Independent Movers Federation is committed to providing the highest quality mover listings to help reduce the time, cost and stress of the moving process. We are committed to both our member companies and yourself by holding our members to stringent requirements.
Look for the IMF seal whenever you move; we bring qualified independent moving companies and customers together.
Ten Steps to a Successful Move
Moving can be stressful and costly. How do you find a moving company you can trust with your personal belongings and feel comfortable you are making the right choice? If you plan on moving soon, consider the Ten Steps for prescreening movers. We want you to have a safe and successful move.
1. Length of Time in Business. We require all our member companies to be in operation a minimum of one year. Most non-reputable moving companies open and reopen each year under a new name.
2. We obtain a complete physical address. Never do business with a moving company that uses a P.O. Box address or no address. This is a crucial step when using the Internet to find a mover.
3. We obtain the licensing information. Motor Carrier D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission), Provincial Licensing and Commercial Vehicle Operator Licenses are required in most states and provinces. You must make sure your mover is licensed. If they are not properly licensed their cargo coverage may not be valid.
4. Cargo Insurance. While you may not require a large amount of coverage for in transit cargo we require a minimum of $25,000.00 U.S. or $50,000.00 Canadian. Cargo insurance is not handling insurance coverage. It is only coverage for your effects while on the truck.
5. Will the movers do in-home estimates? It is very important to set up in-home estimates from the mover for lager house moves, and especially for long distance moves.
6. Moves By Time; Flat or Binding Fee; or Weight Only. Local moves are charged on an hourly basis. Flat fees or binding fees are used for both local and long distance moves. Price by weight only refers to long distance moving. Never use a mover who bases price on cubic footage or cubic meters
7.Does the moving company provide insurance? Most provinces and states require that the mover provide cargo coverage with no additional cost to the consumer. Compensation for lost or damaged goods would be paid out at $0.60/pound per article. This is for lost or damaged items while in transit. This basic coverage is called Limited Liability In-Transit Coverage.
Any coverage over that amount has to be purchased by the customer! We do require our members to carry additional cargo insurance on their trucks – however, as just stated, the customer has to discuss coverage terms with the moving company and establish how much extra protection will be purchased for a set amount of premium.
Types of extra coverage that may be purchased are:
- Lump Sum Coverage – This type of coverage requires the customer to declare how much each item being moved is worth. Based on this stated value the customer will pay a premium for the value required. Check with your local household insurance carrier first before you purchase this additional coverage from your mover, as many household insurance carriers will cover insuring your effects while they are in-transit.
- Full Value Protection – This is coverage for the full cost of repairing a damaged item. If a repair cannot be done then a settlement of like-kind is processed.
8. Does the moving company have any complaints on file with the Better
Business Bureau? The status of each mover changes from day to day so it is best for you to check the BBB website www.bbb.com.
9. Obtain Three Estimates. If we do not have three members in your area obtain three estimates for a proper comparison.
10.The mover abides by our Code of Ethics
- Acts with Fairness and Honesty
- Honours Terms of Contract
- Provides an Efficient High Level of Service
- Keeps a Safety Conscious Environment
- Maintains Cargo Coverage (See Point #7)
- Fulfills Obligation of this Membership
