{"id":3669,"date":"2018-08-29T20:07:11","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T00:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/?p=3669"},"modified":"2020-06-03T08:38:01","modified_gmt":"2020-06-03T12:38:01","slug":"hire-reputable-mover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/2018\/08\/29\/hire-reputable-mover\/","title":{"rendered":"Hire a reputable mover"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"mover<\/a>
Moving Checklist (from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration fmcsa.dot.gov)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Moving is stressful enough<\/a> without having to deal with a rogue mover.  Before your hire a mover, do your research and know your rights.  Your rights may vary depending if your move is intrastate or interstate.  An intrastate move is within the same state, while an interstate move is between states.  Although intrastate movers are not licensed by the state of Maryland, there are a rules and consumer protection laws governing their business.  However, interstate movers must comply with Federal regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiring a mover to move within Maryland (intrastate)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General published The Consumer\u2019s Edge: Hiring a Mover? Protect Yourself!<\/em>  The publication<\/a> outlines your rights for a move within the state of Maryland (marylandattorneygeneral.gov). The pamphlet advises that estimates must be written, and must specify if it\u2019s binding or non-binding.  Binding estimates are prohibited to change, while non-binding estimates in Maryland are capped and cannot exceed 25 percent of the original estimate.  Be wary of low-ball estimates, or a mover who does not ask a lot of questions about your possessions.  Don\u2019t sign a blank or incomplete estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hiring<\/a>
Hiring a Mover? Protect Yourself! (from marylandattorneygeneral.gov)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If your move is within Maryland, consult the Maryland Movers Conference<\/a>.  The MMC is a non-profit organization that is part of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, and works with \u201cgovernmental authorities and consumer groups to promote the highest standards for the moving industry in Maryland.\u201d  The organization established a Registered Mover Program, where movers abide by a code of ethics and other rules.  You can view valuable consumer info and the MMC\u2019s list of member movers at their website<\/a> (mdmovers.org).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiring an interstate mover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"mover
FMCSA Ready to Move Brochure
(fmcsa.dot.gov)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If your move is interstate, your mover is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the US Department of Transportation.  The FMCSA website \u201cProtect Your Move<\/em><\/a>\u201d (www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/protect-your-move) provides an abundance of information to help you choose a reputable mover as well as tips and a checklist to help make your move less hectic.  The FMCSA maintains a registry of legitimate interstate movers from which you can search and view licensing, insurance, as well as complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the planning stage of your interstate move, Federal regulation requires your mover to provide you with a copy of the booklet \u201cYour Rights and Responsibilities When You Move<\/em><\/a>\u201d and a copy of FMCSA\u2019s brochure \u201cReady to Move<\/em><\/a>.\u201d \u00a0These publications (available on the FMCSA website) offer insight to make an informed decision, as well as understand your consumer rights in case something goes awry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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