The Anatomy of a Long Distance Moving Quote

Preparing for a long-distance move to Austin? If so, then of course you will need to make sure that you are receiving the best quote from your residential long-distance moving company. A smart way to get the best rate on long distance movers is to get quotes from multiple companies. When looking over the estimates you get from various professional movers, however, there are several critical items you'll want to watch out.

1. Estimate Type

Long Distance Moving estimates commonly fall into one of these types:

• non-binding - the final amount you're charged is based on the actuals (amount of time or mileage/totoal weight of the shipment, depending on how the company bills) required for your move, regardless of what your initial quoted amount may have been.
• not-to-exceed - your total billed amount is guaranteed to be equal to or less than the rate quoted.
• binding - the price you are quoted is the amount you'll pay for your relocation no matter what.

When accumulating estimates, be sure to find out exactly what kind of estimate each company is providing.

2. Valuation

A lot of professional movers will work in a standard amount of insurance coverage to protect you from monetary loss if any of your belongings are lost or damaged in transit. The standard rate of coverage is usually $0.60 per pound, though this can change from one mover to the next, so be sure to ask.

You might also be given the opportunity to purchase additional coverage, which may be advised if you have valuable things being transported. It's a common misunderstanding that customers automatically get full coverage when they engage a moving company, so be sure and discuss coverage prior to selecting a mover.

3. Packing

As a portion of your long-distance moving quote, packing services could also be included if you ask for them. If you are interested in receiving assistance with your packing, some moving companies can provide both partial packing and full packing services. With partial packing, you'll receive professional assistance with particular things that you've authorized beforehand. Full packing assistance, however, will include full assistance with all of your packing and most of the time will include packing supplies (though this can vary). Be sure to check each company's pack count and confirm the service you are expecting is being quoted for your long-distance move.

4. 3rd Party Services

Be sure to look for exclusions in your moving estimate. For example, if one mover quotes appliance relocation service and another company does not, you wrongly believe that the second mover is providing the best value or lowest quoted price. In actuality, you could be in for an undesirable surprise when the company shows up and breaks the news that appliance service is additional.

While some moving companies may offer more third-party services than others, it is vital to check with each company and get in writing exactly what's included versus what will be an additional cost.

5. Weight

Finally, it is important to understand what the estimated weight is and how precise it is. If there is a vast difference (greater than 10%) between the estimated weight and actual weight of a shipment, it is possible that the company mis-quoted or mis-calculated the weight. Be sure you have a good understanding of who will be responsible for the weight difference, should one occur.

At A-1 Freeman Moving Group, we acknowledge that every long distance move to Austin is entirely unique. Hence, we craft our moving services to fit your requirements. From our free in-home estimates for the most accurate quote to packing, loading, and delivery services--we can help with every aspect of your move. Schedule your free consultation or find out more about what we can do for you by clicking here today!