Whether you’re moving across town or the country, choosing a company that will do a good job is important. Unfortunately, there are plenty of bad movers out there. To avoid these problems, it’s important to understand your contract — the bill of lading that acts as a receipt for your move and a contract for transporting your goods.
A moving contractor is a person or business that assists businesses, individuals, and families in moving their belongings. Moving Company Providence RI provides various services, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. Often, these companies offer other specialty services like storage, vehicle relocation and valuation services. Ask about these services before booking a mover and ensure that they are available.
Full-time employees are a great way to add a consistent, reliable team of movers. These workers are more likely to be loyal to the company, help to grow the business in the long term and support their employers within the community.
A good full-time employee will be happy to work on weekends and evenings as well as during the week as needed to meet the demands of the job. They should be able to complete physically intensive tasks, such as lifting heavy items and working with tools.
The downside to hiring full-time employees is that they can be more expensive than contractors. This is due to the fact that your business has to pay them wages, benefits, employment taxes, income and unemployment tax withholdings, workers’ compensation insurance and overtime pay. Plus, you’ll also have to meet ACA requirements for offering health insurance. Depending on the size of your company, you may even have to make an employer shared responsibility payment for each employee.
Subcontractors are hired by a general contractor to do specialized labor on certain aspects of a project. They are usually independent contractors who have developed long-term relationships with one contractor and may submit bids for jobs.
When a company uses subcontractors, it’s important to understand that the primary company who booked the job is still responsible for its actions and omissions.
It is also important to be aware of the insurance coverage that subcontractors carry. Most of them are obligated to carry the same forms and limits that your own insurance policy requires. It is best to include a Waiver of Subrogation in your contract to prevent the subcontractor’s insurance carrier from seeking recovery against you if a claim is filed against your company.
A moving company faces risks unique to the industry, such as damage during transit or an employee’s injury while lifting a heavy piece of furniture. Fortunately, many small-business insurance companies offer coverage tailored specifically to professional movers.
Generally, this type of liability insurance is purchased through a business owner’s policy (BOP) or in some cases a motor carrier or commercial auto policy. Oftentimes, it includes cargo coverage to cover damage to your clients’ goods while in transit or storage.
Full value protection, also called valuation coverage, pays the total replacement cost for items damaged during a move. This is the highest level of liability coverage a moving contractor can offer, but it can be costly.
Released value protection, or basic carrier liability, is more economical and pays up to 60 cents per pound for damage. However, it doesn’t pay for items like a $500 one-pound digital tablet.
In addition to general liability and commercial property, a moving contractor should also carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance protects them if they’re injured on the job and helps cover their medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits.
Moving around is stressful enough, let alone trying to get from point A to B on the most efficient route possible. A moving company is a logical if not inevitable part of the equation, but the movers and shakes need not be a drag on your wallet or your sanity. The best companies are staffed by competent and courteous professionals who go the extra mile for their customers. The best of the crop will eschew the slushy for the schmoozes slush and take the time to explain all the intricacies of the moving process and how they can make it better for you and your family. The most important task is to make sure your company’s move from A to Z is a pleasant experience for everyone involved, especially the team in charge of the big job.
