Long distance vs. Local Relocation: What's the Difference?

The question of what is the difference between what movers consider a long distance move and  a local move seems like common sense. A local move means you are moving nearby and long distance means you're going far away, right? Well, sort of.

If you are relocating cross-country, then yes, that would constitute long distance moving. Likewise, if you are moving next door, then that is a local move.  What is less clear-cut, however, is how we treat all those places in between, and that it what I will discuss here.

First thing to note is that any move that crosses state lines is ALWAYS considered a long distance move. It does not matter if your destination is so close that you can see it from your doorstep, it will be treated as a long distance move and it will be subject to all regulations that apply to interstate movers.  Also, as with any long distance move, you will pay based on what you are moving (preferably by weight, not cubic feet), and not by the hour as is the case with local moves.

Now to the more grey area...

When moving within the same state, if the distance is greater than 100 miles, it is a long distance move. Your mover will be regulated by state regulations and will charge by weight preferably, although there are those that use cubic feet (not recommended). 

When moving out of state, but within the continental US, it is a long distance move, simple as that. But if you are going to Hawaii or Alaska, then it will be treated as if it were international moving because of the shipment must be taken to and then loaded in a container to be transported across water to the destination, and then transfered to a truck for delivery.

Movers usually classify moves based on needs required and regulations which must be adhered to, and not necessarily iby whether or not the distance to be traveled is long or short. Why it matters to you, the consumer, is that understanding what is invloved in each kind of move and how prices should be quoted(and then charged) can help you in your selection of the appropriate relocation company that will best be able to handle your move.

LocalMovers Blog: Reasons why you should always hire a Local Mover

LocalMovers Blog: Reasons why you should always hire a Local Mover

Reasons why you should always hire a Local Mover

The advantages of using a Local Mover are numerous. Here are just a few:

• Out-of-area moving companies cannot provide on-site (physical estimates), therefore any quote given will be a non-binding estimate. (non-binding estimate: actual cost may change. Customer is advised to be prepared with additional cash in case of overage. Payment for services due upon delivery in cash or certified funds only, which causes additional hassle for customer when actual price is unknown).
  
  • Out-of-area moving companies may not be as familiar with city ordinances requiring permits or restricting truck access or road conditions. Roadways can be very narrow, rough, steep, or be dirt roads; unfamiliar companies may have difficulty with these or may even cause damage to customers' furniture or property.
  
  
  • Out-of-area movers often subcontract their jobs to other companies when they can't service them. Customers in this case haven't gotten to check out the new carrier on BBB or FMCSA because they won't know of the change until the new guy is at their door.
  
  • Brokers only subcontract the jobs they book; they own no moving trucks or equipment. Once a job has been dispatched to a hauler (mover), the carrier adopts the moving estimate as its own, forcing the customer to deal with this new company for any customer service issues (trust us, you will hate that). When problems arise, as they often do, the broker will direct the customer to the mover and the mover will then tell them to contact the broker leaving the customer in middle with little options to resolve issues.
  
  • A job accepted by a mover from a broker is usually a low priority for that mover. If the mover comes across a better job that interferes with picking up the broker's job, he will drop the broker's job even if it is just hours before pick up leaving the customer stuck on the move date. The mover knows that the customer complaints will usually end up on the broker since the customer probably doesn't even know the moving company 's name.
  
  • Brokers and far away companies alike, tend to take large upfront deposits at the time of booking, while local moving companies charge significantly smaller deposits.
  
  • Local companies tend to try harder to please since most of their customers come from their own areas and they are concerned about a bad reputation in their hometown. A company will also act differently when it is located in a place where a customer can drop in and complain in person. Angry phone calls and emails are easy to ignore and avoid; a person walking into your place of business, not so much.
  

These are some of the reasons why using a local moving company usually results in an easier move. Even though that voice on the other end of the phone line may sound friendly, reassuring, and knowledgeable, the truth is there is no way that person can promise you everything will be fine and that your move will go exactly as planned from so far away. Only a Local Mover, with its local ties and local familiarity, can give cater to your specific moving needs.

Miami Moving Companies

There is alot of competition between movers in Miami.So as long as you find the moving company you can definitely get a great deal. I have actually called a few to get price and found we have some of the cheapest prices in the country.One good way to find the best mover is throught a friend or re - feral.I have also found out that when you mention to the movers you were recommended through someone the price goes up for some reason.So if you do find a good moving company don't even mention your you were refereed.Just call them up get the quote yourself.The Quality of work will be the same you just mite save some money.
Have A Great Move
http://www.localmovers.com/

Bad Moving Companies

Just about everyone has heard about the horror stories that come along with moving. This is what gave the industry such a bad rap. Altough there are some shady companies out there, there are still plenty of good movers out there. You just have to know where and how to look.

The most important thing to remember when getting quotes is: if it's too good to be true, it probably is. It may be tempting to book the mover with the lowest price, but trust me, they are not all created equal. Get at least 3-4 estimates and make sure the estimates you are comparing are all based on the same weight, and that all additional or accessorial services are included on each as well. If one estimate lists a charge for something that the other does not, ask why not. If the truck shows up on moving day and has to provide that service, they will charge you whether it was on the quote or not. This especially holds true if you were quoted by phone. It is better to know the price upfront than to be suprised later.

These days with the economy in the shape that it's in, we have seen movers doing whatever they can to survive by getting your business. This surge in competion may be great for the consumer, but it is important to be cautious. If any one quote is drastically lower than the others, be wary. Also, find out what the regulations are for your state. For intrastate moves, some states require separate licensing. For interstate moves, all moving companies are required to be registered with the FMCSA Division of the Department of Transportation and must have an MC and US DOT number.

The best way to save money and aggravation during your relocation is to do your research, know your rights, and be realistic. Check your mover out with the FMCSA to make sure they have authority to operate, and make sure you receive Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move handbook (your mover is required to provide this to you).

Have a current problem with a moving company or need help finding the right carrier? Post your questions and I'll be happy to answer them. Be sure to also check out our Moving Guidebook for more tips.

Have A Great Move
http://www.localmovers.com/

Local Movers in Florida

Moving in Florida can be very tricky. There are alot of regulations in this state so finding the right moving company might not be as easy as you think. For example, moving companies providing intrastate (pick up and delivery are both in Florida) relocation services must be registered with the Florida Department of Transportation and must have a FL DOT number. A US DOT number alone will not allow them to legally act as an intrastate carrier . If they are operating in South Florida, they must be licenced in each county they service (Dade,Broward and Palm beach). Also, if the moving company you decide to use is located within 50 miles of your pick up location, they are required to give you a physical estimate, or an estimate performed at your home or office where an estimator can view the belongings to be transported. A physical estimate, also refered to as an in-home estimate, will give the moving company a better idea of what needs to be done to transport your things safely. A good mover will know exactly where to look while doing a walk-through. He/she will check in closets, cabinets, attics, outdoors, etc. to make sure nothing is left out of the quote. The estimator will also calcualte the number and type of boxes necessary to do the job.

For more tips on moving or to search for licensed and insured moving companies in Florida go to www.localmovers.com/local-movers/florida.aspx .

Don't have the time to call around for quotes? Just go to http://www.localmovers.com/FreeQuotes.aspx and get quotes from movers servicing your area.

Have A Great Move
http://www.localmovers.com/

Local Movers in New York

Most people don't realize that moving in New York City can be a very difficult process. There are many restrictions involved when moving to or from this city. For example, if you are in Manhattan, you are only allowed to use a 28-foot truck or smaller. Also, you will need to get a permit to park the truck on your block or risk getting a costly ticket.

There are movers out there who don't know the regulations which are specific to New York City, and many of them will add the unexpected expenses to your bill. If they receive a ticket for parking without the required permit, they will charge it to you. In the case of a long distance move, if they need to park further away, you will be charged for a long carry (when the truck must park more than 75 feet from your door or entrance to your building). With a local move (pick up and delivery are less than 50 miles apart and are within New York state), you will be charged by the hour, and of course, parking a block or more away will increase the amount of hours necessary to perform the job.

Avoid unexpected charges by seeking a company who is familiar with both your pick up and destination cities. This way, if there are additional expenses because of permits, long carries, or any other costs associated with your move, you will be aware so you can budget accordingly. You can go to www.localmovers.com/local-movers/New-York.aspx to find more information and moving tips. You can also search licensed and insured movers serving your area.

I have been in the moving industry for over 10 years. I have seen everything in the business- the best and most reliable companies and the biggest scammers. I know that relocating can be a very tedious and stressful process. I am here to help you with any questions you may have about moving, moving companies, or any aspects of relocation you may be concerned about. If you have had an experience in the past with a great or a terrible move, I would like to know.

Have a great move.
www.LocalMovers.com