How to choose your movers?

Moving is always stressful, but it quickly turns into a nightmare if you hire the wrong company.

Some moves are Interstate, which means they involve a move from one state to another. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FSMCA) sets the standards for interstate moves. For more information see the section below on Interstate moving.

Other moves are Intra-state. Those moves are not subject to federal regulation. For more information see the section below on Intra-state moving.

No matter what type of move you’re making, failing to do your homework can be costly. You may find that a rogue moving company is refusing to delivery your household goods until you pay them thousands of dollars in additional charges that you may not really owe.

Most movers are reliable, especially companies that are members of the American Moving and Storage Association. But moving can be expensive, so many people search the Internet or local newspapers in an effort to save money, and may fall prey to unscrupulous moving companies.

Scam artists typically give an unrealistically low estimate to reel in bargain hunters. Their estimate is often based on an internet questionnaire instead of an on-site inspection. Many are brokers who pass on the moving job, and may not be licensed movers.

An unwary consumer makes a down payment on this unrealistic estimate. A crew shows up with a van and picks up the items to be moved.

Then the moving company calls and says the actual weight or volume was higher than estimated. Unless the consumer agrees to pay several thousand dollars more, they will not deliver the furniture. The driver demands payment in cash or with a money order. No checks or credit cards. They may also try to add on additional fees.

These are examples of the tactics used by “rogue movers” who may be violating the law. The FMCSA receives more than 4,000 complaints of moving scams each year.

New federal rules require all estimates to be based on a visual inspection, but it includes exceptions. Do not accept an estimate that is not based on an on-site inspection.

Remember: It’s not just your sofa and a few boxes of items.  You are transporting family heirlooms, important mementos, and a big part of your entire life.

A.R.S. 41-2066 states that the Director of Weights and Measures, or one of his Investigators, may “stop any commercial vehicle upon reasonable cause to believe that the vehicle contains a violation….” An investigator can require that a moving van be weighed before and after delivery of household goods to determine the actual weight, or an inspection can be conducted to determine the volume of the goods being delivered, to resolve any disputes.

IMPORTANT: There are different rules that apply when you are moving from one state to another, or if you are moving within the state. If you are moving to another state, you might want to contact the FMCSA.

If you want the Department to intervene on a move to an Arizona address, see below to find out how to file a complaint.