I.L.C.C. Consumer's Guide

To help you make a well informed decision when choosing a moving company to work with, here is a publication from the Illinois Commerce Commission outlining the key attributes that you should look for in a moving company to stay safe and avoid complications. We hope you consider StraightLine Moving for your upcoming move.

ONLY USE A LICENSED MOVER.

The most important thing you can do is choose from among the more then 300 movers licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ILL.C.C.). Licensed, professional movers must comply with ILL.C.C. standards for handling, loading, moving, and unloading your property; and they must perform there services at reasonable rates and within a reasonable time. Unlicensed movers operate outside the law, and they may provide little protection for loss or damage to your property - or none at all. For your protection, its against the law to hire an unlicensed mover.

GOOD REPUTATION.

A good reputation is a valuable asset to a mover. Get recommendations from neighbors, friends, co-workers, real estate agents, or any newcomer who has used a mover recently, and then get estimates from movers with satisfied customers. You also can call the ILL.C.C. and the Better Business Bureau to inquire about the number of complaints against carriers. If possible, visit a movers facility.

COMPARE COSTS.

Your moving cost will be calculated by one of two methods: For moves less than 35 miles OR entirely within the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will charges are based on the number of workers and hours for the loading, moving and unloading. For moves over 35 miles (and outside outside the counties listed above), charges are based on total shipment weight and the distance of the move. For local moves remember that the lowest hourly rate does not guarantee the least expensive move. Charges are based on actual time and number of workers.

NOTE: The ILL.C.C. does not regulate how much movers charge for moves outside of Cook County if the begin and end in the same incorporated community plus the area within ten miles beyond its corporate limits. Even in a rate-exempt area, the movers must always be licensed.

All rates are published in movers' tariffs, which are filed with the ILL.C.C., and may be seen at the mover's office or at the ILL.C.C.. You can confirm a mover's rate by asking to see a copy of the tariff page the company has filed with the ILL.C.C.. Then you can call the ILL.C.C. to confirm the pages on file and in effect.

ESTIMATES.

Any licensed professional mover must give you a free, written estimate of the probable cost of your move. Gets estimates from several qualified, experienced movers. Remember, an estimate is not a bid or a quote of final charges. Its an educated guess as to what a move will cost, based on the items you tell the mover you want packaged and moved. You will be billed according to charges in the mover's tariff -and that is the amount you will have to pay, regardless of whether its more or less then the amount stated in the estimate.

Be sure the estimator sees everything you want moved, including the basement, attic, and garage, and understands any special problems that may exist at your destination (like elevators, stairs, etc.).

Get a written estimate before the move starts (not when the mover shows up with the truck). It should state all the decisions you have made about what you want moved, other services (including the number of employees and the size of the vehicle your move will require), and the movers liability for loss or damage. Have the mover sign your copy.

Don't choose a carrier solely on the basis of the lowest estimate. Compare other things, too: the mover's reputation, the condition of the company's facilities, and check if complaints have been filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Better Business Bureau, or Attorney General.