You will not remember a dozen questions on a phone call, and a salesperson will not volunteer the answers you did not request. Print this page or copy the lists into your notes, and use the same questions on each company so the answers line up.
About the company
- What is your legal name and U.S. DOT number? Is there an MC number?
- Are you the carrier, a broker or an agent? Whose truck and crew will arrive?
- How long have you served this area?
- Who is my contact before and on moving day?
About the estimate
- Will someone survey my home in person or by video before giving a written estimate?
- Is the estimate binding or non-binding?
- Which services does it include: packing, crating, appliance preparation, storage, shuttle, stairs?
- What happens to the price if I add or remove items?
- Did you give me the FMCSA Ready to Move brochure and the Rights and Responsibilities booklet?
About coverage
- What is the standard liability, and what does Full Value Protection cost and cover?
- Is there a deductible, and what articles need to be declared as high-value?
- Does my homeowner's or renter's policy cover goods in transit?
About dates and delivery
- What pickup date or period and what delivery date or spread will appear on the bill of lading?
- Will I receive notice before delivery, and from whom?
- What happens if I cannot accept delivery on the agreed day?
- If I need storage between homes, how is it handled? (see storage in transit)
About payment and paperwork
- What forms of payment do you accept at delivery?
- Is a deposit needed, and what does it cover?
- May I observe the weighing and request a reweigh?
- How is the inventory prepared, and do I get a signed copy?
About problems
Ask how a claim is filed, who handles it and what the arbitration program is. Federal rules require a mover to establish a procedure for responding to complaints and inquiries and to provide a telephone number for customers. Ask for the claim contact in writing. If anything goes wrong, the steps are in the claim guide.
Questions for O'Brien's
Put these same questions to the office at 775-359-6683 or to the estimator who visits your home. The estimate is free and carries no obligation. Our estimate guide shows what the estimator will do and what the written estimate lists.