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Selecting a household goods carrier for a long distance move
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Recently a student asked for an endorsement of a small household goods moving company based in Alabama. She wanted to quickly move her sparsely furnished off-campus apartment to California to start a new job - for the least amount of money.
The local company she inquired about (B) was established in 1996, has fourteen full time employees, three straight trucks qualified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate in interstate commerce, a modest warehouse, modern equipment, an impeccable record with the BBB and local Chamber, and a very good reputation in their surrounding community. Just the type of small business I like to support.
Company ‘B’s salesperson had provided her with an extremely competitive quote that was almost $500 dollars less than a price she’d first received from a local agent (A) of a major national van line.
Company ‘A’ was part of a large nationwide chain of moving and storage operations that specialize in corporate moves. The parent company of the local agent has several hundred trucks qualified by the FMSCA nationwide while their prime van line motor carrier has thousands of drivers and trucks licensed to move household goods in interstate commerce. Both organizations are well regarded players within the moving and storage industry.
After reviewing both proposals, I asked my anxious visitor what she valued more – her time, or her money. The estimate from company ‘B’ allowed “up to 30 business days” for them to arrange transport for the 2300 mile trip. According to their transit schedule, if the cheaper carrier picked up her stuff on May 25th, the delivery may not occur until as late as July 13th.
On the other hand, company ‘A’s estimate listed a transit schedule of 5 to 18 calendar days. This meant that they intended to deliver no later than June 13th - a month quicker. In fact, since company ‘A’ has so much more capacity to handle the requirements of her relatively small move, they are actually more likely to deliver sooner than later.
Now $500 bucks isn’t chump change but the savings that my inexperienced guest hoped to achieve by going with the cheaper carrier could be quickly spent in other unforeseen incidental living expenses like temporary accommodations, food, clothing, toiletries, etc. Two nights in a Silicon Valley hotel, a week of fast food, or one new professional outfit for work could quickly erode the difference in the two estimated costs.
When making your carrier selection for a long distance interstate move, don’t automatically choose the company with the lowest price. Pick the one that will provide you the best value in your overall situation!
Still at your wit’s end? Check here for more professional tips on How to Find a Reputable Mover or, send a note to RELO RoundTable.com and let’s discuss your concerns. It’s free!
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