Whether you're moving to Buffalo from another state, or moving
to Buffalo from another city within New York state, it pays to check out your moving company. Let's look at the best ways to choose a moving company.
First, look for movers with a presence in your hometown - it makes it easier to check up on them, find references about them, and overall gives a better experience.
Second, have at least 3 moving companies give you in-home estimates so they can see exactly what you need moved so you can get a more accurate estimate. And beware the absurdly low moving quote -- it's usually the sign of a scam.
Third, get a binding estimate that's written.
After all that, check out your moving company. It's easy to do.
If you're moving to New York from another state, the federal government oversees your move - specifically, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Make sure the moving company you pick has a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport household items between states, and has proper insurance.
You can check this by visiting
www.protectyourmove.gov, where you can search for and check on potential moving companies, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance.
Also check with the
Better Business Bureau to see that the company doesn't have a lot of complaints that are unresolved.
If you're moving within New York State - for example, from Buffalo to Rochester - see that the carrier is licensed by the Commissioner of Transportation by calling (800) 786-5368, or e-mailing the agency at nymoving@dot.state.ny.us.
(If you're moving within the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area, try to use local
Buffalo movers.) When you call
to ask about
Buffalo moving
companies, make sure you have the exact name and the company's NYDOT number, which should be listed on the company's paperwork.
* Make sure that the mover gives you an 'Order for Service' with the exact amount you will pay at delivery for your stuff.
* Read everything you get, and keep copies.
If you need to file a damage claim with your moving company, contact your moving company. Movers must respond to a written claim within 30 days and resolve it in writing within 120 days. If you're not happy with it, sue them in small claims court.
If you want to make a complaint against a moving company, you can file a complaint with the state. If you need to make a complaint about a moving company, contact the New York Department of Transportation. You only contact the New York DOT if your move started AND finished within New York. However, the department can't award judgments or force moving companies to pay you any money for damages.
To file a complaint,
fill out this form and send it to
New York State Department of Transportation
Office of Safety and Security Services
50 Wolf Road, POD 53
Albany, New York 12232
Include copies of all paperwork and correspondence between you and the moving company. Once the state receives the complaint, you will get a letter advising you how it will be handled.
