Movers are a great way to get your belongings safely transported from one place to another. These professionals know how to handle a home full of heavy furniture and appliances without damaging them.
They can also provide packing services. This can be particularly helpful if you’re moving a lot of fragile or breakable items.
Movers help customers move their belongings from one place to another using a combination of physical strength and manual labor. They typically load and unload large trucks, which require a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Many movers also work as material movers or hand laborers. They may have a degree in business, or they may earn a certificate from a vocational school.
Experienced movers have the skills and expertise to pack, move, and unload items efficiently. They know how to transport large furniture pieces, such as a piano or grand piano, without damaging them. They also know how to use the right materials to wrap things like televisions and sofas to protect them from damage. They can even navigate tight spaces with ease.
There are a lot of moving companies out there, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. In addition to being experienced, movers should also be insured and licensed. This will protect your belongings from any mishaps during the moving process and save you money in the long run. They should also have the proper tools to perform the job well, such as dollies and ramps. The best movers will also be courteous and respectful of your property.
The moving company you choose should have insurance in place to protect your belongings while they’re being transported. They’ll likely have a business liability policy that will cover their facilities and equipment, but they may also carry a general liability policy for claims involving property damage or accidents. It’s important to see that they have this coverage in place because it can protect you from a seven-figure lawsuit if something goes wrong.
Another way movers insure their customers’ goods is through valuations, which provide an estimate of the amount your possessions are worth at their new destination. These valuations are regulated by the Department of Transportation and are typically divided into two versions: “released value protection,” which covers the contents for 60 cents per pound of the load, and “full value protection,” which offers the same level of coverage but pays out the actual replacement value of your items.
You can verify whether your movers are insured by asking for their Certificate of Insurance (COI). This document will have the name, address, and contact information of the building manager, as well as a description of how the company’s insurance coverage will be applied during your move. You can also search the FMCSA website to verify their credentials.
Moving can be stressful, physically taxing, and expensive. Licensed movers are trained on how to safely transport your belongings without breaking your back or damaging the items you want moved to your new home. They know how to pack furniture and appliances to keep them safe during transit and how to maneuver large items through small doors, hallways, and stairs. They also have enough manpower to get the job done in less time than it would take if you did it yourself.
When you’re looking for a mover, make sure they have the correct licenses to operate in your area and across states. Depending on the state you’re in, a mover may need a DOT number as well as a federal operating authority number for interstate travel (called a motor carrier number).
Many local movers are required to register with their municipal and/or regional travel authorities to ensure they have the right insurance coverage and safety measures. Some movers may need additional licenses as well, such as for international moves or moving services outside of the States.
The FMCSA website allows you to check a moving company’s credentials online. It will provide details about the mover’s license status, fleet size, and compliance information.
