what to look for and avoid when looking for a moving(long distance) company?

Answer 1

never ever use UNITED VAN LINES or the MCCollister Group (out of Washington DC). WE have had horrific experience.
Ask every detail....ask how experienced packers are, their background check, ask about how its going to be packed and sorted etc...
If you see that on the day of the packing something is not as YOU like it talk immediately to their supervisor and / or call the company to send you a differnt team.
I speak out of experience. We had a nightmare which is unfortuantely too long to write down...from drunk packers,stealing,breaking things on purpose etc..etc....

Answer 2

I used to work for a Head Office of a national moving company.
1) make sure when the estimate is done that you go thru every room and outbuilding and show them EVERY thing that is going to put on that moving truck
2) get a copy of the estimate
3) The driver will list every article and note any damages that already exist on your furniture. Make sure it's correct or else you may have trouble getting something repaired if they damage it during the move.
4) Make sure you note any property damage done at either origin or destination property.
5) make sure you understand how the insurance works that you are paying for .....if you have a choice, purchase the more expensive insurance that covers the entire load if the truck should get in an accident and your belongings burn up (yes, it happens)
6) be sure you know exactly what sort of payment they are expecting at the destination.....if you can't pay them properly immediately on arrival they will charge you for the driver's waiting time and/or storage and delivery out of storage charges.............very expensive.

Can't think of anything else but this should get you set up pretty well.

Answer 3

Go with one of the big guys. They are the safest. They are bonded and insured. Make sure you get written estimat e or price quote. There are many movers out there that are charging very high fees once you get there and they hold your stuff hostage until you pay the ransom, usually several thousand dollars. There is a family here I live that moved recently and when they got to their new house, none of the stuff even showed up. They lost everything. Thats why you go with the big guys. Probably coss more but is safer in the long rn. Plus if they damage any of your things, they pay for it.

Answer 4

As with any service, reputation, so look at a national carrier. Insurance, ask them for their terms of coverage for damage and get it in writing. It's normally in the contract but get them to explain it to you in person. Also ask them for their record for on time delivery. In doubt, when you pick one and before you sign anything, call your local Better Business Bureau and see if they have any negative complaints.

Answer 5

Make sure they are bonded and insured. Take inventory before they load and after they unload.

Answer 6

if they break things dont use them