.
* Payment options
Be sure to ask about moving insurance - the moving company should
provide this information to you up front. The movers are obligated to provide a
very minimal amount of insurance, but it won't cover much. Investigate other
options as well.
For more information about moving in or to Florida,
go to this Website.
