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Are Your Movers Ripping You Off? A Guide to Fare Rates and Pricing on Moving

By Mimi Bullock | February 17, 2009

Professional movers can make a daunting task simpler by doing the hard stuff like packing, loading and moving your belongings. But what to expect? Make your move smooth by using this moving guide for fees, fares and mileage. We’ve got some information that will help take the surprise out of fees and services.

Moving Fees

Moving companies have moving down to a science. They can pack, load and move your home in just a day. But before you say “sign me up,” make a list of exactly what services you need. Moving companies charge for the basic services like packing and loading, but there are some special fees you may not know about. Some moving companies have an Expedited Service Fee that applies when you need your move done on specific dates with little or no reservations. Avoid this fee by planning and booking ahead of time. Some moving companies charge flight fees. This fee is applied when movers have to carry furniture or large boxes up several flights of stairs. If your building has an elevator that can be used to move furniture you should be able to avoid this fee. Line haul or long haul fees are applied when the moving company has to make a long journey to your new destination. These fees are usually added on top of the mileage charges. Storage-in-transit fees are applied when your moving truck arrives at your new digs and can’t unload. Avoid this fee by verifying your new home is ready for occupancy. There may be other fees so be sure and read the fine print.

Moving Fares

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association, or FMCSA, says that moving companies are required to provide customers with an estimate that includes fees and charges. Be sure and go over the estimate with the mover and the salesperson. Sometimes the salesperson may have forgotten a fare or fee that the mover charges. Most moving companies charge basics fares for truck and labor rental. You can rent a 10-foot truck that is roomy enough to hold the contents of an apartment or small home. Or for moving a larger home with three or four bedrooms, rent a 24-foot truck. Check with your local moving company to get the right truck for your belongings. Fares vary according to moving companies, so be sure and shop around!

Mileage and Miscellaneous Fees

Mileage fees are charged for the truck. Mileage widely varies throughout the country. Check with your local moving companies about the current rate. Also, if you want to save a little extra money, wrap and pack your own boxes. But check with your local moving company first. Some offer minimal fees for packing and wrapping. Call local moving companies for a free estimate!

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What People Are Saying.

  • Hi ,

    Thanks for writing such an interesting article. It’s really good to know about the home packagers and movers in detail. Over 42 million people move in the U.S. every year. That’s an amazing 1 in 4 adults. The average person will move many times within their life. Studies have indicated that moving can be one of the most stressful times in someone’s life. Moving can be a disruptive time in anyone’s life. We might be happy about moving to a new home but there can still be a lot of emotion involved in leaving the old home, neighborhood and close friends. We don’t need the added burden of being fearful about entrusting everything we own in life to San Antonio movers company.

    The right San Antonio moving company can take a lot of stress out of the moving process, but finding one may not always be simple. It usually takes more than just looking through the yellow pages of your local phone directory. For starters, there are several types of moving companies. Some may specialize in local moves while others will transport your belongings across the nation or even to another country. Your specific type of move will, to some extent, determine the San Antonio moving company you’ll hire.

    Thanks,
    - Sibley
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