Need Help Hiring Movers in Portland Or?

How to Vet Your Mover: 20 Incisive Questions Before Hiring Movers, Portland Oregon (2023)

The questions cover issues such as licensing, pricing, availability, extra charges, and protection for belongings.

1. Can you provide me with your ODOT certificate number for full-service trucking license in Oregon?

Asking for their ODOT certificate number helps verify their legitimacy and compliance with state regulations. If they can't or won't provide it, you might be dealing with an unlicensed or non-compliant company, which could lead to legal issues and subpar service.

Example: A customer hired a moving company that refused to provide their ODOT certificate number. Later, it was discovered that the company was operating illegally, leading to fines and the customer's belongings being impounded by the authorities.

Another way to check is to visit ODOT website

Keep in mind ‘Pack & Load’ or ‘Labor Only (no truck)’ moving companies are not required to have this licensing.

2. Do you have an hourly minimum, and how does this affect my moving costs?

Inquiring about hourly minimums helps you understand how their pricing works and whether it aligns with your budget. If they don't answer or have unreasonable minimums, you could end up paying for unused time or receiving a rushed, careless service.

Example: A customer's move only took two hours, but the moving company had a four-hour minimum. The customer was forced to pay for two extra hours of unused service, resulting in higher moving costs than anticipated. Most moving companies have a 2 to 4 hour minimum.

3. What is the least expensive day to move with your company, and what is the day you are least busy?

These questions help you identify potential cost savings and move on a day when the company is less occupied. If they are unwilling to share this information, it could mean they don't prioritize customer satisfaction or have inconsistent pricing and scheduling practices.

Example: A moving company refused to share their least busy or least expensive days for a move. As a result, the customer booked their move on a day when the company was overbooked, leading to rushed service and damaged belongings.

Typically the least expensive days of the week are Monday - Thursday. Fridays - Saturday are subject to week end pricing.

4. What happens if an additional mover is added to the team, and how much will I be charged?

This question helps you understand their flexibility and pricing structure for additional labor. If they can't provide a clear answer, it might indicate a lack of transparency, and you could face unexpected costs or an inadequately staffed moving team.

Example: A customer needed an extra mover on the day of the move, but the moving company charged an exorbitant fee for the additional labor. The customer was left with a choice between paying the unexpected cost or struggling with an understaffed team. Moving companies often add additional movers to keep up with their busy schedules.

Typically additional movers are added to make the move go smoothly and to complete the move before it get too late and overtime rates are applied. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to get aligned on what the additional cost would be.

5. If I have 12 furniture items, will you wrap them, and what will the material cost be?

Asking about wrapping services and material costs ensures your furniture is protected and helps you budget for additional expenses. If they can't answer or refuse to provide wrapping services, your items could be at risk for damage during the move.

Example: A moving company refused to wrap a customer's furniture, claiming it was unnecessary. During the move, several pieces of furniture were scratched or damaged due to the lack of protection, resulting in costly repairs for the customer.

If there is one area that movers typically add expenses is in materials provided. If you don’t want to be charged for thing like protection wrap you should provide your own and wrap prior to the move, otherwise it is possible that a mover will charge for this service and material.

6. What are the drive times specific to my move, and how do they affect my overall moving costs?

This question helps you anticipate travel time and its impact on your moving expenses. If they can't provide a clear answer, it could signal a lack of transparency or experience, leading to inaccurate estimates and potential delays.

Example: A moving company underestimated the drive time for a customer's move, resulting in additional travel costs that the customer was not prepared for. The inaccurate estimate also caused scheduling conflicts and delays, making the moving process more stressful for the customer.

It is best practice for movers to provide predetermined driving time prior to the start of the move. You will want to keep track of anytime a mover spends between locations as you might be charged for this time.

7. How many moving pads are included with each truck, and how does this affect the safety of my belongings?

Asking this question helps you understand the company's commitment to protecting your items during transit. If they are unable or unwilling to provide an adequate number of moving pads, it may indicate a lack of care for your possessions, which could lead to damaged furniture or scratched surfaces.

Example: A customer had fragile antiques that needed protection, but the moving company didn't provide enough moving pads. As a result, several items were scratched or damaged during the move, causing the customer financial loss and emotional distress.

Typically if a moving customer has 24 furniture items, the mover should provide 24 moving pads; however, it is common for movers to cut costs and provide less then what is required. If damages arise you will want to know if a mover provided less padding then what was required.

8. Can I request your top mover, and what makes them stand out from the rest?

This question reveals the company's recognition of individual skill and their willingness to accommodate customer preferences. If they can't identify their top mover or are hesitant to assign them to your move, it could suggest a lack of confidence in their team, leading to subpar service or damaged belongings.

Example: A customer requested the top mover, but the company sent an inexperienced crew instead. The movers struggled with heavy furniture, causing delays, and even dropped a valuable item, resulting in an unhappy customer and additional expenses.

9. What size truck will you provide for my move, and how does that affect the efficiency and cost of the move?

This question helps you gauge their ability to optimize resources and ensure a smooth moving process. If they cannot or will not answer this question, it may indicate a lack of transparency or experience, possibly leading to multiple trips, increased costs, or damaged items due to improper packing.

Example: A customer was promised a large truck, but the moving company arrived with a smaller one. As a result, not all belongings fit, requiring an additional trip and significantly increasing the moving costs.

When you read mover reviews online, you will hear about very upset customers who have filed complaints on their mover for not providing the right size of truck. When this happens it can potentially double the cost of the move if not everything fits. Don’t assume the mover will bring the right size of truck.

10. Can you provide me a copy of your Certificate of Insurance?

This question verifies their legitimacy and ensures they have proper coverage. If they are unwilling or unable to provide a copy, it could be a red flag indicating insufficient or nonexistent insurance coverage, potentially leaving you liable for damages or injuries that occur during the move.

Example: A customer's valuable artwork was damaged during the move, but the moving company couldn't provide a Certificate of Insurance. The customer was left to cover the expensive repair costs themselves.

11. How many damage claims have you received in the last three months, and what item is most commonly reported?

This question helps you assess their track record and identify potential areas of concern. If they are unwilling to disclose this information, it could signal a lack of transparency or a high rate of damage claims, increasing the risk of your belongings being damaged during the move.

Example: A moving company refused to share their damage claims history. After the move, the customer discovered that several items were damaged and learned that the company had a history of similar issues, resulting in a costly and frustrating experience.

12. What is your arrival window, and do you offer discounts for late arrivals?

This question addresses punctuality and their commitment to customer satisfaction. If they do not provide clear arrival windows or compensation for lateness, it could indicate poor time management and customer service, causing inconvenience and potential scheduling conflicts.

Example: A moving company arrived four hours late and offered no compensation for the delay. The customer had to reschedule appointments and missed important events due to the movers' tardiness.

13. How late are your movers willing to work?

This question helps you understand their flexibility and dedication to completing your move. If they cannot or will not answer, it could suggest inflexibility or an unwillingness to accommodate your needs, potentially leaving your move incomplete or forcing you to find alternative solutions.

Example: A customer's move took longer than expected, but the movers refused to work past a certain hour. The customer was forced to complete the move.

14. If I have an issue, can you provide me a contact name and number/email of a manager who I can escalate an issue that is above your tier 1 support?

This question helps you ensure you have a clear path for escalation and resolution of any issues that may arise during the move. If they cannot or will not provide this information, it could be challenging to get the necessary support and resolution of issues.

15. Can you provide me a copy of your Bill of Lading for full-service (includes truck) household goods moving?

This question helps you verify that the company has proper documentation and protection in place for your belongings during the move. If they refuse to provide this, you might be dealing with an unprofessional or illegitimate moving company that could put your items at risk.

16. Will you be providing me a copy of my "GENERAL INFORMATION BULLETIN FOR MOVING HOUSEHOLD GOODS IN OREGON" on the day of my move?

This question ensures that you have all the necessary information for a successful move and helps you avoid potential legal issues or disputes. If they cannot or will not provide this, they might not be in compliance with Oregon regulations or have a lack of organization and attention to detail.

If your movers no show on the day of the appointment, will you compensate me, and how much, or what will you do in this situation? This question addresses their accountability and fairness in dealing with unforeseen circumstances. If they don't have a clear plan in place or refuse to answer, it could indicate a lack of professionalism or responsibility. You could end up with a delayed or cancelled move without compensation or alternative arrangements.