When planning a move, you have a choice between a moving broker and a moving company. Some think using a broker may be easier as the broker handles the job of finding suitable movers, but there are many benefits to working with a reliable moving company.

Take a look at some of the differences to see why choosing a Fort Lauderdale moving company is the smart choice for your next residential relocation.

Moving Services Provided

When you hire a moving company, you’re hiring the team that will actually complete your move. When you consider that you have to trust the movers with everything you own, it’s easy to see why it’s a good idea to know about the company that will complete the job.

Moving Companies Provide:

  • Packing
  • Hauling
  • Crating
  • Storage

Moving Brokers Provide:

  • Support in Finding a Suitable Moving Company

Moving Trucks and Equipment 

The major difference here is that moving companies own or lease their trucks, equipment, and warehouse space while moving brokers don’t own equipment.

Licensing for Interstate Moves

The difference in licensing between moving companies and brokers is an important one.

Moving Companies:

A moving company is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to be licensed in order to provide interstate services. Always check that the moving company you’re considering is properly licensed. You can check for proof of licensing at www.protectyourmove.gov

Moving Brokers:

Moving brokers do not hold a license for transporting household goods.

Item Damage Protection & Reimbursement

Should damage occur to any of your belongings during the move, you’ll feel better knowing you can reach out directly to the moving company. A moving company is required to reimburse customers based on the weight of items. Most also offer full replacement coverage for an additional cost.

Moving brokers offer no such coverage, and most will not be able to directly assist should you have an issue.

Support Local Economy

Is supporting local businesses important to you? If so, working with a moving company is the way to go. Moving brokers can be located anywhere. They complete business online or over the phone and are unlikely to have a local office. That means they don’t contribute to your local economy.

Reputation Research

Reading customer reviews is an important part of the research you should do when choosing a moving company—but it’s almost impossible to find reviews about a broker. Here’s why:

Following a local or long-distance move, most people leave a review based on the actual movers rather than the broker. On the other hand, it’s very easy to find reviews for moving companies by simply browsing Google, Facebook, or the BBB websites.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Moving Company to Learn More

Bekins of South Florida has served this area for more than 50 years, so put our experience and proven expertise to work for you! Call today for more information, or fill out our online form now to schedule a free consultation and accurate cost estimate.