Why should I use the auctions for individual items but not household moves?

When moving an entire house full of furniture and possessions, the cost to do so can vary greatly.  It is near impossible for a reputable mover to give you an accurate quote without seeing the extent of the items to be moved.  The last thing you would want to happen would be for a truck to show up only to refuse your move a few days before you need to be out of the home.  For these and other reasons, we strongly recommend that you have a local company come in to give you an accurate written quote.

With regard to individual items, vehicles, livestock, etc., a moving company can often provide an accurate quote without seeing the item to be moved.  After all, a Camry is a Camry.  The shipping company either already knows the weight and dimensions or can easily access that information.

What licenses should a mover need have?

The required licenses are dependent upon where the moving or trucking company travels and the commodities being carried.  If a mover engages in interstate commerce (between two or more states) they are required to have a USDOT number (with few exceptions that are not common).  If they only operate in one state, they may not need a USDOT #, but may instead hold a license issued by the state. You should verify that their licenses are valid and up-to-date prior to entering and agreement with a carrier.

How can I verify that my carrier’s license is valid and up-to-date?

You can check the validity of a company’s USDOT # at www.safersys.org.  You can also look into their safety record and that they have insurance on file.

What type of insurance must my carrier maintain?

An interstate carrier must have both liability insurance and cargo insurance.  You should verify the levels of cargo insurance to ensure your possessions are fully covered (the minimum required by law is not enough to cover most moves).  Many carriers carry additional cargo insurance as a service to their customers.  Others charge extra for insurance.  Please keep this in mind when comparing quotes from multiple carriers.

What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?

Under most circumstances, a carrier is going to be the company actually performing the move.  You will be dealing directly with the company delivering your possessions.  A broker will book the shipment and then find a carrier to deliver it.  In essence, a broker is a middleman.

Is Moversnshippers.com a broker?

No.  Movers N Shippers is not a freight forwarder, transportation service provider or broker.  We simply provide a portal for companies to advertise their services.  We do not recommend or endorse any provider listed on the website.  We also do not verify the information offered by those providers.  It is up to the users to verify provider information prior to entering a contract.

Is there a charge to use the MNS website?

There is absolutely no charge for users that want to find moving and shipping companies on moversnshippers.com.  Providers pay a small monthly fee in order to have their profile placed on the site and to bid in the auction.

Am I obligated to choose one of the providers bidding on my shipment in the auctions?

No.  You are free to choose to use (or not use) any provider listed on the site.  You are under no obligation until you actually sign a contract with a provider.  Again, you will be dealing with the provider directly and Movers N Shippers has no involvement whatsoever.

Will my email address be visible if I use the MNS Private Message System?

No.   Your email address will only be used to login or as a means of notifying you that you have a private message waiting.  Your email will only be shared with a provider once you decide to award them the job.

Are there any other websites where I can get information about moving?

One of the best sites for information about moving, moving checklists and other helpful tools is http://www.protectyourmove.gov.

Have other questions?

Please feel free to contact us using the Live Help Online to the left or via email at: customerservice@moversnshippers.com.