Hidden Moving Company Fees: No Surprises on Moving Day

Hidden Moving Company Fees: Avoiding Surprise Charges on Moving Day

Moving companies have a reputation for surprise charges that is unfortunately well-earned by years of consumer complaints. The most notorious hidden moving fee is the weight re-weigh scam, where movers quote a low estimate based on estimated weight then weigh the truck at the destination and claim the load is heavier than expected, demanding thousands of dollars more before they will unload your belongings. Protect yourself by getting a binding not-to-exceed quote that locks in the maximum price regardless of actual weight. Stair fees, long-carry fees for distances over a certain number of feet from the truck to your door, fuel surcharges, packing material markups, elevator fees for high-rise buildings, and shuttle fees when the moving truck cannot park close enough are all common additional charges that can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your move. Ask every moving company you receive a quote from for a complete written list of all potential additional charges that could apply to your specific move. Compare these lists between companies because the company with the lowest base rate may have the highest add-on fees. Get everything in writing, including the maximum price you will be charged, before allowing movers to load a single item.