Your upcoming move to Tampa will be one of two things: an interstate move
with
long-distance movers (between states, such as a move from
Texas to Florida), or an intrastate move (within the state, between two cities).
Both types have many characteristics in common, but they differ in how they're regulated,
so keep that in mind when you look for moving companies in the city you live in,
or
Tampa Bay
moving companies.
State to State MovesIf you're moving to Tampa Bay from another state, your move is governed by rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S.
DOT. To protect yourself in these types of moves, make sure the mover you select
has a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport household goods between states, and has
enough insurance.
You can find out if a moving company is registered with FMCSA by visiting
www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA
at (202) 366-9805 for licensing, and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. (This article
can also help you
check out a moving company on the FMCSA website.)
Also check with the
Better Business Bureau to ensure
the firm doesn't have a history of unresolved complaints.
In-State MovesIf you're moving to Tampa from another city
within Florida, the
Tampa
movers are overseen by the state, in this case the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Consumer Services.
To find out if your mover is registered with the state, call 1-800-HELP FLA - also ask about any complaints the state has received about the company. Be sure to ask the movers about any DBA's
they operate under, and check those also. Sometimes companies that get a bad rep
will just register under a new name.
Before you hire a moving company, have at least 3
of them come to your home to see what you plan to move. Don't take quotes over the Internet or the phone - if they can't see your stuff, how
will they ever give you an accurate quote?
The quotes should be within a reasonable range. If there's a moving company that's quoting you far less, you're getting set up for a scam. The vast majority of
scams we see are when moving companies give low-ball bids, and try to make up
the different later with outrageous charges.
Other questions you should ask when speaking with Tampa, Florida moving companies:
* How long has the company been around? Does it do business under any other DBAs (doing business as).
* What are my insurance options with the moving company?
* What is the moving company's process for settling claims?
* Does the mover have arbitration for claim disputes?
Whatever company you choose should provide:
* Enough liability insurance coverage
* A written estimate and contract.
* They must also accept at least two of the following forms of payment:
Cash, personal check, and valid credit card.
Your estimate must have:
* Name, telephone number, address and state registration number of your
moving company.
* The proposed date of the actual move, and the date you were given the estimate.
* Your pick-up and delivery address, name and telephone numbers.
* Breakdown of costs and services.
* Payment options
Prior to hooking you up with any moving services, your mover should
give you an estimate and written contract. The estimate and contract must be signed by both parties.
For more information about moving in or to Florida,
go to this Website.
Ask about moving insurance - the mover should
provide this information to you without asking, actually. The movers are obligated to provide a
very minimal amount of insurance, but it won't cover much. Investigate other
options as well. If you want more information on this, see this article about
moving
insurance options.
