Are you currently debating between a moving and storage company and a broker? It is true that both companies come with their own advantages and disadvantages and it is important to pick the one that best fits your moving and storage needs. Our team at Harrington Moving and Storage thought it was best to outline what services each can provide. Please feel free to call us with any questions!
What Services Do Each Provide?
Before making your decision about which route to go over your next move it is important to know what each service provides. Moving brokers only offer support when finding a moving company for your next move, which basically makes them the middle man. However, if you go straight to a moving company, you will be offered packing options, transportation, and warehouse storage services.
Most moving brokers do not own their own equipment for moving. Whereas moving companies may lease trucks and equipment for a specific move or you can look for a moving company that has access to a wide range of moving equipment.
Do You Need a Licensed Interstate Mover?
Since moving brokers do not have access to their own equipment it is also important to realize they may not be licensed to move you across state lines. Moving companies will specify whether they are interstate movers with a license on their websites, or you can call and ask.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authorizes who can transport household goods across state lines. If you need a long-distance moving company and would like to look up a specific moving company or moving broker you can search for them at www.protectyourmove.gov.
Protection & Reimbursement for Items
Moving brokers do not offer reimbursements or take any complaints for broken items. However, by law moving companies have to reimburse their customers for damages based around the weight of the item. You may also be able to purchase additional full replacement value protection of items from your personal moving company and will be able to contact your moving company directly for resolving any damage claims.
Is Local Support Important to You?
Most moving brokers do all of their transactions over the phone and may not even be located anywhere near your home. If this is important to you make sure you check the location of the moving broker before agreeing to their terms of services.
Moving companies often work in a variety of areas, but support local communities by employing local residents during a move. They also will pay local business taxes and employ their business services through the area of their moving team.
Do Your Research!
Look up whichever company you are leaning towards. Moving brokers often have public reviews you can read through to see what is actually offered. Moving companies offer customer reviews for both commercial and residential moves on their companies. You can also search Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau for a variety of reviews on these companies.
Harrington Movers would also love to help you on your next move. We are a local business that loves to help our customers have the perfect move. Contact us today for a free quote.
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