While not all moving brokers are bad, there are some that are dishonest and disguise themselves as moving companies. The US Department of Transportation claims that it receives over 3,600 complaints each year, most of which involve shady businesses preying on customers who don’t know the difference between a moving broker and a moving company.
With numbers like these, the phrase “buyer beware” is a good one to remember while looking for a moving company to handle your relocation. While you can’t completely avoid moving brokers, understanding whether you’re working with one as opposed to a moving company is beneficial. To help you avoid being a victim of fraud, our skilled movers explain how to spot a moving scam.
A moving broker is a person or a group of people who are in charge of scheduling your relocation and then selling it to a real moving company. A moving brokerage business will arrange for the shipment of your things but will enlist the assistance of professional movers who are licensed to perform the actual relocation. In essence, a moving broker acts as an intermediary between a customer and a moving company.
They will almost certainly receive a commission if they successfully sell the assignment to professional home or business movers. However, if they fail to sell your moving job in a timely manner, you may find yourself without movers on moving day, despite having already paid the moving broker. It may be tough to get your money back if you arranged your relocation with an unscrupulous broker.
Also Read: Different Types of Moving Services and Moving Companies
The primary distinction between a moving broker and a moving company is that a broker is not licensed or registered to carry goods. Only licensed and authorized moving companies are permitted to transfer your personal or business belongings.
Reputable moving brokers will be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and will only hire FMCSA-certified movers. You can always call transportation pros and inquire if they are a broker or a mover; honest people will tell you the difference.
If you go with a broker, make sure you get the FMCSA publications Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and Ready to Move, as well as a written agreement with the moving companies they use. Reputable brokers will also guarantee that the local movers or long-distance movers handling your shipment conduct a physical examination of your belongings in order to provide an accurate estimate.
On the other hand, if you want to work directly with a moving company and avoid brokers posing as actual moving companies, here are some things to watch out for.
Call the moving pros at WowMover if you want to work directly with a reliable and top-rated moving company for your future relocation. Call today for a free moving quote at (833) 462-1107
Related Articles:
