Better Business Bureau Warns: Beware of Unlicensed Movers
BBB Collaborates with State Regulators, Industry Groups
Austin, TX - March 15, 2010 – BBB is warning consumers about unlicensed movers operating in the central Texas area. Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas teamed up with state regulators and Southwest Movers Association to investigate local moving companies that may be operating without proper state and/or federal licensing.
Two Austin moving companies, Hill Country Moving Company and ABA Moving, have been issued BBB Ratings of “F” for failure to maintain required licensing and unanswered complaints.
Harker Heights moving company CC Moving has been issued a BBB Rating of “F” for failure to maintain required licensing.
Two San Antonio moving companies, Hill Country Movers and Born 2 Move have been issued BBB Ratings of “F” for failure to maintain required licensing and unanswered complaints. ABC Movers in Helotes has been issued a BBB Rating of "F" due to failure to maintain required licensing.
Corpus Christi moving companies Awesome Movers, Busy Bee Movers and Tony's Transfer have been issued BBB Ratings of "F" due to failure to maintain required licensing.
The coordinated investigation of 265 central Texas moving companies revealed the following areas of concern:
- Moving companies that are not licensed.
- Moving companies that hold consumers’ goods hostage.
- Moving company contracts that do not meet one of the following formats:
- Binding: Contract indicates an exact cost for the entire move.
- Not to Exceed: Contract indicates an estimated amount that the actual cost will not exceed.
- Hourly Charges: Contract indicates an hourly fee for access to the moving company’s labor and equipment for the move.
Tips for finding the right moving company:
- Plan Ahead. Start making plans six to eight weeks before a targeted move-in date. Ask friends or neighbors to recommend businesses and check the BBB Reliability Report™ for each.
- Review Contract Details. Verify contract terms including price structure, extra fees and forms of acceptable payment in writing prior to a move.
- Verify Insurance Coverage. The minimum coverage required by federal law to cover moving liability for consumers is $0.60 per pound per article and is usually included in an estimate. Consumers can purchase additional liability protection from the moving company.
- Start With Trust. BBB’s Member Pages and eQuote services are designed put consumers in touch with trustworthy BBB Accredited Businesses who can provide quick estimates on moving costs.
- Take Inventory. Make a list of every item and go over it with the mover before packing begins. Make sure all items are numbered, listed and described correctly to avoid confusion.
For additional tips and to review a company’s BBB Reliability Report, visit www.bbb.org.
About BBB:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.
Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas at (512) 445-4748.
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