What every consumer needs to know

[insert your company’s name here]

• An estimated 37+ million Americans move every

year

• The average American makes 11.7 moves in a

lifetime

• Most moves are tied to a new job, a new

residence or

a change in lifestyle (marriage, divorce,

retirement)

• Do-it-yourself costs add up quickly: truck rental, equipment rental (pads/dolly), boxes/tape/packing materials, fuel, your time and trouble, snacks for helpers, child care?

• You avoid unexpected problems: damage from lack of packing skills, personal injury, accidents with truck

Get at least three written estimates from movers which: • Are licensed by the federal government

(interstate)

• Are licensed by the state of California

(intrastate)

• Have a bricks-and-mortar location

• Are open to you visiting them

• Are members of the CMSA

• Have good consumer ratings (Better Business

Bureau,

Angie’s List, etc.)

What to avoid:

• Internet-only presence

• Unusually low-ball estimates

• Brokers (middlemen)

• “Firm” estimate offered on-line or by phone

• Minimum insurance offered as the only option

• Reluctance to provide answers/details

• Offer a written, in-home estimate• Don’t request a large up-front deposit• Provide full explanations of liability• Offer optional full-value coverage• Answer all your questions fully• Can provide references• Have a good reputation in your community

Local (intrastate) movers• Regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission

• Consumer information available at www.cpuc.ca.gov

Long-distance (interstate) movers• Regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration, • Must publish rates (“tariff”), and offer more

comprehensive

an agency of the US Transportation Dept.

insurance and arbitration service

• Weight estimate jumps unexpectedly at time of move, even though you showed the mover such areas as attic, storage shed, etc.

• Delays in delivery

• Extensive loss or damage

• Household goods “held hostage” for more

money

• Must be members of the CMSA

• Must adhere to CMSA’s Code of

Ethics

• Must be licensed by the state of

California

• Promises to provide Calif.

consumers

honest, legal, and efficient service

• Interstate movers must provide you with copies of two FMCSA publications: “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready To Move.”

• Calif. Movers hired at least 3 days in advance must provide you with an "Important Notice About Your Move" document, and an "Important Information For Persons Moving Household Goods within California" booklet.

• Interstate movers must participate in an arbitration program to settle disputes (if not resolved by the carrier first).

• For interstate moves, consumers can file a complaint on-line at www.protectyourmove.gov or by calling (888) DOT-SAFT (368-7238).

• For intrastate moves, consumers should contact the CMSA at (800) 672-1415; or the Calif. Public Utilities Commission at (800) 366-4782 or www.cpuc.ca.gov.

Thank you!

For more information, please contact:

[insert your name, company and contact information here]