Get Quotes from the Best Moving Companies
When searching for moving help, you’ll encounter an industry filled with options. Should you choose the small local moving company that your friend told you about? Or should you hire the broker that you see advertised all the time that promises affordable deals? Before you can truly make an informed decision, you must fully understand the difference between a moving company and a moving broker. In this blog, we’ll clearly explain each one and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Moving Companies
A moving company, also known as a carrier, is a company that owns its moving trucks or fleet. Essentially, they are set up to load your household goods onto one their trucks and move it to your new destination. Moving companies fit into the traditional view that most people have of hiring moving help.
+ Advantages of Moving Companies
A moving company gives you a more straight forward moving experience. Everyone that you talk to from the moving company will be directly impacting your move in some way. This helps you avoid confusion and makes it easy for you to know exactly what is happening with your move at all times. Whether you’re on the phone with a customer service representative or having a conversation with a mover on the day of your move, they will be fully aligned with your moving process.
– Disadvantages of Moving Companies
Depending on the moving company you choose, you may have to deal with more expensive rates than you want to. This is especially true if you move during peak moving season (between April and September). Additionally, since movers carry out of their services on their own (no third party movers), your options may be limited. If you find a carrier that you feel comfortable with, you may have to move your moving date up a week just so they can accommodate you.
Moving Brokers
While a moving company handles the move itself, a moving broker acts a middle man of sorts between you and the moving company. So, when you hire a moving broker, you’re asking them to find you a reputable moving company in your area that can complete your move successfully within the moving budget that you set.
+ Advantages of Hiring a Moving Broker
Hiring a moving broker can be convenient and provide you with a lot more options. Since moving brokers have networks that include various moving companies, it’s easy for them to offer you multiple services and outsource them to companies that can provide exactly what you want. Regardless of whether you’re looking for storage units, help moving a grand piano or a pool table or a company that makes shipping your car or motorcycle easy, an experienced broker will be able to help.
– Disadvantages of Hiring a Moving Broker
Moving brokers come with a lot more moving parts than a lot of people can handle. Since a broker doesn’t have any moving trucks or carry out any moves on their own, this can lead to customers facing last minute price increases from multiple other companies.
There is also some risk that the moving company assigned to your job isn’t as hardworking and reputable van line as one you would’ve chosen for yourself.
Now that you know the differences between moving companies and moving brokers, it’s fully up to you to weigh your options and make the decision that’s best for you and your family. We hope your move goes smoothly and you’re happy with the outcome no matter what route you decide to take. Remember, always do as much research as you can before settling on a company and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to before signing a contract.