There are two ways your clients can hire a Moving company in Abu Dhabi if they’re not moving. Hire a moving broker or a mover.
They differ in these ways.
Moving brokers—what are they?
Moving brokers act as intermediaries between moving companies and households. Brokers aren’t movers and need to own trucks or equipment. They sell the move and make it easy to find a moving company.
Moving brokers give estimates over the phone or online and collect payments from the mover. Based on the estimate, the brokers bid on the job to move companies. Using a moving broker can save money compared to hiring a Moving company in Abu Dhabi directly.
Brokers have risks, however. A moving company may not accept the job due to a low estimate or lack of resources, leaving the customer without a mover on a moving day. The moving company may charge extra or hire unlicensed or uninsured movers. The brokers don’t take responsibility for the moving company’s actions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is improving broker consumer protections. Moving brokers must, therefore:
- Register with FMCSA.
- Give the customer the FMCSA Ready to Move brochure and Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet.
- Give a list of their movers.
- Only use FMCSA-registered movers.
- Have a written agreement with movers.
- Use the mover’s tariff to estimate shipment costs.
- Advertise their physical business location, motor carrier number, and status as a broker who arranges household goods transport.
- If the household goods to be moved are within 50 miles of the mover or its agent, whichever is closer, have the mover perform a physical survey. The client can waive this requirement.
Moving Companies
Moving companies perform the relocation. They have trucks and professional movers. Moving companies will come to the house and give an estimate for the move, which will likely be more accurate than a moving broker’s estimate. The items’ weight, quantity, and distance will determine the price.
While agreeing with a moving company might give you more confidence in a move since the company can be held liable for anything that goes wrong, there are additional fees to consider when using professional movers, including extra valuation coverage for the goods, additional services like preparing appliances for the move or moving a piano, and extra charges like expedited services and long-haul charges.
Why You Should Hire a Mover Instead of a Broker
Brokers need to gain the expertise of moving companies. Trucks and moving equipment are unavailable. They also can’t offer discounts. Hiring them will cost more than hiring a real moving company. Moving brokers work out of call centers, so you’ll have to call them for every issue. Their offices could be hundreds of miles from your new home.
Clients should always check the Better Business Bureau and FMCSA before hiring a broker or moving company, regardless of their choice.
Providing your client with a list of trusted moving brokers and companies may be a good idea since both have pros and cons.
