Doesn't matter the company, but go with a national one. As previously stated...it's about the driver. Are you paying or is this a company move....I would get at least three estimates and compare the weights. You don't want to get screwed on the price unless it's a binding move....jmo good luck! These things are unfortunately a crap shoot....................

I am paying myself for this. :banghead: They have given different estimates of weight, but say that they will weigh the truck before and after loading and I pay based on actual weight. They all use what they call "400-N tariff" (whatever that is) and their discount ranges from 61 to 65%.

The 400-N Tariff is the regulations that govern all movers by federal law. They will weigh the truck before and after, but it is still good to know that the estimator's are close...you don't want any big surprises. In the end go with who you like if all things are the same. This is the person you will call if things should go bad. Are you packing yourself? If so, will they give you free used boxes...that can be a bonus too!Oh, another thing, will the move be handled by their agency or are they bringing in a a driver from somewhere else(self haul or line driver is the term)...just a question to ask.

Look at all the cahrges...
 

I have used Wheaton, Allied and Atlas mainly for x-country moves. Used Two Men and a Truck for a local move here in Tampa.


The gotcha with movers are all the extra charges that add up (flights of stairs, large objects, parking permits, etc.) these can be small in comparison with the overall $/Mile, but they do add up. The other things to ask about is the discount off of noraml rates. 60 - 65% is not uncommon. Moving rates also go down significantly after the summer moving season. Better rates are available after Labor Day until the Holidays.

Also ask about how many packers they intend to use and are they from a reliable source. The driver / owner is incented to keep costs down by hiring fewer packers / loaders. This can slow things down or can introduce less than professional staff into the equation.


- Ask for the details.

United twice...moving is such a pain in the a$$.

Even though you're paying the bill yourself, there are certain circumstances where the moving expenses where tax deductable. I've deducted over $10k in moving expenses when i moved from NY-LA-NY.

check this out:

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p521/

It is major pain. Thanks everyone.

I have some slightly different thoughts. My experience is based on 12 company-paid moves in 21 years of marriage, all with 2 kids along, 3 of those moves were overseas. We have used Atlas, Allied, and a few you haven't listed (overseas).

1) I don't think the driver matters much at all. Usually they were contract drivers. The packers matter most, and then the crew chief for loading the truck. If the packing is done right, the driver is irrelevant. If the packing or loading is done wrong, even the best driver won't save your stuff.

2) Go for packing references at the origin. Pick your mover based on those references. If you have a professional moving company the rates differ slightly, for equivalent services. As another poster noted, it is the extras that will kill you. One quote may have them in, another will low-ball it but the extras bring it back to the same price. Unloading is simple compared to packing. Don't pack yourself unless you have done it enough to be good at it. If you do pack yourself, buy proper packing materials. Don't skimp on boxes or paper. Full detailed inventories. Sign off every box when they carry it in to the truck, and carry it off. One set-up box to go in last, and come out first.

3) Have a full and itemized inventory before the packers arrive. We maintain our inventory between moves, it makes it simpler. It is currently over 1000 lines, all with serial numbers, purchase details, reference photos, etc. It makes claims very easy, if you do need to make claims. Household insurance is pretty easy as well.

4) Full value moving insurance. Anything less is a big gamble.

5) Get rid of everything that you really don't need, before the movers give you a quote (or mark it as not going so it isn't priced in). Amazing how much junk we all accumulate.

6) Don't share a truck or container.

7) The packers are your friends. Don't hover over them, but do let them know your expectations. They will usually have one very qualified packer, and some labourers. If you are lucky, it will be a packing team that always works together, and knows lots of packing tricks. If you see things going on that you don't like, stop them and contact the moving company. Ensure that they have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available. A little extra effort from them makes everything go much easier.

Good luck.

Good points, JCL. Thanks. The United guy did mention that they will put some other stuff in the 53' truck with my stuff. :mad:

My experience is that it doesn't really matter about what moving company you are using, rather it's all about the driver and the crew. If you get a good driver/crew then the moving experience can be a breeze. Get a bad one and you're hosed!! Most big moving firms have both good and bad crews. The trick is to find out from referrals the good crews and make a special request to have them on your move. It's worth the effort, believe me!

(note that with my moves, the driver was also the crew chief - so the driver was the lynch pin to the whole deal, as he set the expectations for how the job was going to be handled)

:goodluck: