Based on the changes implemented by the agency, moving services brokers will be required to provide their U.S. Department of Transportation numbers in advertisements and web sites. Estimated service fees and brokerage rates should also be included in these information resources. The agency further required brokers to include pamphlets from the FMCSA that contain successful moving tips, consumer responsibilities and rights and the policies of the brokerage firm on refunds, cancellations and deposits.

The amendments, which will take effect on January 28, 2011, also require brokers to increase the trust funds or surety bonds they offer to the minimum required amount of $25,000. These changes are expected to affect all areas of household moving services, including relocation company operations.

Furthermore, new rules also state that surety firms and trust funds should submit BMC-84 and 85 Forms by January 1, 2012 to the FMCSA. The surety bond provision was first established by the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1936 with the specified amount of $5,000. According to agency sources, the changes were made to ensure higher level of consumer protection.

Moreover, the FMCSA is said to have implemented the requirements as part of its efforts to comply with the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The move is also said to be in response to the rule-making petition filed by the American Moving and Storage Association. In addition, the amendments aim to ensure that shippers who specialize in arranging household goods transportation with the use of broker services will have the necessary information with regards to their responsibilities and rights.

Relocation company operators and moving industry brokers are expected to make adjustments to their operations to comply with the amended rules. The changes are reportedly designed to further improve the condition of foreign and interstate commerce and provide safety and assurance to customers.

Relocation Company Rules Amended by U.S. FMCSA is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

Experts have stated that with the job market being in such poor condition, people should have been relocating to other places to look for better prospects. However, they reveal that the opposite is actually happening. They stated that most of the unemployed are unwilling or unable to relocate to another state to seek for a new job, either because they do not have the money to relocate or they cannot leave their home and are unable to sell it.

An online job search resource, Indeed.com, has ranked the metro areas in the U.S. that offer the biggest employment opportunities and those that are considered the least ideal for people seeking employment. According to the online resource, metro areas that have the lowest number of jobless people are Washington, Boston, New York, Baltimore and San Jose, California.

Logically, national moving companies that have operations in these areas should benefit since people should be eager to move to these cities. However, job market data showed that no such movement is happening among workers of the country. Even those who live in cities that are ranked highest among areas with the poorest employment prospects are unwilling to budge, industry experts have reported.

Metro regions that are considered poor options for those looking for a job include Las Vegas, Detroit, Miami and Riverside and Los Angeles, California. Industry observers have reported that lack of money for relocation, inability to sell current residence and uncertainty about finding a place to live in the new city have all conspired to convince most Americans to stay put despite the fact that the logical choice is to move to places where jobs are available.

In addition, industry experts believe that the housing market crisis has made the unemployment rate of the country higher than it should be. They asserted that problems in real estate curtailed potential migration and deprived national moving companies of clients. Uncertainty, they added, is currently the biggest enemy of the relocation services industry.

Unemployment Impacts National Moving Companies is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The public service online resource will feature a directory listing top-rated moving service firms and links to Better Business Bureau that acknowledges the legitimacy of the companies. However, Hill has stated that it is not only BBB ratings that are being used by the site to determine whether a moving firm should be recommended to consumers or not.

According to him, companies will also be listed in the site's directory and their advertisements will appear on the online resource only after they have satisfied the guidelines established by Moving Guardian. The Web site will also include a section dedicated to reviews of relocation moving companies where consumers can post feedback on the firm that handled their relocation and moving concerns.

On top of these important features, the MovingGuardian.org site will also provide a free moving guide and relocation service calculator. Hill claims that the Web site will serve as a non-stop shop for people and companies that are planning to relocate. The aim, Hill adds, is to make moving a safe and stress-free activity. High visibility labels meant to prevent loss of property and Simple Language contracts for relocation firms are also featured in the site.

Hill reveals that his very first job after graduating from college was with a relocation service firm. He admits that the actual experience was quite distressing, with fake moving companies competing with reputable relocation service companies in almost equal number. He recounts seeing fraudulent companies driving auctioned off moving trucks and vans with the name of legitimate and trusted companies emblazoned on the vehicles, only to cheat unsuspecting customers who thought they were dealing with legitimate movers.

With the launch of MovingGuardian.org, Hill hopes to separate the legitimate and honest relocation moving companies from those who are only in the business to scam customers who are already stressed with moving concerns.

Web Site to Help Consumers Find Legit Relocation Moving Companies is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The firm is planning to relocate to Detroit, Michigan in August to better handle its expanding business. Officials are expecting employees to grow to as much as 100 by 2011 as the firm tries to secure more brokerage licenses in various areas of the U.S. on top of the states where it is already operating. These states include Texas, Florida and Michigan.

The projected expansion will bring more referral fees to the company as it refers more clients to partner brokers. In-House is also planning to improve its online presence and allows people to better understand the nature of real estate which has been quite confusing following the foreclosure crisis and the onslaught of short sales.

Among the many services offered by the brokerage are mortgage approvals through its Quicken connection, credit reports and scores and services typically offered by a relocation company, such as relocation van rentals, auto and homeowners insurance and utility changeovers. It is also known for providing home purchasers title insurance, home security services and reverse loan mortgages.

According to company officials, the business model adopted by In-House effectively provides a real estate client with a one-top shop type of service. This makes it easier for them to handle real estate deals and at the same time, allows the company to generate more clients and profits for its affiliates. The firm is reportedly planning to acquire broker licenses in ten states by the end of 2010.

Officials from the broker and referral firm also denied certain assumptions that an expansion can hurt the company's operations since it would put them in competition with real property brokers who serve as their sources of referral fees. Executives have said that the diversity of the business, including being a part-time relocation company, will ensure that the firm will continue to thrive in expanded markets.

Real Estate Brokerage Firm Doubles As Relocation Company is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The firm has an escrow for a building purchase at East Lake Boulevard in Redding. The company is planning to expand and move its headquarters from Banigan Road to a 25,000-square foot East Lake premise. Hemsted's has been based in Banigan for almost 10 years. According to the owners of the firm, the moving services industry has been affected by the housing crisis, with less people purchasing houses and even fewer households relocating or moving to new homes.

Despite the general poor condition of the country, Hemsted's is not stopping its plans for expansion. The plan of the firm to relocate has already been approved by the Redding Board of Administrative Review. The company is aiming for a move to its new home in fall. Owners of the firm have stated that the relocation is part of their plan to centralize their operations. They further reveal that the new location presents more opportunities since it is easier for potential customers to find.

A big number of relocation moving companies in the state have lost profits or folded due to the recession and the housing market problem, but Hemsted's reveals that expansion is not impossible even at this time. The owners have stated that they are planning to transform the company into a one-stop shopping service business in an effort to make it more competitive.

Long term plans for the company also include opening a Penske franchise where customers can take care of their own relocation concerns with the help of moving trucks for rent from the firm. The plan is expected to suit the preferences of some customers who want to save money by renting a vehicle and moving their belongings themselves instead of getting the help of a full-service moving company.

Some operators of relocation moving companies in California have admitted that more people are now opting to hire trucks and take care of the relocation themselves since this is cheaper than hiring a full-service relocation company.

One of California’s Relocation Moving Companies Is Set to Move is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

According to Houston resident Van Tran, she saw the company Miracle Movers from Craigslist when she was perusing for a moving service firm that will move her parents' belongings to another location. She said that the advertisement stated that a truck and two men will be provided for an hourly price of $34.95. However, Tran revealed that when she signed the contract, she was left with only two choices – either pay a very high fee or take the chance of having the firm confiscates her parents' things.

Tran revealed that the contract had provisions inserted in the small print, such as an additional $80 fee for wrapping items in plastic. She said the firm wrapped all her parents' belongings, including things that she did not tell the company to wrap. All of these were then put in a Budget truck.

The relocation company allegedly refused to unload the belongings until they paid $5,000. Tran called the police but was told that there was nothing they could do since she signed the contract. She negotiated and the firm allowed her to pay $1,000 and to give the movers a laptop and a washing and drying machine. Tran stated that she was not angry that she and her family had to pay $1,000, but was upset because she felt robbed, with the police not being able to do anything about it.

Tran revealed that some of the furniture were damaged during the relocation and that the owner of the firm cannot be contacted after the job was finished. She stated that she initially talked with the owner of the firm himself who told her that he was from Washington. After the relocation, Tran tried to contact the owner but she said her calls just went to voicemail.

Tran and her family have warned other Houston households to be careful when hiring a relocation company. She advised families to check the fine print and to check the legitimacy of the company first before signing anything.

Houston Resident Warns Households About Relocation Company is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

According to Graebel, clients can access information using these gadgets which will include shipment status for household goods, immigration, temporary living figures, destination details and expense reports. Customers of the company will be allowed to download the mobile service from an Apple store, with client transferees being allowed to access the service at no cost at all. Users of the mobile service will be provided a login ID and password to access the firm's portal that will be in operation 24 hours a day.

Officials from the company have stated that the move is in line with the firm's efforts to become the best relocation and moving services provider in the world. They added that the mobile technology will allow the company's clients to get service and information in the most convenient way.

Company representatives have also stated that, despite the economic downturn, the company has not stopped investing in technology to provide better service to its clientele. They further revealed that the firm's flexibility and strong financial performance have allowed it to offer the necessary service with the use of modern technology. Graebel has also emphasized development efforts among its people and facilities and has asserted that the APP mobile service has been tested before being launched.

Among the services offered by the business are domestic and international relocation and moving options, freight forwarding and commercial relocation services. The company has offices in the U.S., Czech Republic, Singapore and Canada and operates in more than 150 countries. It is a privately-held firm and has been in the business for 60 years.

According to representatives from Graebel, the decision to launch a mobile platform is part of the moving services company's aim to make it easier for customers to use its services and form them to conveniently keep track of information and developments related to the firm's offerings.

Moving Services Firm to Offer Mobile Communications Service is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

The American Association of Moving and Storage has reported that household relocations rose in April 2010 for the first time in two years. The increase is less than ten percent, but relocation businesses are still happy with the upward trend and are predicting that higher increases will be recorded in the sector in the coming months.

Local companies that offer relocation services reveal that corporate clients account for majority of the contracts they handled during April. The highest percentage of moving activities are recorded in the biotechnology and high technology industries, with companies in these two sectors either moving in to San Diego or moving to another location, including overseas headquarters. One local operator reported handling 90 corporate relocations during the month; almost double of the activities handled in the same month of the previous year.

On top of corporate and household moves, relocation companies are also benefiting from military moves. A steady stream of military supplies and personnel coming home or being sent to assignments also offer moving companies huge opportunities to increase their bottom lines. Students seeking residences in the city also add to relocation activities.

However, moving companies have reported that half of relocation activities are out of San Diego, with some people who have lost their jobs seeking better opportunities outside the city or in other states. They also reported that the cost of moving poses difficulties on some households, with many of them selling part of their belongings to have more money for the service and to lower baggage costs.

Households are also taking advantage of the school break. With most kids home for the break, families are taking the opportunity to complete their long-planned relocations. Despite the high moving activities, households still face the usual challenges; like finding jobs at a new place and selling properties they left behind.

San Diego real estate analysts have claimed that the city’s economy is recovering faster than other big city areas, making it an ideal destination for households and workers who are relocating. This trend is expected to further improve the status of relocation companies in the coming months.

Relocation Companies Expect Improved Business in San Diego is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

According to AMSA, May is usually the period when American households start their plans to pack some of their things and move them to another place. The organization estimates that around 35 million households in the country usually complete their arrangements to relocate to another place during this month since children will be on their summer vacations by this time. That is why service and product suppliers involved in the relocation business also recognize May as the moving season month in the country. May is also in between Labor Day and Cinco de Mayo, holidays that allow most workers to stay in their homes.

The observation from suppliers is supported by several consumer groups, including the Council of Better Business Bureaus. These groups report that May is when the number of relocation activities rise in the country. Relocation usually starts among U.S. households during the spring season. Authorities have warned though, that this is also the time when fraudulent activities in the industry become quite common.

They warn families who plan on relocating not to trust anonymous national moving companies that advertise their wares in the Internet unless they have thoroughly checked these companies’ backgrounds. According to state and federal officials, not a lot of people relocate frequently, so they are mostly unfamiliar with the criteria that should be used when choosing a moving service firm. This tempts them to use the Internet, a very accessible and easy-to-use tool, to find a moving service firm.

AMSA and other legitimate industry members warn households not to base their choice merely on service price quotes. The products and services of each company they are considering should be examined thoroughly before making a final decision. Lists of factors that should be considered in choosing the right moving company are available at legitimate industry members’ websites to help households avoid getting duped by fake moving service businesses.

Stories of relocating families that have been victimized by fraudulent moving services firms are quite common during the month of May. Some families reportedly lost their household valuables to these companies or suffer damages to their priced possessions. Others have recounted experiences of having their household supplies held hostage by unlicensed movers who kept holding out for higher fees. Majority of these fraudulent activities, industry members have reported, are illegal transport companies that advertise their wares in unregulated portals in the Internet.

Legitimate moving industry businesses remind households to plan for their relocation early on and to develop a plan on when to move and which household supplies to move. This will ease some of the stress of relocation and will also give them ample time to find a legitimate moving firm. They also suggest making calls to local authorities to check the legitimacy of national moving companies that they have on their short lists.

May Is National Moving Companies Month in U.S. is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.

For instance, the relocation company you have chosen can meet your desired packing and moving dates if you call earlier. Choosing and negotiating with relocation firms one to two months before your desired moving date will enable them to accommodate you. This is crucial if your lease is expiring or if you need to close your home purchase in your destination state.

Be prepared also when your relocation firm makes a survey of your possessions. The household goods that will not be transported should have marks that indicate they are not to be moved, but will be sold or given away. This will make the estimates of shipment costs more accurate.

Good relocation firms will remind you that the written estimates they will give you are only estimates, especially for interstate shipments which base charges on the distance traveled, the actual weight of your possessions, and additional services that you want for your shipment.

But some relocation services also offer binding estimates – precise estimates of relocation costs given in advance to you based on standard services and on additional services you require. These are usually valid for 60 days and can increase if you require an additional service on shipment day at origin or destination.

So you can have your preferred moving days or you can get all the services you want, plan your move so your moving day does not fall at the end of a month, the peak of summer or at the December holidays. These dates are the times when moving vans, personnel and equipment get the most demand.

Nevertheless, if you choose and call your relocation firm months in advance, you can have the exact dates you want.

Big relocation firms have tariffs – their lists of rules, available services and charges. These are part of the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation for motor carriers they authorize and certify to move household possessions across the 50 states.

Good relocation companies also offer you several insurance options for your protection in case of loss or damage to your possessions: basic coverage, full-value coverage without deductible or full-value coverage with deductibles.

All in all, you can get the most out of relocation services if you know the kinds and charges of services offered so you can make informed decisions.

How to Get the Most Out of Relocation Services is a post from MovingPlace.net - Search for moving companies and movers in all United States.