Before a group of movers can move anything, they have to go through the proper legal channels. Moving companies are responsible for handling thousands of dollars’ worth of items during every job, so they must follow industry safety guidelines. Consumers can best protect their belongings by verifying that the company does, in fact, follow these guidelines. The easiest way to check this is to inquire about the business’s licensing and certifications. These are all industry-specific accreditations that reveal much about the company’s legitimacy and reputation.
Know The Legal Requirements A Legitimate Mover Should Have
Certifications represent what the moving company is allowed to haul. Before earning certification in a certain category, the company must demonstrate an ability to carry the item safely and efficiently. This safety extends out to other motorists and pedestrians, so a certified business knows how to haul goods without placing others at risk. The U.S. Department of Transportation, or DoT, recognizes about 30 certifications in different areas. These range from produce, meat and livestock, to coal, chemicals and even mobile homes. Among these are certifications for general freight and household goods. Any movers responsible for moving personal belongings must be certified in these areas. This means the company is equipped to transport household items quickly and securely.
Johnnie T. Melia Moving Company has a sterling record through the DoT and is certified in general freight and household items. However, a good record with the DoT is only the first step. To ensure service that exceeds expectations, Melia’s crew is insured.
This Houston Mover has enough insurance to protect anything that may be damaged during transit or handling. To the homeowner, it may seem obvious that the company should take responsibility for anything they damage or misplace, but many businesses don’t offer this protection. In fact, consumer protection agencies consider uninsured moving services to be among the biggest risks in the industry. Without liability coverage, the homeowner will be responsible for anything damaged or lost. Also, if the business does not carry workers compensation insurance, the homeowner may be held responsible if a worker is hurt while on their property. Melia does not pass this risk on to the consumer. Each move is insured and the homeowner is protected from any injuries or damage that occurs during the job.
In addition to certifications and insurance, consumers can also check the safety record of any motor carrier through the DoT’s website. Using the company’s DoT license number, a consumer can search through a company’s qualifications and past service history. This includes any accidents or safety infractions the company has incurred. Using these tools, a homeowner can check any movers out thoroughly before making a decision.