We could find only four national companies that rent long distance trucks: Penske (www.penske.com), Hertz (www.hertztrucks.com) Budget (www.budgettruck.com), and Upack (www.upack.com). Upack is a combination service where you and your friends do the packing and professionals drive the truck to your destination. All other truck rental companies specify local moves only.

On the other hand, there are umpteen full-service national moving companies willing to haul your stuff across the country. They can save you hours of stress and hassle, and are familiar with safe packing techniques, although they may not show the same care for your precious furniture. They are very competitive and are governed by federal laws. Even so, it is wise to choose carefully.

Check your yellow pages, visit www.protectyourmove.gov, or go to www.moving123.com to get bids from movers. You can also get free moving quotes from the American Moving and Storage Association (www.moving.org).

Get an Estimate

Make sure you get written estimate from several movers based on a visual inspection. Also check that your moving company has a U.S. DOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (www.fmcsa..dot.gov), and that they have the proper level of insurance.

You can choose a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate. Movers are required by law to deliver your goods within the amount of a binding estimate and within no more than 10% of a non-binding estimate. You can double-check a mover’s license on www.protectyourmove.gov. The Federal government also requires movers to give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”

How much stuff do you have?

Moving companies base their fees on weight, so the biggest question becomes “how much stuff do you have?”

Weight is computed by taking into account the size of your home and the number of bedrooms. If you are moving from storage, the standard is to take the cubic feet (say, a 10’ x 15’ x 8’ storage unit) and multiply by 7 in order to get lbs. (for example, 10 x 15 x 8 =1,200 cubic feet, times 7 = 8,400 lbs.).

Remember, there is no substitute for a visual inspection and you are guaranteed this by federal law. The truck is weighed before and after your shipment is loaded. Each time the truck is weighed, the driver gets a dated weight ticket listing the weight and where the truck was weighed.

A copy of the weight ticket should be with the freight bill. Keep in mind that moving companies add extra fees for packing materials (cartons boxes, pads and dollies) or if they have to move on stairs, long walkways or difficult passageways. With today’s gas prices, make sure you figure the cost of fuel into your moving budget.

Take an Inventory

In addition, many moving companies today have online inventory lists which you can fill out to obtain an estimate. Moving companies usually charge some combination of a flat rate plus from $.45 to $.60 cents per pound. This includes free federally mandated insurance of $.60 per pound. You will have to pay extra if you want replacement insurance.

Check References

While many moving companies have a solid reputation, there are numerous horror stories about damaged furniture and careless moving. It’s a good idea to check online with the Better Business Bureau in your city (www.lookup.bbb.org), which grades moving companies and lists the number of complaints filed against them.

Also check with friends, relatives and business associates and ask if they can recommend a reliable moving company. (more)