RESIDENTIAL MOVING
INTERSTATE MOVERSInterstate Movers That Exceed Your Expectations & Needs
Centurion Moving & Storage are the Interstate Movers in Kansas City that will exceed your expectation. Whether you are moving across state lines in Kansas City or a neighboring state, or to one of the coasts, Centurion Moving & Storage has the expertise, resources, and network to ensure a seamless relocation anywhere in the country. The challenges of an interstate move are innately different, and you should do your best to prepare for the upcoming tasks.
Interstate moving is usually more complicated than a typical local move because of Federal and state regulations. The regulations hold interstate moving companies to a much higher standard with consumer protection than local movers.
The following guide will outline the main differences, including a number of important federal regulations that will prepare you for your cross-country interstate move.
Interstate Movers Quotes
When requesting an interstate moving quote from Centurion Moving, we will provide an estimate for the moving & packing services that are customized to fit your budget.
Our professional moving concierge advisers will survey your home contents to approximate the size and weight of your load. You’ll then discuss packing, protection, and other service options to customize a moving package that fits your specific needs.
Be Weary of Low Bids
The first thing that should raise red flags for certain interstate movers would be exceptionally low bids for cross-country moving. If one moving bid is so much lower than everyone else, it should probably be categorized in the “Too Good To Be True” box. Don’t expect that price to be the final one as if they are a licensed mover; you can count on getting additional surprises & hidden fees. Research reviews of the companies you are getting bids from on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to find evidence of past performance.
Ask for Company Practices & Policies
After you’ve narrowed your list of moving companies, you should ask them to provide evidence of legitimate business practices regarding your possessions.
Any credible moving company should be able to easily provide information about replacing possession and compensation in the case something is lost or damaged. The interstate moving company you choose should also be able to provide you with information about company claim forms and their dispute settlement program. By federal law, you have nine months from your move date to file a claim of lost or damaged goods with your moving company.
Getting Ready for Your Long-Distance Move Day
Once you have decided on the moving company to trust with your possessions, there are additional tasks that you can do to ensure the rest of the moving process goes as smoothly as possible. Below are a few additional recommended steps you should consider:
Request a binding estimate — Getting a “binding estimate” means the amount quoted cannot change at the end of the move, eliminating hidden or additional fees despite any changed circumstances. For example, some companies are known for intentionally miscalculating load weight to give lower initial bids. Then add the additional costs to the original quote at the back end of your move.
Purchase full-value insurance protection – Consider purchasing additional insurance for the full-value of the contents if you feel the minimum liability protection isn’t enough. The federal requirement for minimum liability an interstate moving company provides is .60 per pound, which may not be enough if you have high-end, valuable antiques, fine art, or exotic cars.
Get Clarification on Property Valuation & Insurance Options
Ask your concierge, representative, or move coordinator to explain your valuation & additional insurance options. Most people have an idea of the worth of their possessions, and it’s your responsibility to understand the terminology by clarifying it with your representative. Some terminology you should understand include minimum carrier liability, declared value, lump sum value, and full-value protection coverage.
- Double check & approve the details of your move – Several days to a couple weeks before moving day (don’t procrastinate & wait until the last day), double check & verify the details of your move with the moving company. Make sure timelines for both parties are confirmed, including approximate moving day arrival time and expected arrival & unloading of belongings at your new home.
Maintain Communication During the Move
Most moving companies provide you with a coordinator or concierge as the main point of contact throughout the move process. That person should maintain regular contact with the driver(s) in order to be able to provide you with shipment and delivery updates.
- Inventory of your household items & goods – Inventory all your household items before packing them in boxes. Then, have your movers sign off on an official inventory list before loading the truck(s). This documentation is the main account of the condition of your items & goods. Proper inventory of items and their conditions will ensure eligibility for claims should any item be lost or damaged.
- Read, double-check & make sure you understand all documents before signing – Make sure you understand each document and what you are signing. This includes the binding (hopefully) estimate, service order, complete inventory, and Bill of Lading. It is also recommended to keep all documentation until the final payment is made. Keep longer if there are any claims or settlements needed.
- Confirm their contact information & yours for them — Write down the confirmation for everyone involved & make sure they have your information as well. Communication is key during cross-country interstate moves.
The Difference Between Interstate Movers & Local Movers
The characteristic differences between cross-country interstate moves versus your typical local moves are obvious. More time on the road creates more risk and opportunity for accidents and damages. Interstate movers typically give extra care to pad and secure your items in order to ensure your possessions arrive intact.
The differences most people don’t think about come from the details of Federal regulations. An important requirement for interstate moving companies is to provide their customers with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet published by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This publication details the policies and procedures that you need to be aware of when contracting an interstate moving company.
Key Federal Regulations for Interstate Moving Companies
A number of federal and state regulators police interstate moving companies to protect consumers’ property while in transit. These regulators are there to keep moving companies compliant with the higher standards. Registered interstate movers accept a considerable burden of risk and responsibility by loading all of your possessions onto one truck (or more if you have a significant amount of possessions or additional vehicles to move). Government regulations are crafted to help minimize this risk by ensuring that the companies that own and operate these trucks abide by certain rules. These laws are written to ensure the safe, legal transit of your possessions.
At the very least, you should ensure that a mover holds interstate operating authority before letting them take possession of your property. Here’s how to tell whether your movers are qualified:
Here’s how to tell if your interstate mover is qualified:
Assignment of U.S. DOT Number — The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) issues a unique U.S. DOT number to interstate moving companies for meeting federal regulation standards of safety and financial responsibility. The U.S. DOT number helps track the company’s records in regard to audits, inspections, compliance reviews, crash investigations, and other safety data.
FMCSA Registration – Interstate movers have to be registered with the FMCSA to transport household goods across state lines.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate moving companies to update their registrations every two years. Make sure the moving companies you get quotes from have up-to-date registration.
Acceptable Insurance Levels — They carry adequate insurance. Interstate moving companies are required to hold BIPD and Cargo Insurance Policies at a minimum. They are also required to have workers’ compensation insurance to protect both their employees & their customers in the event an employed mover is injured while transporting your possessions.
What to Look for When Hiring the Right Interstate Movers
When looking to hire an interstate mover you’ll have the opportunity to meet with, interview, and get quotes from a variety of qualified companies. While a majority of movers you encounter (typically have branded trucks & uniformed employees) will be fully qualified, registered, and operating within the bounds of the law; some moving companies found online are not properly licensed & could be con artists or criminals looking to steal money and property from vulnerable movers.
Educating yourself and doing some advance planning can help you in avoiding being on the local news story about being scammed by a fly-by-night mover.
Move-in Day Prep
After the moving transportation process, it’s move-in day. Having the right mover, and being thorough with your move plan, will relieve a lot of stress. Make sure to plan some time to review the move-in plan & process and re-check your inventory and payment information before unloading the truck(s). It is recommended to have the final check ready before your movers arrive at the location. Many interstate moving companies require final payment before the unloading process begins.
Being organized in the process while taking the extra time to plan and prepare for the move will typically ensure a stress-free move. Not being prepared could cause a lot of stress while opening the ability to fall victim to moving company scams.
Our Reviews
Interstate Movers
Nice & helpful people. They do a good job!
Interstate Movers
They did a great job, reliable, professional and was very helpful!