Choosing a moving company is a big decision, and there are many factors to consider before hiring a company. Luckily, you can get a number of recommendations from people you know and trust. However, you should do more research to find the best mover for your needs. Start by constructing a shortlist and getting estimates from at least three companies. Read reviews and check the BBB rating, and ask specific questions to narrow down your list. This way, you can determine the reliability of the company.
Costs of moving company
The costs of moving company services vary depending on the size of the move. Larger moves require more manpower and can result in a larger bill. Similarly, smaller moves are cheaper but may have more unexpected costs, such as overtime hours. To avoid unexpected costs, make sure to plan your move well in advance.
Generally, the base cost of a moving company depends on the size of the move, the number of people being employed by the company, and the distance between the home and the company's location. Long distance relocations can take several hours or hundreds of miles. These distances and the weight of the properties being moved will determine the total cost. Also, the additional services, such as packing and supplies, will raise the costs.
The cost of long distance moving can be as high as $10,000. The cost of a moving service with packing will range from six hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. In some cases, the distance between the old house and the new one can be as high as three thousand miles. In these cases, many people opt to pack their own items and pay a little more to save money.
Business license
Before you start your moving company, you will need to secure a business license in the state in which you intend to do business. While some businesses may require a special license to operate, most moving and hauling businesses only need a general business license. However, if you plan on using a trade name, you may also need to obtain a DBA filing.
The federal government also requires interstate movers to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you are registering with the FMCSA, you can get your USDOT number, which identifies commercial vehicles for regulatory purposes. You can also obtain a federal operating authority number, which will grant you the authority to operate a moving company. Once you have a federal operating authority number, you will need to maintain proof of insurance and contact information. Different states also require local requirements, so be sure to check with the FMCSA to make sure you meet your state's requirements.
Rates
Professional mover’s rates can vary widely depending on the season. Moving costs are typically higher during the summer and holidays, but may be lower during the spring. Spring moves can also be challenging for families with school-age children. The summer is also the peak home-selling season, so moving companies charge higher rates than during other seasons.
Moving companies generally charge by the weight of your shipment and the distance you are moving. Some charge per pound; others charge per mile. Charges also depend on whether you are moving locally or interstate. Rates for state-to-state moves are a standard cost, while those for interstate moves vary based on distance.