Proper License & Insurance
For plenty of people preparing to move, the confusing process of understanding the licensure and insurance required of prospective moving companies can usually be the most confusing part. Typically, the categories of licensure and insurance requirements can be vastly different between each state and also between the different kinds of moves -- long distance, local and international. Moving companies ought to always have the appropriate forms of licensure and insurance no matter which of these types of moves they concentrate on.
Long-distance movers must be in possession of a special federal identification number, known as a United States Department of Transportation number. Twenty-eight different states require that all moving companies have of these important numbers. The US DOT number provides an easy way for the government to identify a specific carrier when collecting information from audits, compliance reviews, inspections, and other knowledge sets.
One way to obtain this US DOT number, or to make sure your moving company has one, is to check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's SAFER program. You can also check out of your mover's marked fleet vehicles by looking for the US DOT number printed on the doors of the cab and the rear tractor. Be sure to look and see if the numbers on the van match those present in the FMCSA.
Long-distance movers must even be registered with the FMCSA. This operating authority, which is more complex than the US DOT, outlines the exact type of operation, cargo, and area in which a carrier can operate. They can also dictate the level of insurance that a moving company must offer.
Of course, you can always find out which sort of licensing or insurance your state requires moving companies to have by calling your state's commerce commission or department of transportation. Being aware of these maximum requirements can come in handy when it comes time to speak to potential movers and decide on one to help you with your move.
In case you are moving locally, you will first need to check your state's individual licensing and insurance requirements. While 28 different states require moving companies to have a US DOT number, other states may only require a state license in order to operate.
Since there are no moving regulations enforced by any single country, you need to be extra cautious when you are making an international move. No matter what, your international mover ought to have a Freight Forwarder permit or a Federal Maritime Commission number. Choosing a moving company that is a part of the FIDI Global Alliance can also go a long way in ensuring that you have a trusted and reputable mover.
The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) also provides Registered International Mover Certification, a program that continually monitors international carriers.
As only a few companies hold this certification, in the rare case that you find an international mover that does, they are very likely to be reputable.
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