These days, few households have the time or resources to perform a do-it-yourself move. We have larger homes filled with more belongings than our ancestors, and nearly enough time for ourselves to rest and relax due to hectic schedules and family responsibilities.

That being said, if you’re preparing to relocate your family, you’ll need to choose between hiring a moving broker and hiring a moving company. Your decision could mean the difference between a hassle-free move and a disastrous relocation.

The Basics

The first step to hiring a mover is to know the difference between a moving broker and a moving company. Simply knowing the basics of each can help you determine which type of company you want to include in your research efforts:

·  Moving Brokers: As the name suggests, brokers act as a middleman between you—the customer—and the moving company that will actually transport your belongings. They do not employ a staff of movers, own their own moving trucks, or equipment. In short, moving brokers are salespeople who bid out your job to moving companies in order to attain the most cost-effective rate based on the services you require.

·  Moving Companies: Likewise, licensed moving companies generally own a fleet of moving trucks, and can be agents for larger moving entities such as Allied Van Lines. Depending on their credentials, they can transport household goods locally, long-distance, or even internationally. They also employ professionally trained movers and experienced staff that will guide you through the moving process.

Customer Care

Moving can be a stressful time and working with the right type of business can make a huge impact on your relocation experience. In terms of customer service, take these factors into account:

·  Moving Brokers: Unless a moving broker is located near your home or business, you’re likely to only have contact with them via phone or email. It’s important to take into account that a moving company could charge additional fees on moving day if the broker does not provide an accurate project estimate to the moving company.

·  Moving Companies: With a moving company, you can expect to receive a more personalized experience from the start. Most professional moving companies will send an estimator to your home to talk with you about your needs and budget, inventory your items, and provide an accurate relocation estimate. Many moving companies also assign a move coordinator to act as a main point of contact throughout the relocation process.

Registration Requirements

Trust me, this is the most important area to research whether you choose to go with a broker or a moving company. Annually, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives more than 3,000 complaints from customers who fall victim to deceitful companies, many of which could have been avoided by checking into these requirements:

·  Moving Brokers: A moving broker must be registered with the FMCSA. They are also required to utilize moving companies that hold FMCSA registration.

·  Moving Companies: Similarly, moving companies must also be registered with the FMCSA, in addition to being licensed and insured. They can also be accredited by industry organizations such as the American Moving & Storage Association.

Knowing the differences between moving brokers and moving companies can save you a good deal of time when deciding which type of company to research—and lead to a more pleasurable relocation experience.

If you’re ready to start planning a domestic or international relocation, reach out to Reliable Van & Storage today. Our expertly trained residential movers relocate over 4,500 families annually, and as a BBB-accredited moving company with over 85 years of industry experience, you can expect to receive superior service start to finish. Give us a call or fill out our simple online form now to request a free moving estimate.