Comparing Moving Quotes

Information on Long Distance /Cross Country Move Estimates

When you are moving long distance particularly if you are moving cross country, you should be getting at least three in-home estimates from a local agent for a major van line.  When you receive binding or non-binding estimates by email or over the telephone you must check them very carefully. They can be very tricky. You want to make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

The first thing you want to check are that the weights given on each estimates are comparable, a couple hundred pound difference is ok, a couple thousand is not.  Ask the moving companies to send you the list of your items with the weight calculation. After getting more information you can go to the next step.

The second thing you want to check is the amount of insurance or liability that has been assigned to your move.  Make sure that the coverage is the same on all your quotes. Remember, you are trying to compare apples to apples. Get rid of that orange.

Limited Liability Coverage should be covered in the base price and does not cost you any extra money. Under this option, you limit the liability of the moving company by specifically releasing the shipment at a value of $0.60 per pound per article.

If Full Replacement Value Coverage is applied, make sure that the amount calculated is the true actual replacement valuation so that your possessions will be fully insured. Sometimes a quote will be under insured making you think your move cost is lower.

The next thing you want to compare are the "accessorial" services. These are usually materials or services that are provided at either the origin or destination by the local moving company. Examples of this can be packing and materials, a shuttle, etc.. This is the place where you may find the most differences between the quotes. If one indicates you need a shuttle and the others do not. Ask them about it. Sometimes the estimator will wait until the actual driver that moves your belongings arrives at your home and say it was the driver. A good estimator will know when a shuttle is required.

Last but not least you want to check the type of estimate you are being given: Binding, Non-binding or Binding with option.

A binding estimate is a set amount you will pay no matter if the estimator underestimated the weight or over-estimated.

A non-binding estimate you pay the amount calculated for just prior to deliver. This is usually the most accurate final bill as it takes into consideration the actual weight of your shipment and any services performed at either end of your move.

Lastly, a binding with option estimate in my opinion is the best kind to get from a mover but is often hard to get because the estimator has to be very accurate or he will lose money on the move. With this type of quote if the estimator under calculates the weight of your shipment, you will not be required to pay the difference.

Keep in mind that if you add any additional services or items to the inventory your final bill is going to be more than originally quoted. 

McCarthy Transfer & Storage offers FREE in-home local, long distance & international move estimates for San Diego moving customers.619-596-2594

McCarthy Transfer & Storage is an established professional moving and storage company that specializes in international, local and long distance San Diego moves. Serving San Diego for over 92 years, we have seen and done it all.

As an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, a moving company committed to customer service, we can offer you a quality successful move. Wheaton has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for interstate moving services every year since 1964 - the only moving company to have ever earned the seal.

This San Diego mover is fully licensed and insured (MC 720109 CAL T-154190 US DOT 070719), accredited BBB member with an A+ rating, members of the California Moving Association, International Association of Movers and American Moving and Storage Association.Community committed to Move for Hunger and eCollective.

As a family owned San Diego Moving Company with years of experience in the residential, commercial, and interstate moving, McCarthy Transfer & Storage can handle any size San Diego residential move. We are here to offer you a full range of moving services for a totally customized move - Packing, Moving, Unpacking, On-site moving, Storage and More!

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San Diego's Oldest Family Owned Moving Company
MC 720709 CAL T-154190 US DOT 070719
1386 Fayette Street - El Cajon California - 92020-1513
(800) 896-2594 - (619) 596-2594 - FAX (619) 596-1926
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