FMCSA investigated 350 moving companies
Last spring, FMCSA, along with state transportation departments, investigated 350 moving companies for violations. It fined nearly 60 of them. This is where complaints have an effect: Most agencies, including FMCSA, target companies with the most complaints when determining which movers to investigate
Source: The Dallas Morning News
Interstate movers, those that cross state lines–are regulated by the FMCSA = Federal Motor Carrier Safety Aмебелиdministration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Companies that move only within New York are regulated by the New York Department of Transportation.
If you’re planning to hire a moving company, do some checking first. Don’t just hire the company that their website is look nice (specially be aware from companies with ugly sites). Ask other people about their experiences, CitySearch and Google maps are good point to start with. Get estimates from multiple companies and do some research.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a Web site http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov, where you can search for complaints and company safety ratings. You also can make sure the company is insured and can check the number and type of complaints filed against it. FMCSA and this site also provides tips for choosing a moving company.
Keep in mind that multiple companies may be involved in your move. If you use a relocation company, it may contract with a mover separately. So make sure you know which company actually will be moving your items.
Also, in dealing with problems during moves, timing is very important. In most cases, you must file for damages within 90 days of your goods being delivered. Be sure to read all of your paperwork carefully so you know what your deadlines are in case of a problem.
