As of November 2020, more than thirty tech giants had up and left Silicon Valley to resettle in Austin. And that’s just one city in Texas. Other parts of America’s largest state are feeling favor from this exodus, too.
It’s clear that companies are on the move in recent years, leaving traditional hubs for more affordable locales. No matter the reason your business is on the move, hiring commercial movers is guaranteed to make the big shift stress-free for you and your staff.
Below, we outline some top tips for finding that perfect commercial moving experience.
1. Check the Contract for Extra Fees
No one likes to receive an unexpectedly high bill, especially after you’ve just settled into a new office building or manufacturing space. But if you don’t go over that moving contract with a fine-tooth comb, you’re likely in for a surprise come invoicing time.
Hidden costs might include:
- Packing labor and supplies
- Insurance
- Furniture assembly fees
- Bulky items fees
- Elevator or stair fees
- Disposal fees, such as for packing materials
- Service charges and tips
- Fuel charges
Be aware that if plans go awry on your end and you’re not ready to receive the moving goods in your new location on the day they arrive, there may be additional (hefty) fees for extra stops, storage, or cancellation.
By taking this extra step to double-check all the fees, you can quickly narrow down your commercial mover options.
2. Comparing Moving Fees
A big part of planning for a corporate move is balancing the budget. Getting at least three quotes from different moving services is standard practice.
Some commercial movers charge by the hour while others charge by distance or day or even offer package deals. Others charge more for bulky or heavy items or give discounts for self-packing. Most companies provide express options, so if you need to move quickly, ask about the fees for this service, too.
There’s a lot to consider when analyzing quotes from moving companies.
The key here is that the quotes a company provides are transparent. As we highlighted above, be vigilant when looking for hidden costs. If you feel a company isn’t being forthcoming with their fine print, don’t be afraid to drop them from your list.
3. How Long Have They Been Around
Before settling on a commercial mover to work with, it’s essential you get a sense of their experience.
Some questions to ask at the quote stage include:
- When was your company founded?
- How long have your staff been with you?
- Have you moved items to (tall buildings, warehouses, etc.) before?
- How many commercial clients have you worked with?
- How do you pack and move fragile items?
- Which cities or states do you have the most experience in?
- What’s your experience with long-distance moves?
Getting these answers will help you better understand if they have the experience you need and how well equipped they are to handle your specific move.
You need to be especially vigilant if you have unique or unusual items to move, such as heavy machinery, fragile product stock, or sensitive electronic equipment. If you go with a commercial mover only experienced with office relocations, you’re setting yourself (and them) up for failure.
4. What Are Their Official Credentials?
All licensed moving companies require a USDOT number, which the FMCSA issues. This gives them the right to haul goods over state lines and helps the government better track compliance issues, inspection data, and accidents related to movers.
The number should be listed somewhere on the relocation company’s website. You can enter this number into the FMCSA search tool to find out the licensing history of the company you’re considering hiring.
Check, too, that the company holds at least one professional certification from a reputable industry body–an organization like the American Moving and Storage Association or American Trucking Associations. Movers have to meet specific standards to obtain these qualifications, so you can usually trust a company holding an up-to-date certificate.
5. What Does Their Insurance Cover?
At the very minimum, a moving company should have a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This covers things like property damage (theirs), personal injury, or on-the-road accidents. A mover should also have product liability insurance, which is the coverage that protects the objects being moved–your stuff.
An insured moving company is bound to offer a reliable, trustworthy service. After all, they’ve gone to the trouble to check all the boxes regarding their business practices. Basically, if a moving company doesn’t have (or can’t prove that they have) insurance, don’t hire them.
Note that moving companies are only required to provide a minimum of liability coverage by law, usually around $0.30 per pound. Aside from checking what the moving company’s insurance policy covers, you also need to look into your own. You might be able to fill the gaps in their coverage, meaning you can compromise a bit in this area to bring overall costs down.
6. Recommendations and Reviews
A Neilsen study found that a whopping 92 percent of people implicitly trust word-of-mouth referrals. Why? Because you know an opinion is valid if it’s coming from a family member, friend, or colleague.
When it comes to commercial moving companies, it might be harder to get that personal referral. After all, it’s not that often that businesses move.
Sure, you could check to see if the companies have testimonials on their website. But you don’t always know if they’ve been taken out of context. Instead, you’ll also need to do some digging to gather some third-party opinions.
Check their online customer reviews on Google maps, Facebook, and other business listing websites. See if they’re listed on the Better Business Bureau. Look them up on Glassdoor to check out what their former staff says about them.
Hiring Commercial Movers Saves Time and Money
Hiring commercial movers can be a stressful process if you don’t approach the task correctly. Thoroughly research the companies in your area, ask questions about insurance, licensing, and hidden fees, and check to see if they have experience in commercial relocations. With careful planning, you’ll be sure to get a company that moves you quickly and stays within your budget.
Are you keen to learn more about better business practices? Dive into the other articles on our website.
