Are you moving? Like most people, you will perhaps turn to Google to find a mover near you. As you fill out inquiries or request price quotes, you are likely to receive several phone calls from companies claiming to offer the best services. However, the one you think is a trusted moving company may turn out to be a moving broker! Sounds intimidating?
Do not worry. Understanding the difference between Denver moving companies and brokers can help you make an informed decision and have peace of mind.
Moving Broker vs. Moving Company: At a Glance
A moving broker is a middleman working between a moving company and you. They neither have an expert moving team nor do they own moving equipment or trucks. A broker simply connects a customer with a suitable moving company, helping to get a quote on your behalf. For moving companies, they act as an extended sales team. For every closed deal, brokers charge a commission.
On the other hand, a moving company is the one that actually performs the move. They have a professional & trained staff, and own equipment and trucks to offer a seamless moving experience. Unlike a broker, they will handle the entire move from start to finish. Additionally, they are better off than a broker in providing more accurate price estimates.
What Can Go Wrong Working with a Broker?
Working directly with the moving company is considered the best option. However, people often partner with brokers thinking that they can negotiate for lower prices. Another advantage is you can minimize the hassles of finding a moving company. Since brokers typically work with several movers, they can help you choose the right carrier.
However, things aren’t this simple. Often you wouldn’t even come in contact with the mover until they visit your property on the day of the move. Some of the problems you may face with a moving broker are:
- They could have an unlicensed or uninsured mover do the job, which may result in unprofessionalism and other problems
- A broker may not have the required knowledge and experience to answer your questions related to the move
- They will only find a mover within their network, often overlooking other better options you might have
- Lack of communication between you and the moving company may either result in getting the job done improperly or last-minute cost additions
- Brokers may require you to make a lumpsum initial deposit before they can start working with you. Often, this amount is non-refundable in case you want to cancel or postpone the move
- If you do not choose wisely, the broker may not meet your expectations in terms of customer service, costs, and trustworthiness
However, you can address these broker issues by doing your homework right. Make sure the broker is registered with the FMCSA. They should provide you with an entire list of moving carriers they work with. The moving company within their network should also be registered with the FMCSA.
To ensure you have the best services and pricing, have their mover conduct a physical inspection of the property and goods before they provide an estimate.
Why Work with a Moving Company?
There are several benefits of working directly with a moving carrier than a broker. Let’s understand here:
- Unlike a broker, a moving company has the responsibility for the entire process- from start to finish. This helps ensure improved professionalism and complete peace of mind.
- Expect a more consistent and uniform moving experience because everyone you meet during the process works for the same mover. Hence, miscommunication is less likely.
- The moving company will send a team to survey the goods to be moved. This enables them to provide a more realistic price estimate. Hence, you may not see a significant difference between the price quote you get and what you pay at the end.
- Moving companies own the equipment and trucks to transport the goods. They also have a team of fully trained moving specialists who have expertise in efficiently packing and transporting the goods. This ensures safety and reliability.
- You can negotiate with the mover upfront to get attractive rates depending on the amount/weight of items and moving distances. A middleman in between can result in hiked rates because the broker’s commission is often included in it.
Conclusion
When it comes to ensuring the efficiency and safety of your move, working with a reputable moving company can be the best option. Understanding the differences between a mover and a broker can help you make an informed decision.
