When it comes to moving, it's important to understand the difference between a broker and a moving company. A broker is an intermediary who books your move and then hires an outside moving company to make the move. They don't have the same level of experience as a moving company, nor do they have trucks or moving equipment. This means that when you hire them, you will pay more than if you had hired a real moving company.
Moving companies, on the other hand, come to your home and give an estimate for the move. They consider a long-distance move if it exceeds a specified number of miles, usually 100 to 400. Moving companies also specialize in international moves and military moves, which involve transporting confidential and even sensitive items that require the utmost care. When it comes to cost savings, hiring a broker can make your move a little easier and cheaper.
The broker manages all logistics and receives quotes from several competing carriers. Once they have a complete inventory of your belongings and know how far you are moving, they will calculate a fixed estimate for your move based on the weight of your shipment and the days it will take to get from point A to point B. Most of the companies that provide everything American Van Lines does are brokers or broker-operator hybrids that outsource part or all of your move to other companies. This means that carriers don't have to coordinate with other moving companies, so you're much less likely to see a dramatic difference between the price they quote you and what you actually pay.
When choosing a moving company, it's important to look for one that offers auto dispatch, full service moving or warehousing services. AVL staff with background checks takes care of every part of your long-distance move. It's easy for moving companies to forget that this may be your first rodeo, so make sure you choose one that is willing to answer all of your questions and provide you with all the information you need. You'll need to choose and schedule services with a long-distance moving company at least two months before your move date to be safe.
If you don't successfully sell your moving job on time, you may end up with no moving agent at your door on the day of the move even though you've already paid the moving broker. When it comes to choosing between a broker and a moving company, there are benefits and risks with both options. It might be a good idea to provide your client with a list of companies you have previously worked with and trust.
