Verifying Movers’ Licenses and Credentials
You’ve thought through every aspect of your move, from packing to pet care to where to put your favorite chair. What about moving insurance, though? What if that chair, or one of your other possessions, gets damaged or lost along the way?
Accidents happen, even to the most careful professionals. That’s why when you’re looking for movers in NYC, verifying movers’ licenses and credentials is crucial. Movers, Not Shakers! is a well-established company with decades of local experience in the boroughs of New York. We’ll provide everything you need to feel confident.
How you move is up to you
Registration Verification
When it comes to finding a moving company in the boroughs of NYC, there are a lot of options. Some companies seem to offer great deals—but picking the cheapest company without checking their credentials could end up costing you.
Before choosing a New York City moving company, do a little bit of homework. The Federal Moving Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which monitors and ensures compliance with regulations, has many excellent resources.
Any professional trucking company operating in New York City must be registered with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). This makes it possible to search their history with the FMCSA. Reputable NYC movers will typically list their USDOT number on their website so you can check their safety rating data from recent years. You can check Movers Not Shakers using USDOT #1124999.
Authority to Transport Household Goods
Residential moving companies are also required to be licensed by the states in which they operate. In New York, this means acquiring Authority to Transport Household Goods from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). “Household goods” includes furniture, kitchen equipment, and any other items that people typically use in daily life at home.
Motor Carrier Number
If a NYC moving company engages in moves across state lines, the company needs to have a federal motor carrier (MC) number. Our number is MC #457707. We can safely take you anywhere among the five boroughs of NYC, upstate, around the metro area, and beyond.
Association Certification
Thanks to the internet, there are more ways than ever to find approved NYC movers. Sometimes the breadth of information can feel overwhelming, though. As you get started, the NYSDOT has a helpful list of dos and don’ts for choosing a New York City moving company.
Several different industry groups, such as American Trucking Associations, New York State Movers and Warehousemen’s Association, and the Better Business Bureau, help keep moving companies accountable and up to date on the latest advancements. These groups can also help customers verify that the moving company they choose is legitimate. Fraud does happen in the boroughs of NYC, so it’s important to look for a well-established company.
Proof of Insurance
Movers in NYC must have moving insurance that includes liability, cargo, auto, and workers’ compensation. NYC movers registered with the Commissioner of Transportation must be insured to the state’s mandatory minimum.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
In addition to a company’s moving insurance, buildings in NYC also have their own special requirements for movers. Buildings want to be sure they are not responsible for damage that occurs during moves so certificates of insurance (COI) are mandatory for NYC movers.
A COI is a legal form that includes all the moving insurance information needed for particular buildings. The document indemnifies the building in the unlikely event something occurs during the move. NYC building staff can provide COI templates either to the customer or directly to the moving company. Each building has its own unique template, so it’s imperative to request this information well in advance of your moving day.
With longtime experience in the boroughs of New York, Movers Not Shakers offers two types of insurance:
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Released Value Protection
Released value insurance is automatically included in the moving fees of every credentialed New York City moving company. RV insurance offers cargo coverage based on weight, covering no more than 60 cents ($0.60) per pound, per article. This is the cheapest option but doesn’t offer the best possible protection for your valuables.
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Full Value Protection (or Replacement Value)
The safest coverage option is full-value insurance. This is precisely what it sounds like: it covers 100% of the replacement value for lost or damaged items. Your most precious smaller valuables, of course, should always travel with you rather than in the moving van.
Replacement value insurance comes with an additional cost, but it may be worth it in the long run. Our trustworthy and caring professionals do everything in their power to avoid accidental damage, but there is peace of mind in knowing you will arrive in your new home with everything you need.
All this fine print sounds complicated, but don’t worry! With two decades of experience, Movers Not Shakers knows exactly how it works. There is no extra charge for a COI. Our professionals will walk you through every step of choosing your coverage and getting a COI to the right people.
Understanding Movers’ Responsibility
When you’re moving, there are a lot of steps that you may not think about. Every building is unique. Some buildings, for example, have quiet hours when moving cannot take place. Different buildings also have varying insurance requirements. Missing essential details can cause confusion or delay, possibly starting you off on the wrong foot in your new building.
The company you hire bears a great deal of responsibility, but you should also conduct your due diligence. The most important document you need from your NYC moving company is the bill of lading (BOL). A BOL for movers in NYC must include the following:
- The name, address, and DOT number of the moving company
- Your name and contact information, along with your old and new addresses
- Dates and times for pickup and delivery
- Weight of your shipment with an itemized description of all services, estimated charges, and method of payment
Choose Movers Not Shakers as Your Insured and Licensed NYC Movers
Movers Not Shakers can help with any move to or from the boroughs of NYC, and our experience and deep knowledge of NYC moving will make all the difference. Companies that are new to the business or to the boroughs of New York don’t know the ins and outs of NYC moving. Experienced movers in NYC like Movers Not Shakers know the right questions to ask before moving day. Movers Not Shakers office staff will converse directly with all appropriate building managers, will verify that all boxes have been checked, and give your move the green light. We also strive to be the greenest New York City moving company, using affordable, waste-conscious methods.
If you are looking to relocate, or know someone who is, look no further! Call us at (800) 718-0081 or contact us today.
