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Moving Services- Know the law & movers

Rules & Regulations


Know the law and be prepared when you move comes.

When you hire movers, it’s important to know your legal rights and responsibilities. Here are some helpful resources to keep you informed and prepared.

Efficient Moving Services is glad to provide you with the information you need to make your move as smooth as possible, Please understand that many times it is not how we want things to happen, but how things are in fact

What do we mean?
Well sometimes we hire a company and we want them to follow our set of rules (rules that we came up with as we go) and the fact is that each company has their rules and regulations, for the most part, you have to agree to in order to schedule your move(Please read rules & regulations before agreeing with them) Since reading the companies rules and regulation is every clients responsibility, Not just on a moving company but any services you hire. Not only the companies have rules and regulations that they implement to make their operations go as smooth as possible and to make their clients understand the way they work, But they also have a set of rules and regulations imposed to them by law. The biggest reason why you as a client should read the rules and regulations of any moving or service company you hire is to determine if you want to follow the regulations they work by and to prevent any kind of argument, misunderstandings on your move day.  


Moving locally in Newton, MA?

Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods (Within MA)
This booklet published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration tells you what to expect from your local moving company. As you make your way through the moving process, this booklet will answer many of your important moving questions.
I know what you are thinking: “There are moving rules for moving companies? My moving to-do list is longer than a moving truck, now I need to learn moving rules and regulations?” 

Moving company license

If you are moving from state to state, your moving company should have a US DOT number, which is a unique license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. Make sure your mover’s DOT number is valid by searching it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. If you are moving within your own state they need a state license. Check your state’s license database.

Local moves - Newton, MA
If you are moving locally, you will first want to check your state's individual licensing and insurance requirements. What exactly defines a local move?
  • Moving within a state, as long as it's under the 50 - 600 miles threshold
  • Local movers usually charge by the time spent performing the move
28 states require a US DOT number, even for local movers. While these states may require the US DOT number instead of a state license, others require only a state license.
Efficient Moving Services DOT # 1915698
In addition, the State of Massachusetts requires the moving company to be registered with the Massachusetts Department of public utilities  (MDPU). The MDPU provides the company with a unique number that permits the company to operate within the state. Efficient Moving Services MDPU #31544
Before you begin preparing for a long-distance move and doing your own research regarding licensure and insurance, you should acquaint yourself with the basics of what characterizes a long-distance move:
  • Involves moving to another state
  • Moves over 50 - 100 miles (depending on individual carriers) within a state are considered long distance.
Long-distance movers must have a federal identification number, known as a United States Department of Transportation number. This number is so important that 28 states require all moving companies, local or long distance, to carry one. The US DOT number is a way for the government to identify a particular carrier when collecting information from audits, compliance reviews, inspections, and other data sets. It is also used as a tool for enforcing and monitoring safety regulations.

In order to find out if your moving company has a US DOT number, you can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can also check out one of your mover's marked fleet vehicles by looking for the US DOT number printed on the doors of the cab and the rear tractor. Just make sure that the numbers on the truck match those found in the FMCSA system.


Long-distance movers must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This operating authority, which is more complex than the US DOT, outlines the precise type of operation, cargo, an area in which a carrier can operate. The FMCSA also dictates the level of insurance a company must maintain. Keep note of this mandatory amount so you can compare numbers when you call the mover. You can also ask to see physical insurance certificates for the most accurate comparisons.
Call your state's commerce commission or department of transportation officials to find out exactly what type of licensing or insurance your state requires. Make note of the minimum requirements for your state and inquire about these when you speak to your potential movers. Make sure you check your movers' numbers against those on file with your state's transportation authority.

Packing and Supplies- Movers in Newton, MA

While it is true that packing can be expensive, Efficient Moving Services provides you with an Idea and explains what is legal and what is not when it comes to packing.
 Packing: the packing services on a local move is mostly based on time and what supplies are needed. All moving companies in the USA will charge the same labor rate for packing services. For example 3 movers and 1 truck @ the rate of $129.00 per hour, that same hourly rate will be charged for the moving part as well as the packing part. The main difference is that the packing supplies are not included in the hourly rate, It would be charged for the movers use it.
  • Packing supplies: All moving companies will provide the moving pads or blankets for free, however boxes, plastic wrap, packing tape, mattress covers, TV boxes, etc. are supplies that have a cost associated to them and will be charged as used. We understand that the cost of the supplies provided by the movers is higher than what you would find at Home Depot, Lowes and other stores, this is due to the convenience of having the movers bring the materials to you at the location where you are moving from, each moving company has the right to charge what they think is fair for their sullies. 
When it comes time for you to choose a moving company to handle your upcoming relocation, you'll be tasked with finding a reputable and experienced company that will offer you the best services and the best price for your budget.

However, your budget isn't the only thing you'll want to be mindful of. You'll also be responsible for finding a company that is properly licensed to operate in your state and follows all of the necessary federal moving regulations. These requirements can vary from state to state and differ between the three types of moves - long distance, local, and international. Moving companies specializing in any or all of the types of moves should have the appropriate licensure and insurance.

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