Are Flat Rate Services Really Flat?

When the time to move comes, many people rely on their friends and family to help get the job done. This is usually fine if the person does not have a lot of belongings or is only travelling a very short distance. When it comes to relocating over longer distances however, or if a person has built up quite a collection of possessions, then it may be best to rely on the services of professionals. Companies may charge in a number of different ways including by the hour (time), by the load (weight or volume), or by how far the location is (distance). And then there are also those that offer flat-rates. This means that upon submission of their quote, they already let the client know how much the entire move will cost (based on their estimations). Flat-rate packages are also known as fixed-price moves.

For many people moving locally, flat rate is generally the best bet.

Why do people choose flat rate packages? Here are some of the most popular reasons:

• Up-front Pricing – You know the final amount right at the get-go. There is no need to worry about unexpected add-ons. This means a reduced risk of questionable fees, unexplained charges, and unfair mark-ups
• No Surprises for You and Your Wallet – Since you already know the final price, you can plan and allocate your budget ahead of time.
• Experienced professionals – Hiring professional movers is always a great idea if you want speed and convenience. You can also limit the chances of having your items lost or damaged.
• You Don’t Waste Time – Flat-rate movers will do their best to finish the job on time because they won’t be paid by the hour. This means that you don’t have to pay for lazy hours or deliberate delays.

A local move generally means a distance of no more than 75 miles of where they currently live. Perhaps the greatest advantage of using a flat rate service is that all of the fees and costs associated will be agreed-upon upfront without the individual having to worry about any hidden fees popping up later.

Flat Rates Provide Peace of Mind

There are a lot of dubious companies in the moving industry. Some companies may offer customers extremely low estimates to help get them in the door only to tack on additional fees later on. What started as an unbelievably cheap deal soon turns into a pricing disaster for the customer. With flat rate services, however, this is issue can be avoided. Companies that offer flat rates usually include all of the crucial steps in moving- from packing to loading, unloading to unpacking. Some people will argue that flat rates are usually higher as compared to packages that compute for an hourly rate, but when you consider all of the additional costs that will be added on top of hourly packages, flat rates are the safer way to go.

Better Be Safe than Sorry

Of course, flat-rate movers don’t just close their eyes and pick out a number for your cost. They have some sort of measuring system which they use for their estimates. Often this will also be based on the size of the shipment and the distance that needs to be travelled. To be on the safe side, never trust a company that just gives you a final estimate over the phone. Ask for a representative to actually visit your house so they can accurately assess the load. If the company refuses to send someone over, you should be wary and try finding other companies who are willing to be more transparent.

Do Your Research Well

Of course, not all flat rate services are created equal. It is always a good idea for a person to check around and get a feel for the type of reputation that the company has developed through its years of operation. While it is virtually impossible for a company to please every single customer every single time, a company that generally receives high marks for service and quality is one that can be counted on to deliver an outstanding job. To do this, you can ask the company for referrals or ask the Better Business Bureau for any pending complaints.

You can also check with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association of America) or the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association), to see if the company you’re planning to hire has the proper licenses.

Friends, neighbors, and family are also excellent resources when it comes to finding out which companies are dependable and which ones should be passed on.

Any kind of move, whether it is across the street or across the country, can be stressful for a family. The associated costs can quickly get out of hand if a person does not have a clear idea of how expensive it is going to be in the first place. By utilizing a flat rate service, a person can concentrate on the other costs associated with moving rather than having to worry about any extra fees that may come up once the job is been done and the bill is due. When it comes to hiring professionals, anything that can make it a little less stressful can be a huge benefit.

If you want to start searching for flat-rate moving services today, just fill out one of our short forms and let us do the rest. We’ll get you reliable movers in no time at all.