Get estimates, verify credentials, read contracts. FMCSA regulates interstate.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Start 6-8 weeks early
- Three+ estimates — In-home or virtual
- Verify credentials — USDOT, license, insurance, BBB
- Read reviews — Multiple platforms, patterns
- Estimate types — Binding, non-binding, not-to-exceed
- Review contract — Services, fees, delivery, liability
- Insurance — Released value vs full value
- Extra charges — Stairs, elevator, packing, shuttle
- Payment — Credit cards/checks. No cash-only
- Moving day — Reserve parking, supervise
Common Mistakes
- Cheapest without verification
- No written estimate
- Blank contracts
- Large deposit
- Not understanding liability
Pro Tips
- Credit card for disputes
- Red flags: no office, cash demands, no USDOT
- Early morning start
- Tip $20-40 per mover
- FMCSA database
Sources
Picking one
Somewhere in the steps above you have to actually buy your own pallet wrap. Rankquant ranks the 20in Stretch Wrap Roll, Heavy Duty 1500ft Shrink Wrap, Pallet Wrap 4 Pack against the rest of its Office & Industrial catalogue by re-centring every review on the reviewer who wrote it — 8 calibrated reviewers on this one — rather than averaging raw stars, which is why a four-star product with tough reviewers can outrank a five-star one. The full product rankings are built the same way.