Government Cracking Down on Online, Unlicensed, Internet Brokers

We have all heard about moving horror stories… “You found a moving company online, you gave a deposit, and come moving day, your so called “trusted moving company” sent you a bill for twice the amount they originally quoted.”  Well, good news!!  Times are changing.  Federal and state authorities are working diligently to crack down on online scam artists who pose as licensed movers.  These online brokers are notorious for ripping off consumers by substantially increasing prices, providing fake estimates and holding consumers' belongings hostage.

In the past year alone, states including California, New Jersey, and Illinois, have conducted various undercover operations to expose these unlicensed brokers and their unfair business practices.  It is businesses like these that continue to hurt the professional moving industry, as consumers continue to lose faith in professional movers and are thus seeking alternatives.

We care about you and want to make sure that you are not taken advantage of during the moving process.  This being said, here are a few things to keep in mind when you are shopping around online for a professional moving company.

1. Important:  Make sure you are comparing “apples to apples” when obtaining rates (i.e. lower rates may look good on the surface, but they will most certainly have hidden fees, offer ½ the service, and/or offer no consumer protection in the event of lost or damaged items)


2. Beware the internet broker who buys cheap, sells cheap, and QUOTES BY THE CUBE.  Real movers tend to quote by the pound and follow federal regulations for consumer protection.  Internet brokers have no rules, are not regulated like real movers, and you will not be protected in the event of lost or damaged items. 

If you are moving a great distance, and over international waterways, you want to ensure that every aspect of your move is handled both safely, securely, and by a professional moving company. If you have any questions whatsoever about the moving process, please do not hesitate to Dewitt Companies directly.  We would be more than happy to assist in any way that we can.

-EO