A moving company (a household goods carrier or van line) helps individuals, families, and businesses move their physical possessions. These companies are regulated by federal law. Some are national companies with a network of affiliated local agents. Others are independent local operators. It would help to ask a moving company many vital questions before hiring them.
As a homeowner, you can not only get ripped off by unlicensed and uninsured movers, but the company can also sue you for any injuries that may occur on your property. In this day of high-injury lawsuits, this is a genuine risk. Professional licensed and insured movers must have a license, a brick-and-mortar location, file their tariff for public record and a host of other requirements designed to protect consumers. Those who choose not to follow these standards are disadvantaged and should be avoided at all costs.
Unlicensed moving companies do not have the same overhead as licensed companies and, therefore, can charge a lower price for their services. This is only sometimes a good thing. It could mean they are cutting corners in some way. If you are offered a low price for moving services, it is best to learn more about the company and its history. A reputable company will be happy to provide you with all the information you need and will not have any problem answering any questions you may have.
Another significant danger associated with unlicensed and uninsured motors is that any governing transportation agency needs to monitor them. So if they pack up all your belongings and then disappear without a trace, there is nothing the regulating transportation agency can do to help you. In this case, you would be out of your stuff and money.
In addition, movers that are not licensed and insured do not have workers’ compensation. If a mover gets injured while working in your home, you will be responsible for the medical bills. There have been numerous instances where movers who are not licensed and insured fake an injury to extort the homeowner for more money for their services.
In this time of the pandemic, it is essential to check out any company you are considering hiring for moving services. Find out if they use disinfectants on their trucks and vehicles, how often they clean their equipment, and whether or not they require employees to wear masks and gloves while handling your belongings. Also, make sure that they have the necessary supplies for dealing with any items that may be contaminated.
Embezzlement is the theft of personal property by someone entrusted with it. It can include tangible and intangible personal property, choices in action, or real estate. It is usually considered a criminal offence but can also be prosecuted as a civil matter. Defendants found guilty of this crime are often required to pay restitution, which is an amount that compensates the victim for their loss. In some cases, embezzlement can be a criminal and civil case simultaneously.
The physical labour involved in moving can be hazardous. It’s not uncommon for do-it-yourself movers to experience back injuries, twisted joints, cuts, and even sprained ankles. Many of these injuries can be avoided by planning and hiring professional movers to do the heavy lifting on a moving day. Unfortunately, when people feel rushed and stressed during the relocation process, they often take shortcuts and ignore their body’s signals that they can’t do anymore. In addition, they tend to skip breaks and work through pain, setting themselves up for injuries. A reputable and licensed moving company will be able to help you avoid these types of damages by packing your boxes and loading them into the truck for you. This will save you time and money in the long run.
