Moving company "TWO MEN AND A TRUCK" won't leave you asking "Where's my stuff?"

Online, December 4, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Livermore, CA. Imagine - you are moving out of state and hire a mover to drive your items to your new home. They pack your items into their truck and drive off. If you had done your homework and researched the company before hiring them, then there's a pretty good chance you could have your items delivered to your new place in a timely manner. If you hadn't, then you may be one of hundreds of Americans every year who have been scammed. Your items may never arrive, or may be damaged, or the movers may demand 25%, 50%, sometimes even 100% or more of the original agreed price!

It's unfortunate that this happens to many people and has tarnished the reputation of the moving industry. However, there are still honest companies that exist and want to help you move without increasing your stress. One of these companies is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, a local moving company franchise that has recently opened its first Bay Area location in Livermore, CA. The practices used by this company make it clear to consumers that they are much different from the moving company scams that want you to be their next victim.

Once of the clearest indications that a moving company may be cheating you is that their price seems too good to be true. Many professionals recommend getting at least 3 estimates before making a decision about who to hire. If a moving company gives an extremely low bid compared to the others, this may be a sign or trouble. Moving scammers will give low-ball estimates and then, upon delivering your items, demand much more than what was agreed to or else they won't give you your own possessions - often to the tune of thousands of dollars more!

When getting estimates, be clear about how the company charges and whether these charges will change at any point during the move. Get the full details about what all the charges are that will be applicable to your move before you sign any contracts. Rather than being sneaky, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK will only give flat fee "Binding Quotes" to their long-distance moves, meaning they will ask for one price and will complete the move for just that no matter what happens. Even if you add an additional item or two, or even if it takes an extra day to get there, then you still pay the same rate.

Another consistent problem that occurs across the board with long-distance moves is a late or unknown arrival time. Most moving services will put your items into a truck along with items from many other customers who have very different drop-off locations. This increases the chances that items will arrive late, or that the arrival time of the items may be completely unknown. If time is an issue - and if you don't want to go days, weeks, or months without your items - then look for a company who will drive straight from your old location to your new location. This is exactly what TWO MEN AND A TRUCK does with all of their moves so all customers receive their items on time.

Packing your items into a truck along with other customers' items is also a major concern. This increases the chance of items being lost or misplaced and damaged. Unless all of your items are very clearly marked, your things may be mixed with others' possessions, or your items may be bumped and scratched by them. You also don't know what condition these other items are in. They may have odors or be infested with bugs, both of which can transfer to your goods. In comparison, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK will transport your items alone on the truck so you have exclusive use, creating a zero percent chance that your items will be placed in your new home with any unwelcomed guests or smells!

Before you book the first mover you find, be sure that you are being a smart consumer. Check out the Better Business Bureau website at www.bbb.org to investigate any mover you are considering handling your goods. Another good resources is www.movingscam.com, a website that was created by Tim Walker, a consumer who himself was scammed in 2001 and has been on a mission to help others avoid the experience he had. Also ask friends and family about their experiences with different movers and who they would refer.

Just remember that although it will be a little extra work and time to do the research, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

The Livermore location of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offers a variety of moving services; the location also sells boxes and packing supplies. Please contact them for more advice or moving services at (925) 456-6683 or [email protected]. To learn more please visit www.twomen.com