Silhouette of a mover talking to a customer

No matter what type of relocation you have planned, you want to double-check you're working with a reliable mover. Whether your new address is just a few blocks away or across the country, your moving team is responsible for the safety of all your belongings each step of the way. But for long-distance relocations in particular, there's a greater chance of something not going to plan, making it even more crucial to enlist reliable help.

ALS Van Lines is a trusted moving and storage company operating in and around Atlanta. We have over 30 years of experience under our belts successfully completing a variety of residential relocations, including long-distance ones. Below are our top suggestions for questions to ask a potential moving company before you entrust them with all your belongings during a cross-country relocation.

1. Are You a Registered Interstate Mover?

All moving companies must be able to present a license and insurance if prompted. These forms of documentation are definitely things you want to verify with any moving company, local or long-distance. In addition to these, legitimate interstate moving companies are required by law to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and possess an official mover number from the US Department of Transportation, which should also be able to be presented when asked.

2. Do You Provide Binding Estimates?

Movers typically present one of two kinds of estimates to customers—binding and non-binding. While non-binding estimates serve as more of an "educated guess" as to how much the final price will be, a binding estimate is an exact amount that a customer can expect to pay, and is therefore much more reliable.

Unless you add extra services onto your relocation, your binding estimate should match your final cost, down to the penny. Your binding estimate should include all aspects of your relocation, like:

  • Labor Costs 
  • Weight and Size of Goods
  • Distance to New Address and Fuel
  • Access Charges for Elevators and Stairwells
  • Packing Services
  • Additional Services 
  • Valuation Protection

3. What Are Your Valuation Coverage Options?

State-to-state movers are also required by law to provide liability coverage options. Also known as valuation protection, this is a contractual agreement between you and your moving company outlining the compensation they'll provide if your belongings are lost or damaged while in their care. Your mover should offer at least two different kinds:

  • Full-Value Protection: This option will incur an additional cost for the customer, but covers the entire value of items lost or damaged. The coverage can include repair or replacement costs, or a cash settlement.
  • Released-Value Protection: If you don't pay for any additional valuation coverage, you'll still receive released-value protection as a default. It is complimentary, but only compensates at a rate of .60 cents per pound. 

4. Do You Offer Shipment Tracking or Guaranteed Delivery Dates?

Long-distance moves can take up to two weeks to complete, and many homeowners want to know where their belongings are each step of the way. Ask your long-distance movers if they offer a shipment tracking method so that you can follow along with their progress while the move is underway.

Another aspect of their service that could alleviate any stress over the whereabouts of your household items is a guaranteed delivery date. Some movers will give customers a final date that the move will be completed on or by, giving the homeowner a better idea of what to expect.

5. Can Your Team Disassemble and Reassemble Furniture?

There are a lot of additional services besides just packing, loading, and transporting that a mover could provide, and furniture disassembly and reassembly is one of the most popular. Sometimes this is considered an "add-on" and may increase your final cost, but with some movers it's a given.

Since you'll have so many aspects of your relocation to be puzzling together before, during and after moving day, this service can save you a world of time. Assembling or disassembling entertainment sets, sectionals, and other large furniture can take up valuable time, but professional movers will be able to complete this task efficiently.

ALS Van Lines is a ProMover with the ATA Moving and Storage Conference, which gives us continual access to trainings and technology advancements. It also allows us to move our customers long-distance with ease, including international relocations. Get in touch with ALS Van Lines today for a free estimate on our long-distance moving services and hear more about what we can do for you!