Hiring a moving broker – yes or no?

Employing Moving Experts - August 9, 2019

By now, you are probably aware of the fact that every move requires professional assistance. At least a successful one. I mean, you could try to pull off a DIY move, but there are no guarantees you will do it right. And, obviously, hiring the first moving company you bump into gives you no guarantees neither, quite the opposite. Luckily,  Gunts Moving is a place where you can get the answers to all of your moving questions, and get the help you need. Hence, today we would like to introduce you to the option of hiring a moving broker. We will also go through the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. If this is your first time hearing about this term, don`t worry – the explanation is coming right up!

Help button that lead you to hiring a moving broker
Moving brokers can provide you with the exact help that you need.

Who are the moving brokers and what do they do?

In the simplest words, a moving broker is a middleman. This is a company that helps you find adequate moving assistance, after which they keep in touch with both parties. For example, if you are moving a household, they find you residential movers. And the same goes for any specialized move. A moving broker can give you a binding or a non- binding estimate. This will make it easier for you to calculate the costs of your upcoming relocation and plan your budget.

Sometimes, people confuse moving brokers with moving companies. You should know that moving brokers are not movers in any way. They do not own the necessary equipment, a moving truck nor are they licensed to operate it. Their purpose is to match you with a suitable moving company, that will take care of all the moving-related tasks.

The benefits of hiring a moving broker

The process of hiring a moving broker might seem too complicated, at first. But later on, it helps you hire a moving company specialized for your area and type of move. For example, when moving to Boston, a broker will make a list of professional moving companies Boston MA that match your needs. At first glance, going directly to a moving company seems much faster than going the other way around. If that is the case, why would anybody bother hiring a moving broker? The truth is that moving brokers bring you plenty of benefits. A good broker will save your time and money, by making a good selection of moving companies.

They can help you combine moving companies

Let’s imagine for a second you have found movers you really like. But they don’t offer all the services you need. Actually, if you live in a small town, finding movers that will be able to provide you with all the services you need might be mission impossible. Hence, instead of searching for several companies to combine on your own, you can simply hire a moving broker. They will do that for you, and make sure you have every service you need at a price you can afford.

Clock and coffee
A good moving broker will save your time and money by making a selection of moving companies.

Who will actually transport your belongings?

Depending on the moving broker you are hiring, you may or may not know which moving company has bid on your move until the moving day. Yes, that is how it usually works. This is one of the disadvantages of hiring a moving broker. Moreover, it is possible that no moving company accepts your project due to a low estimate, their availability, lack of time or resources. If this happens, you could find yourself in a pickle. Without anyone available, you would have to continue the research on your own or do everything by yourself.

Should broker be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?

One of the most important things you should think about when hiring a moving broker is FMCSA. This organization issues registrations to all legitimate moving brokers. Additionally, it requires that their brokers only use moving companies that are also registered with the FMCSA.

Man carrying moving boxes
If no moving company accepts your project, you might end up moving on your own. 

Things you should be cautious about

When hiring a moving broker, the biggest disadvantage is the fact that you are not dealing with the people who will ultimately move your belongings. This can become an issue if you have specific instructions for certain things. You also might be limited to certain moving days, when dealing with a third party broker. And if something gets damaged or broken, things could get complicated. The broker could say it is the mover’s fault and the other way around. In the end, this might leave you helpless with no one to accept fault for the damage. Also, brokers also might be unfamiliar with your local movers. Although, they are now required to give you a list of all available movers in your area, from which one will certainly perform your move.

As you can see, hiring a moving broker has both advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your needs, expectations, and risks you are willing to make. We really hope you will make the right decision!

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