If your clients are not moving by themselves, there are two options to hire a moving company to handle the move. One way is to hire a moving agent and the other way is to hire a moving company.
Here are some of the differences between them. Main source:
https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/protect/broker-vs-mover.aspx
What is a moving agent?
Moving agents act as intermediaries between the movers and the mover. Agents, or brokers as they’re also known, are not actually moving companies and usually do not have moving trucks or equipment or do not move people professionally. They supply the convenience of finding a moving company and are sellers who “sell” the move.
However, there are some risks involved in using a broker. There is the possibility that a moving company will not normally accept the order due to low budget, unavailability of resources, and the customer is left without a moving company on the day of transfer. In addition, unlicensed or uninsured moving companies can be hired for the job, or the moving company may charge added fees as soon as they see the full job. The brokers take no responsibility for the acts or omissions of the contract on part of the moving company.
Moving agents will usually supply estimates of transfers over the phone or online and will charge the person moving. The brokers then offer the job to the moving companies based on the estimate. The advantage of a moving agent is that the move can be made in a more economical way than if you hire a company that is moving directly. That’s especially useful in reducing long-distance moving costs, for instance.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is working to provide greater protection for consumers when using an agent. Therefore, moving agents must:
- Give a list of the moving companies that use them.
- Ask the shipping company to physically inspect the household items being moved if they are within 50 miles of the moving company or the location of your representative, whichever is nearest. The client is free to waive this requirement.
- Only use companies registered with FMCSA.
- Include in their advertisements their physical location of the activity, the motor carrier number, and their status as an agent who does not move household goods, but provides this service.
- Establish binding or non-binding cost estimates at the rate of the moving company carrying the shipment.
- Be registered with the FMCSA.
- Give the customer the FMCSA brochure “Your Rights and Obligations on the Move” and the “Ready to Move” brochure.
- Have a written agreement with the moving companies that use them.
Moving companies
An agreement with a moving company can build greater confidence in the move itself, as the company becomes responsible for anything that goes wrong during the move. However, there are added fees to consider when hiring professional moving companies, including an appraisal of the goods and professional packing services. Other services, such as preparing equipment for moving or moving pianos, and added fees such as expedited moving services and long-distance based charges are to be expected.
The moving companies are the companies that make the move. They own trucks and moving equipment and have a professional moving crew. These companies come to your home and give you a movers’ quote for the complete move, which is probably more exact than a moving agent’s estimate. The price usually depends on the weight and quantity of the items and the distance of the move.
Whether clients choose a moving company or broker to move, they should always research the credibility and reputation of the company online by consulting the Better Business Bureau and FMCSA.
Moving agents and companies each have advantages and risks associated with them. Therefore, it may be helpful to provide your client with a list of the best moving companies in California that have worked before for you and gained your trust.
