What to Look For When Choosing a Moving Company for PCS

Are you a military personnel who's struggling with a PCS move? With proper planning and execution, your move can go smoothly.

However, selecting the right moving company is pivotal to the success of your move.

In this blog, we'll cover criteria you must keep in mind when choosing a moving company and a few additional insights that'll help you.

Preparing for Your Move

Military personnel and their families often have to move due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. The 7-Day Spread Window Policy allows military members to spread their move over seven days, which helps reduce the stress of moving in one day.

Additionally, privately owned vehicles or POVs can be shipped during a PCS move, and containerization or crating services are available for larger items.

On the moving day, you must pack properly to ensure all items are transported safely. You must also arrange pickup and delivery of items ahead of time with the appropriate movers.

In case any inconvenience, loss, or damage claims arise during the move, these must be filed promptly to receive compensation for any damages incurred.

After the move is complete, PCS passenger and pet transportation can also be arranged if necessary.

Advice from Experienced Movers

Military spouses have the best pieces of advice for PCS. For example, a military spouse can move five times and with a sixth move on the way during the pandemic.

Each move has been different, from overseas moves to cross-country drives with four children in five days, to packing up the household in one week due to short notice.

For those facing their first PCS move or looking for advice on how to make their next move smoother, it's important to gather tips and advice from experienced military spouses.

Learn from mistakes made during previous moves to avoid pitfalls and utilize the resources available to make the transition smoother.

From finding housing quickly to organizing your belongings efficiently, there are many ways to make your PCS move easier and less stressful. With the right preparation and guidance, you can ensure your next PCS move is as smooth as possible.

Here's the breakdown of your available options.

Option 1: Make arrangements with a military-approved moving company

Moving with a military-approved moving company can be a great option for armed forces personnel.

Through the official military moving portal, you can request a move and have professional movers pack and load your belongings onto a truck.

Military moves are insured, but there may be delays due to pandemic-related restrictions that could result in items being lost or broken during the move.

Before packing day, it's important to downsize and declutter your home so that you don't end up paying for unnecessary items to be moved.

Take photos or videos of furniture and high-value items to identify them when they arrive at your new location easily.

Additionally, create a "Do Not Pack" space for items you need during the move, such as toiletries, medications, and important documents.

Option 2: Take full control with a PPM (Personally Procured Move)

A PPM (Personally Procured Move) is an attractive option for those who choose to move independently. The military will reimburse your expenses, allowing you more control and flexibility over your moving process.

Several strategies are available for a PPM, such as renting a moving truck or getting a portable container delivered to your driveway.

Additionally, there are discounts available for active duty, retired, and veterans when using Portable On Demand Storage (PODS) containers.

Reimbursement options are also available for moving truck rental, packing supplies, gas, and labor costs associated with the move.

The biggest advantage of a PPM is that it allows you to take full control of your move and pack your belongings yourself. This significantly reduces the risk of damage claims since you can ensure that everything is packed properly and securely.

Five Components to Check for in a Moving Company

Finding the right moving company for your needs depends on several important factors. Therefore, researching moving companies is an essential task of the relocating process

Searching the mover's complaint history in the FMCSA search tool database

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate movers to be registered with the government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

To ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate moving company, here are things you can review:

• Headquarter's location
• Contact information
• Registration status
• Type of moving business
• Safety information

You can use the FMCSA search tool to confirm that your mover is registered and has a valid U.S. DOT number.

In addition, this search tool provides access to registered interstate movers and their complaint history so you can check for any unresolved issues or complaints against them before making your decision.

License and insurance

Having the right license and insurance is essential for a moving company. They are important because, depending on the destination, different types of licenses may be required.

Remember that all moving companies must have a U.S. DOT number and insurance, which you can verify in the U.S. DOT's official database.

Homeowners should also check with their insurance company whether any belongings are covered during a move because they may need supplemental insurance.

Ask for detailed information about cargo protection from your chosen mover so that you know exactly what kind of coverage they provide.

Certifications

It's crucial to check for certifications before deciding on a moving company.

Legitimate moving companies possess proof of certification from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).

Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other moving company-specific associations can help you find reputable companies. Licenses, insurance information, and certifications should all be verified before hiring a moving company.

Movers should be licensed and accredited according to state and federal regulations. Interstate movers should have a US DOT number and comply with motor carrier requirements. The consumer affairs agency in the respective state can verify in-state moves.

You must research when selecting a moving company, as many unscrupulous operators may not have the necessary certifications or licenses to safely transport your belongings. So make sure to ask for proof.

In-home or video survey estimates

Don't underestimate the significance of securing an accurate quote. Customers can receive quotes over the phone for smaller moves, such as apartments or homes.

However, an in-home estimate or video survey is recommended for larger moves to get the most accurate quote possible.

Remember your priorities

When choosing a mover, the price can't be the only factor you contemplate. Safety and timely delivery are also important priorities that should be weighed when selecting a mover.

Movers are legally required to deliver your goods for no more than 10% above the price of a nonbinding estimate, so it is important to compare estimates from reputable, long-standing moving companies.

Ask around; your friends and family can help you determine the quality of service various companies offer.

Moreover, you can read customer reviews to see what you can expect from specific companies.

Deciding on a PCS Moving Company

Before choosing a PCS moving company, it's better to check for recommendations from experienced movers and consider your options. You can choose between a military-approved moving company or a personally procured move (PPM).

If you decide on a PCS moving company, it's better to check for their credentials thoroughly. Insurance, licensure, certifications, and registration in US DOT are crucial. Searching for the moving company's complaint history and getting the best quotes also matter.

When you need to have your vehicle shipped, A-1 Auto Transport is here for you. We understand how cumbersome and tiring a move can be, from the planning stage to the day of.

You certainly wouldn't want to worry about driving and parking your car while you're in the middle of a move. So browse our shipping services and call us today for a quote.