Over the past decade, the moving and storage industry has been plagued by unlicensed, uninsured, dishonest, and illegal moving companies.
When you choose a mover, you are entrusting your personal belongings and property to strangers. Priestley & Sons has been earning and respecting this trust by helping thousands of families for over 90 years.
What You Need to Know
When choosing a moving company, there are several important questions to ask.
- How long has the mover been in business? This information can be easily verified by checking with the Secretary of State. Established in 1929, Priestley & Sons is one of the oldest moving companies around.
- Is the mover licensed, bonded, and insured? You can check the status of the company at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. (FMCSA) web site. Priestley & Sons is registered under DOT #103323. and Oregon file number 142126
- Is the mover authorized to do business in your state? Most states require that a company be authorized to move household goods. This usually means the company is well established, and trusted. Priestley & Sons is one of the select companies, authorized to move household goods in Oregon.
For More Information
The following groups, organizations, and agencies provide information specific to illegal moving companies. Priestley & Sons strongly suggests that you review this information prior to entrusting your possessions to a mover.
ODOT: The Oregon Department of Transportation lays out some excellent information about moving in Oregon.
Business Name Search: You can search this database to find out if a company is registered to do business in the State of Oregon.
License & Insurance Search: Before you hire a mover, check to make sure they are licensed and have current insurance.
How to Avoid a Moving Scam
When you do your research, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to moving scams and ensure that you are moving with a reputable company.
Ask Friends and Family
You can get recommendations from friends and family on the company they have recently used and review them based on their real-life experiences.
Check with AMSA
Get help finding a moving service by contacting the American Moving and Storage Association (moving.org). This organization maintains up-to-date lists of expert local and long-distance movers in the U.S.
Research Companies Thoroughly
See if they have a history of customer service success by searching online for BBB and Google reviews.
Document Everything
Once your belongings have been delivered you only have nine months to report any problems and file a written claim for loss or damage to your belongings. Note any issues on the mover’s copy of the inventory before signing it. The mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim.
In 120 days, they must make an offer to pay or deny your claim. They are more likely to deny your claim if they don’t see the damage before leaving your home or if they don’t have before-and-after photos.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Consumers have the right under federal law to receive information about the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” from each licensed mover. Most moving companies will give you access to this information or provide you with documents detailing fair practices, industry regulations and consumer rights.
Contact Priestley & Sons Today!
If you want to ensure you work with a trustworthy moving service in Oregon, contact Priestley & Sons! We have nearly 100 years of local experience helping residents and businesses move to and from the area. We look forward to serving you with professionalism and integrity.
Check out our service pages below for more information:
Residential Moves
Long-Distance Moves
Storage Services
Our moving team can’t wait to assist you with your move! Look no further than Priestley & Sons to take care of your upcoming move to or from the Portland metro area! Priestley & Sons always has your back!
Schedule with our team today: (503) 661-7920