Has anyone dealt with professional movers?

[Ricochet]

I'm moving from L.A. to Little Rock, AR to work contract. Majority of my stuff is already in storage. Once I work for a month at the new job, then I will get the pros to move my stuff.

To complicate matters, I am going to be in the Seattle area prior to my move. Either I fly back to L.A. then drive my car to Little Rock or fly directly to Little Rock and have my car transported. Still weighing my option. If I do drive, it will be almost a straight drive (25-27hours) stopping only for short rests, then I have to report to my new job the next day.

Any recommendations?


PS: The last month has been hectic for me. The place I rented was sold. I had to move out without a place to stay. Ended up using Extended Stay hotels and even hostels. At the same time I was looking for new work. Since I knew I could eventually land work out of state, I didn't want to sign a lease for an apartment. I had 4 interviews in the last month. Since I didn't want my current employer to know, I had to tip-toe around their radar. On top of that, there were two weddings that I had to attend and a brother I had to meet in Las Vegas. I'm really a laid-back and slow moving sort of guy, so I can't believe I'm getting myself in these situations.

 

[kranky]

Be careful because moving companies can be very scummy.

A favorite trick is to come out and give you an estimate, then when they move your stuff they tell you that it weighed more than they thought, and you owe them more money. If you don't pay, they won't let you have your stuff. They'll just drive right off with all your stuff in the truck. The fine print in the estimate allows them to do that.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

get several estimates and references. make sure there is no way they can blackmail you for more at the other end. as kranky said, they can be very devious

 

[MX2]

You guys saw that episode of Dateline too

 

[Valkerie]

gonvernment listings

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: MX2times
You guys saw that episode of Dateline too

Didn't see Dateline but when I worked at the Better Business Bureau years ago I heard plenty of complaints about it and I know it hasn't stopped.

Why should they care about customer satisfaction? What is someone going to do, not use them again? People don't move often enough for them to worry about it.

 

[eplebnista]

No

 

[EagleKeeper]

Vehicle cost for transportation will be around $500 without any discounts.

Get mulitple quotes from establish chains.

Plan on being around when packing and/or loading is done.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Attempting to drive from LA to LR and then report to work the next day is doing a disservice to you and your employer.

You would be best to fly into LR and then bring out your vehicle on a following week-end.

Fly from LR after work on Fri, get vehicle and take 2 days to get to LR (overnight in NM I25 & I40).
Show up Mon and able to work properly.

 

[AndrewR]

Nope, I've never dealth with professional movers, only dirtbag pseudo-amateurs that the government pays.

On second thought, I had an apartment complex move me locally (within the complex -- very local!) years ago, and they hired a very good moving company. Bunch of Hispanic guys who couldn't speak a lick of English but who were exceptionally thorough and fast. They were so thorough they packed the silverware basket from the dishwasher!

Good luck with your move -- it's never fun.

 

[dug777]

Loads of times..and everytime they've broken or damaged stuff :|

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: AndrewR
Nope, I've never dealth with professional movers, only dirtbag pseudo-amateurs that the government pays.

On second thought, I had an apartment complex move me locally (within the complex -- very local!) years ago, and they hired a very good moving company. Bunch of Hispanic guys who couldn't speak a lick of English but who were exceptionally thorough and fast. They were so thorough they packed the silverware basket from the dishwasher!

Good luck with your move -- it's never fun.

I can identifiy 10 government ( directly/indirectly) paid trips and two private commercial.

Only two did not have damage or lost items.

Re-embursed for all losses and/or repairs with no hassles.

Best treatment was United & Allied.

Worst was Lyons.

 

[Yossarian]

you can get a "not to exceed" quote from a good mover. I used Mayflower to go from Dallas to Los Angeles and they were pretty good. one thing to look out for is that if you don't have a lot of stuff, some companies won't give you an exact pickup date. one company gave me a 5-day window so I told them to fvck off.

 

[Ricochet]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Attempting to drive from LA to LR and then report to work the next day is doing a disservice to you and your employer.

You would be best to fly into LR and then bring out your vehicle on a following week-end.

Fly from LR after work on Fri, get vehicle and take 2 days to get to LR (overnight in NM I25 & I40).
Show up Mon and able to work properly.

After talking to several people, I'm starting to agree with you about avoiding the long drive. But I'm still debating whether to transport my car or come back later to pick it up. The good news is that I can claim all this as business travel expense on my tax form.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: ricochet

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Attempting to drive from LA to LR and then report to work the next day is doing a disservice to you and your employer.

You would be best to fly into LR and then bring out your vehicle on a following week-end.

Fly from LR after work on Fri, get vehicle and take 2 days to get to LR (overnight in NM I25 & I40).
Show up Mon and able to work properly.

After talking to several people, I'm starting to agree with you about avoiding the long drive. But I'm still debating whether to transport my car or come back later to pick it up. The good news is that I can claim all this as business travel expense on my tax form.

Business expenses are create write-offs against income. Howver, why spend the extra $$ in the first place.

You have about an 1700 mile drive. Pay the $500-700 (est) to ship the vehicle, or pay $300 in fuel and lodging to drive the vehicle. Uncle will then credit you the 1700 miles @ $0.37 (est)/ mile on your business expenses.

Do the math. Also, the drive is not as boring as I70 across eastern CO and Kansas.