Need a little help planning your apartment move?
You might consult the services of a moving broker.
These agents act as go-betweens between you and a moving company, helping to set the details of a move and allowing you to focus on other important matters.
[find-an-apartment]If you choose to work with a moving broker, there are some important details you need to know.
Moving brokers, defined
A moving broker, also called a household goods broker, is kind of like a travel agent for a move. They can provide estimates based on rates quoted by moving companies, for instance, and can actually set up the move for you with that company.
A moving broker is not the same thing as a moving company. It’s important to know the difference, so how can you tell?
Begin by simply asking whether the party is a mover or a broker. It can help you verify a moving company by determining whether they have a physical location in your town. A moving broker, on the other hand, might operate from a call center nearly anywhere.
Ask about the broker’s affiliation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA. A professional broker must be registered with this government organization and must abide by its regulations. A broker should by law provide you with the FMCSA’s document “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”
According to information shared by Duane DeBruyne of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: "the broker does not operate the truck or handle the shipment, but does make all the arrangements for the truck and labor to load and unload the shipment. Brokers can provide estimates for service on behalf of motor carriers based on the rates in the motor carrier’s tariff.”
If you decide to work with a moving broker…
The job of a broker is to assist you with the moving process.
Protection backed by the federal government
Know, as well, that similar federal laws are in place to regulate moving brokers as professional moving companies. Moving brokers are required to work only with movers who are also registered with the FMCSA.
You can verify whether a mover or broker is registered at ProtectYourMove.gov. Keep in mind that these protections apply to interstate moves, though your state may provide its own set of laws regulating moves within the state’s borders.
As with any moving service, you should investigate, on your own, both a moving broker and the moving company that broker recommends. Consult online resources like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau to add to your peace of mind about the companies to which you will entrust all the stuff of your life.
Check out more of our moving resources on the Apartment Guide Blog!
How Much Should You Tip Professional Movers?
Apartment Guide Moving Checklist
Moving Lingo: How to Understand Your Moving Contract
Pack a Priority Box to Make Your Move Easier
How to Talk to Your Kids about Moving
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