Long Distance Moving Companies 5 Typical Moving Scams.

If you are searching for a moving company, you need to look for more than just a good reputation. Being an unregulated business, the moving business is a common place to get cheated.
While checking with the BBB, only last year there were a staggering 9,405 complaints filed against moving companies. Unfortunately, the agency that handles the safety and regulation for moving companies has limited resources so it's up to you to avoid the more common scams that even reputable moving companies can be guilty of.
Low Balling Quotes
The most popular moving industry scam is giving you a low estimate and then changing you extra fees at your destination - sometimes as much as quadruple the original amount your signed for! If you don't pay, the moving company may keep your possessions in the store house until you decide you are ready to pay the extra charges. Simply signing a "binding and not to exceed quote" is not enough to ensure you are safe from scams, so you should read every word of your contract very carefully!
Passing Your Move To A Subcontract
Some moving companies will try to cheat you by overcharging you and subcontracting the work to another mover at half the price that you paid. These subcontractors are not subject to your original contract, nor are they bound to the schedule that you agreed to. Furthermore, these people often hire day laborers who lack experience in transporting valuable items which usually results in broken fragiles.
Minimal Insurance Policies
Breakage is a third common scam that consumers complain about when they move their households. Most people don't know that many companies will pay them only $60 per each pound damaged. That means that your beautiful new plasma television that you bought for a few thousand dollars could be broken and you would receive only about $30 in compensation!
The best way to beat low insurance coverage is to get a rider on your homeowner's policy to cover any damage that might occur during your move. What is more, take photographs of your possessions and ensure that your movers sign a statement of your items' conditions before you sign the receipt!
Price Based On Cubic Feet
One more popular method a moving company may cheat you with is the arrangement of weight vs cubic feet. You are allowed to watch weigh-ins and verify the number, but a mover can make your load take up as much space as they want it to in order to jack up the charges. So, try to calculate the weight by dividing your load with number of items. If you get over 35-45 lbs per piece, be wary of the motives of your mover!
Additional Parking Expenses
The fifth popular scam is extra fees charged by movers claiming they were unable to park their truck in front of your home, resulting in "long carries" from approximately half a block. You may have to pay several thousands of dollars for this! So, make certain that you plan how to steer clear of this scam.
Ways To Steer Clear Of Scams

You will be able to stay away from these scams if you study moving company reviews online or consumer publications, obtain several quotes, get an attorney to approve the contract, and document your load's weight and condition. And the best way to choose a moving company is to ask others who they have used in the past or find out who the big companies use.