| Busy Bee Moving has been proud to service the Saint Louis area since the year 2000 We take great pride in moving Missouri and Illinois Households. Professional Relocation Service. |
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Intrastate Moving, means that your new residence will be with-in the same state, Interstate Moving, means that your new residence is located in a different state. How is the cost estimate determined on a local move? Most moving companies base their estimates for local moves on an hourly rate. The hourly moving rate depends on the number of movers and trucks that are required for the moving job. The time billed should begin when the moving company arrives at your home and end when the moving company has finished unloading and assembling everything in your new home. Moving companies will add travel time to your move which should be approximately 1 hour based on 30 minutes drive time from the moving company to your original home and 30 minutes from your final destination back again to the moving company. How is the cost estimate determined on a long distance move? Reputable moving companies use a base rate book published by the Household Goods Carriers Bureau. The book, Tariff 400-M, provides estimates for all long distance moving transactions based on the weight of your belongings and on the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require. The weight of your items is actually measured on a scale. Only, the scale is for the truck. Before the move, the weight of the truck without your goods is measured. This is called "empty weight". The scales are usually located at the nearest truck stops. You are allowed to accompany the driver to the scale during the weigh-in to ensure that everything is in order. Make sure that your mover provides you with an "empty weight" receipt. Are you a little nervous about who to trust with moving your earthly possessions? Follow these steps to finding a reliable moving company and a little peace of mind. Talk to friends, neighbors and co-workers for personal recommendations and warnings. If you are looking for choices on the Internet make sure you DO NOT USE A BROKER. Current consumer protection laws related to the movement of household goods do not apply to Household Goods Brokers. Once a broker sells you, he sells the job to the highest bidder, and he is no longer responsible to you. Brokers are not licensed to do the actual moves. With a broker you’ll never know who is going to show up on moving day and they will usually charge you a lot more then you where told by the broker. Always ask are you a broker? Spend some time talking with each moving company it’s a good sign if they take the time to understand your moving needs. Ask questions. If the company representative isn't friendly and helpful on the phone, call someone else. Don’t let a professional moving company bait you with low hourly rates. A professional moving company is sure to perform your move more efficiently and protect your belongings and that’s what ultimately saves you money. Occasionally, no matter how careful a professional moving company is, an item may be damaged. That’s why it’s important to ask the moving company about their claims policy. Verify that the moving company is insured. Verify the moving company is a member in Good Standing of your Local Better Business Bureau. Verify that the moving company is licensed and regulated. Warnings: The lowest hourly rate in a local move is not necessarily the lowest final price. Some moving companies offer you a low hourly rate and then in the sneakiest of ways prolong the time required to finish the move to raise the cost of your move. Always choose the moving company best suited based on the above criteria not the hourly price. Watch out for hidden costs always ask are there any other potential costs I may be required to pay? DO NOT USE A BROKER. Always ask are you a broker? What can I do to keep costs down during my move? If you're engaging a professional moving company, you should mention your cost concerns during your initial call with a sales person. Similar to airlines or hotels, most moving companies have a sliding scale of prices that reflect supply and demand on a particular day. Generally, the summer months are the busiest. Saturdays and the beginning and end of each month are busy year-round. The less busy times tend to be Monday through Thursday in the middle weeks of the month. Being flexible with your move date - an overlap between when you need to be out of your old home and are able to get into your new home – helps to ensure you get the best value. Additionally, a professional moving company will take the time to provide you with advice about other cost-saving measures, including efficient preparation in advance of moving day. Can I keep costs down by having a family member or friend help with the move? Having your friends move you in a rented truck may seem to be the lowest cost option, but it may turn out to be a costly nightmare. Back injuries, friends who back out at the last minute, damages, nicks and scratches and other uncertainties can make it a very stressful moving day. Ask anyone who moved themselves and most will say they wish they had hired a moving company. Choose the right professional moving company and you’ll be happy you did. |
Busy Bee Moving Company Saint Louis, Missouri 63042 (314) 739-4304 www.BusyBeeMoving.net
Below is a list of questions you should ask when choosing a professional moving company as you shop for the company that’s right for you. 1. Is the professional moving company licensed, insured & bonded? (Disclosed Claim Policy) 2. Does the professional moving company charge hourly, by piece or shipment weight. 3. Does the moving company have a minimum Charge? How does the moving company charge after the minimum is met (15-minutes increments or every half hour?) 4. Does the Company have extra charges for large items such as pianos, large screen televisions? ( what extra services will you receive for these extra charges?) 5. Does the moving company charge for the travel time from the moving company location to my home? 6. Does the moving company have surcharges for moving off hours or on weekends? 7. What payment options do you offer? (Many moving companies require a deposit.) 8. Does the moving company have full-time employees or do you use temps and day labor? 9. Does the moving company carry Worker’s Compensation for company employees? 10. What kind of training have your movers and driver completed? 11. Does the moving company insure all your items during the move? (What items are excluded?) 12. What kind of cancellation policy does the moving company offer? (48 hours prior or charged to postpone.) 13. Does the moving company offer free estimates? (In-home estimates or phone/email estimates only?) 14. Does the moving company offer you any saving suggestions or cost cutting tips? (Use boxes or free box rental?) 15. Does the moving company have a contact number to reach during my move? Even after hours? |