How to Find a Reputable Professional Moving Company Online

 Tips for Finding an Alaskan Moving Company Online

Let’s face it… we are in a technological age.  I-phones, I-pads, Facebook, Twitter, you name it!  There is an unmistakable trend that is sweeping the global community:  Out with the old, in with the World Wide Web.  While the use of the Internet has substantially helped to facilitate growth in the professional Alaska moving industry, an unfortunate nemesis has made itself invisible to the average consumer:  the Online Moving Broker.

There are a few things that you MUST take into consideration when searching online for reputable Alaska moving companies.  First thing is first, DO NOT HIRE AN ONLINE MOVING BROKER!!!  Online Internet brokers may appear to offer a better moving rate on the surface, but they have not included or listed any of their multiple hidden fees.  Royal Alaskan Movers does not want to see you taken advantage of, so please make sure that you are comparing “apples to apples” so to speak when you are comparing Alaska moving companies and moving rates.

So how do you distinguish between an online Internet broker and a certified professional mover?  How do you know when you are dealing with a moving company that you can trust?   Here are 2 very basic things to keep in mind:

1. What is the Difference Between an Internet Broker and an Asset Based Professional Mover?

Is the Alaskan moving company asset based (trucks and warehouses) and do they have a valid motor carrier number?  One of the biggest differences between professional Alaska moving companies and Internet brokers is the fact that professional, licensed movers are federally regulated.  Professional movers must follow DOT compliance, have a valid motor carrier number and applicable insurance.   In contrast, online brokers, who tend to have no affiliation with a professional moving company, have no rules or regulations.   TAKE NOTE:  The current US consumer protection laws related to the movement of household goods only apply to Motor Carriers and not to Household Goods Brokers.  Translation:  You as the consumer are not protected if items are damaged or lost in transit.

2.   Does the Moving Company Charge You by the Weight or by the Cube?

Without exception, PLEASE make sure that professional moving companies are quoting by the pound and NOT by the cube.  Why is this so important?  Think about it.  The average consumer does not know what 200 cube looks like or feels like.  The average consumer DOES, however, know what 200lbs looks like and feels like.  If your professional moving company insists on quoting you by the cube.. RUN!  Then… call Royal Alaskan movers so that we can proceed to set up a no cost, no obligation survey of your household goods.  If you are serious about your upcoming move to Alaska, you owe it to yourself to obtain, at the very least, an estimate on the amount of the household goods you will be shipping to Alaska.  This information is intangible, and will ultimately help to better determine the most cost effective method of shipping your goods.

Please remember to do your research BEFORE you pick up the phone and start calling moving companies that you have found online.  5-10 minutes of preliminary research vs. hours and hours of potential headache is well worth the extra effort.