Is Your Moving Company Licensed & Insured?
According to U.S News & World Report, New Jersey saw a high percentage of outbound moves throughout the pandemic. And while it might be tempting to just hire five guys and a van from a flyer or ad, you should always check to see if a moving company is licensed and insured.
How to Check
Licensed moving companies have a mandatory registration of a USDOT number. An interstate USDOT number is a unique identifier that allows the government to monitor and access its compliance, inspections, audits, and crash investigations. And it makes it easy for you to check relevant information on the professional moving company you intend to hire.
Reputable operations will also volunteer the number on request. Once you get the number, enter it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s (FMCSA) website. You will get all the updated details of the particular company, including its safety and insurance information, fleet size, compliance history, and licensing.
Check for Online Presence
Professional licensed moving companies should have a solid track record and excellent customer reviews on sites like Yelp, Google and on their respective websites. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints around conduct or operations.
Verify Business Certifications
Movers also must undergo a thorough background check by the American Moving and Storage Association. They are also screened and monitored by AMSA to make sure they are upholding the AMSA code of ethics, which includes licensing and insurance covers.
When looking for an ideal licensed moving company, prioritize those that belong to professional associations. Rogue movers may hold your belongings hostage until you pay additional fees, or they may also disappear with your goods. If you are planning on moving, ensure the company you are using is properly licensed and insured.
Getting the right insurance coverage for moving eases the stress of a move by ensuring your belongings are protected. By knowing which movers to stay away from, you significantly narrow your search to the most ideal moving companies that meet all insurance and licensing requirements.
