A moving company is a business that helps people relocate their homes, offices and other belongings from one place to another. They use trucks or vans to transport goods to their new location. In some cases, they provide storage facilities for customers who need extra time to pack and move their things.

Movers range from large corporate companies to small family-run businesses, so it’s important to choose a reputable and reliable one. The best way to ensure you hire a trustworthy company is to do your research and read reviews. Besides reviewing online feedback, look for references from friends and family members.

Before choosing a moving company, ask questions about their services and costs. You’ll want to find out if the mover uses the right size truck for your items, if they have additional packing supplies and what their cancellation policies are. You’ll also want to check their DOT and USDOT license numbers, as well as any complaints they have filed with the FMCSA.

Full-service movers offer a complete package of services movers near me, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading. They typically charge more than do-it-yourself movers, but they’ll make the process much easier for you.

They often have a network of affiliated agents that provide service in different areas. This may be in the form of a franchise or cooperative.

Interstate movers, on the other hand, are licensed to transport goods across state lines. They must be fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This requires that they have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and that they have met all regulatory requirements in their home state.

It’s a good idea to use an interstate moving company that has a DOT or MC number on its website and complies with all local, state and federal regulations. This will help ensure your move goes smoothly and safely, and that you don’t have any legal issues to deal with if anything should go wrong along the way.

In addition to basic liability insurance and workers’ compensation, you should request a moving company to carry full-service insurance for your valuables as a standard part of their service. You can also inquire about whether the company offers an option to pay a higher rate for insurance if you own expensive pieces of furniture or other high-value items.

A reliable moving company should always be licensed by the state where they operate and carry basic insurance to protect you and your items during transport. This is especially important if you’re planning a long-distance or international move, as your shipment will likely require a lot of care and attention.

Some movers have their own fleets of trucks or vans, while others work with third-party carriers to provide the transportation and logistics. You can find out if the moving company you’re considering has its own fleet by looking at their website or calling the mover’s office.

Most movers also have mobile trailers that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage or vehicle transport. Some movers even offer special containerised vans that can be used for storage or shipping of bulky and heavy items.