A moving company is a professional organization that provides labor and transportation to move your inventory. Other names for these companies include van line or household goods carrier. Here are some tips to find a good moving company:
Obtaining a business license
First, a business license is a legal document that grants you permission to conduct certain business activities. Some industries require federal licenses, such as alcohol, firearms, and aviation. Check with your state or local government to find out what regulations you need to follow. There are also regulations for moving companies operating fleets of vehicles, such as hours of service rules. Obtaining a business license for your moving company will require you to adhere to these rules.
Depending on the type of license moving company you need, the process will vary from state to state. The most straightforward business licenses can be obtained online, although other types of business licenses may take more time. In addition, many agencies don’t offer phone service or helpful websites. If you’re unsure of the process, consider hiring a business license consultant to help you. Some state licensing bureaus can take weeks to process your application.
Establishing an employer identification number (EIN)
If you plan to start your own moving business, it’s important to comply with state and federal regulations. In some cases, establishing an EIN is unnecessary, since you can do it as a sole proprietorship. While moving to a new state doesn’t necessarily require establishing a new EIN, you should consider state taxes and the possibility of employing employees from another state.
An EIN is like a social security number for your business. It helps the IRS identify your company and is required for filing business tax returns and paying employees. Without it, banks won’t allow you to open an account with them. The benefits of having an EIN are many, and they’ll make it easier for you to run your business. Once you have your EIN, you can register for the various types of insurance and make sure your business is compliant with local regulations.
Verifying a moving company’s credentials
In the age of instant information, vetting a moving company’s credentials is easier than ever. Make sure they’re registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees trucking companies in the U.S. It’s also a good idea to ask for a copy of their tariff, which lists any complaints filed against the company. This way, you can make sure the moving company has the appropriate licensing and insurance to handle your move.
Another way to determine whether a moving company is legitimate is to call past customers and ask for references. Ask for at least three references, each with a cell phone number, work phone number, city and state. Be sure to ask for contact information as well as the company’s safety rating. The company should be able to provide you with all of these details. If the moving company doesn’t have these information, you may want to avoid that company.
Finding good reviews
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you have many options, but finding good reviews is especially important. You should look for a company with a high percentage of positive reviews and respond to negative reviews as quickly as possible. Additionally, the company should be transparent about any cancellation policies and attempt to correct any problems. Moreover, it is crucial to choose a moving company with a low unsatisfaction rate, since this is a red flag.
There are several online review websites you can turn to for reviews. Google and Yelp are the best places to find individual reviews. You can also try Facebook and Angie’s List. Online forums are another great place to find reviews. Make sure that you specify whether you would recommend the mover to your friends. The more reviews the better, but remember to stay away from fake reviews. The best option is to trust the reviews of real customers and read them carefully before deciding on a moving company.