Moving Companies - Are They The Right Choice?

The US Census Bureau estimates that 40 million Americans have moved over the last decade. One can well imagine the numbers in the game—it almost appears as if moving has become the American way of living and a strong component of the American Dream.

Generally, use a variety of options to facilitate transportation for their customers, including special container vans (for shipping containers) for international moves.

Licensing requirements for moving companies

It is a requirement that interstate moving companies be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a segment of the United States Department for Transportation. The US National Trade Association for the professional moving industry is known as

AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) and is headquartered in Virginia.

Binding and non-binding estimates provided by moving companies

As a general norm, moving companies offer two kinds of estimates—binding and non-binding estimates. While non-binding estimates are not tied in to a fee, with binding estimates you are generally required to pay a fee. Although both kinds of estimates are in writing, a binding estimate gains value as a contract once you have agreed to all the terms.

The cost component of the move is influenced by a number of factors, such as number of man hours needed, distance, number of items, size and weight of items to be moved, and others.

Moving companies—tips and guidelines