The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proceeding to suspend the right of a moving service company from doing business after determining that the moving company held a customer’s household goods hostage and refused to release them unless the customer paid additional money to the moving company (Agency Group, n.d-a).
This real-life case is nearly everyone’s greatest fear when it comes to using a moving company to relocate. Like everyone else, the last thing you want to do is turn over all your household belongings to a couple of strangers with a moving truck, and then find out at the end of your move (in a new town) that they will not unload your truck and give you your belongings unless you pay them whatever they demand. Consider it highway robbery by those pirate movers. Unfortunately, this happens over and over again. In fact, in 2011 FMCSA received over 2,800 consumer complaints against moving companies, with goods being held hostage being a major complaint (Agency Group, n.d-b).
So, how do you protect yourself from those rogue, pirate movers? Your best line of defense is to rent your own moving truck. Then hire a moving service from a consumer review site such as movinghelp.com, where you can find unedited customer reviews on local movers who can load and unload your truck. By renting your own moving truck, you will always be in control of your possessions, because the truck is signed out in your name. In fact, you can even purchase a padlock for the back door of the truck (always recommended) and then only you will have the key or combination to unlock the back of the truck and have full access to your own possessions. Avoid movers holding your household goods hostage by following these tips. It will save you money and give you peace of mind!
Do you have any experience with hiring a local moving service? How do you find the most reputable business? Let us know!
References
Agency group, (n.d.-a). FMCSA initiates proceeding to suspend operating authority of California commercial motor carrier Peace of Mind Relocation, Inc. Following determination that company held hostage household goods. FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database.
Agency group, (n.d.-b). FMCSA helps consumers “protect your move” with moving company checklist. FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database.