Whether you are relocating to a new state or simply relocating for a short while, there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed for Interstate Moving. Depending on the distance and weight of your belongings, costs and rules will vary. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them before hiring a mover.
Costs are dictated by distance and weight
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If you’re planning on moving, you’re probably aware that costs can vary. There are several factors that determine the final cost of your relocation, including the weight of your goods and the distance you’ll be moving.
A long distance move is generally more expensive than a local move. It’s also more expensive in the summer and during the holidays. Depending on your needs, you could pay as much as five thousand dollars for a cross country move.
Long distance movers charge by the mile and by the weight of your shipment. Some companies will also charge by the hour for their services. You might want to look into getting two or three estimates to see what is most affordable.
Moving companies usually charge for labor, fuel, and time. They may also charge for extra services like packing or unpacking.
Rules and regulations for interstate movers
When preparing to move, be sure to check with your state to ensure that the mover has the proper paperwork. Often, this can save you a lot of trouble on your final bill. Ensure that the mover is properly licensed and insured.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency responsible for regulating interstate movers. It enforces safety regulations for moving companies, commercial drivers, and bus companies. If a company fails to follow these rules, you may have grounds for a complaint.
FMCSA has a Regulations and Enforcement section on its website. This section provides information about consumer rights, the Federal motor carrier safety regulation, and other resources. You can also look up a moving company’s complaints history.
For an interstate move, you will have to obtain a USDOT number. A USDOT number is used by the federal government to identify commercial vehicles and serve as a unique identifier for safety information.
Do-it-yourself or partial DIY approach
The do-it-yourself or semi-DIY moving experience is a rite of passage for many a modern day emigrant. While most will not be undertaking the arduous task of traversing the ol’ US of A, others will choose to make the trip of a lifetime. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the task is more than a little daunting. Luckily, there are several companies that will provide assistance in the form of trucks, movers and packers. Some even go so far as to provide a full service cleaning crew. So, you can rest easy knowing that your furniture and knick knacks are in good hands.
However, with so much competition, it’s no wonder a DIY move is a bit of a gamble. One of the best ways to mitigate your risk is to ask friends and relatives to pitch in. In this respect, you should be sure to give them some sort of a heads up about the impending move.
Itemize and organize before interstate moving
If you are planning to move to a new place in the near future, there are some things that you need to do to ensure that you get everything done correctly. One of the most important is to itemize and organize before you move. This will help you to have a clearer picture of what you have and what you need to bring with you.
You should also get several written estimates for your moving needs. This will help you to find the best possible price for your move. You can compare prices and ask questions of the companies you receive quotes from. A written estimate should itemize each service that they provide. Having a detailed list will reduce the chances that you will be surprised by extra costs on the day of your move.
