The U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) is proud to announce the launch of its latest consumer resource for safer moves: the free Virtual Survey Tool. This innovative tool allows users to document their belongings, measure the volume of their move, and share their inventory with verified carriers to receive and compare quotes.
This resource empowers shippers to compare multiple quotes through one neutral point of contact. This streamlined process ensures accurate and consistent quotes while saving time, minimizing discrepancies, and eliminating unsolicited phone calls.
Addressing the Root Problem of the Quote Process
The USMPO has identified that the majority of moving discrepancies stem from inaccurate inventories. The moving industry is notorious for its move-day discrepancies, extra fees, and overcharges. Shippers are often bombarded by phone calls and inaccurate quotes that are difficult to understand, with some movers deliberately leaving items off the quote to lure customers with a lower price.
An accurate inventory is the most important aspect when determining the price of a move. Too often, when gathering pricing, customers go through the inventory process in a rush, omitting several items. This results in inconsistent price quotes and overcharges on move day. It is recommended for customers to take their time doing one detailed inventory and sharing one official inventory list with the movers of their choice. This way, the variable of volume stays consistent, and customers can compare apples to apples.
It is crucial to have a very organized list with dimensions of the items and pictures documenting the furniture. The USMPO’s Virtual Survey Tool addresses these challenges head-on. By allowing consumers to create a photographed inventory list, the tool provides a clear, consistent starting point for any move. This service not only saves time by eliminating the need to speak to multiple movers but also minimizes discrepancies and miscommunication, ensuring that the quotes received are accurate, consistent, and comparable.
Benefits of the Virtual Survey Tool
One Virtual Moving Survey, Multiple Quotes
One of the primary benefits of the USMPO’s Virtual Survey Tool is its ability to streamline the quoting process. Shippers can take a single, comprehensive survey of the items they need to move and share it with a selection of verified carriers in their area. This eliminates the need for multiple in-home estimates and reduces the likelihood of receiving inconsistent quotes. By taking one inventory, consumers can choose the companies they want quotes from and book directly with the carrier, saving time, hassle, and confusion.
Eliminate Unsolicited Calls and Pressure Tactics
The USMPO’s Virtual Survey Tool also helps consumers avoid the common annoyance of harassing, unsolicited phone calls and the high-pressure tactics often employed by salesmen. By consolidating the inventory process into a single, user-friendly interface, the Virtual Survey Tool enables shippers to gather their quotes consistently and compare them on a level playing field, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
How the Virtual Moving Survey Works
The Virtual Survey Tool is designed with user convenience in mind. Here’s how it works:
Itemize and Document Inventory
Consumers can access the tool via the USMPO website and use it to document their belongings in a standardized moving industry format. The process is simple: walk around your home, take photos of the items you plan to move, and upload them to the system. The tool records the items and their condition, creating a comprehensive and accurate inventory. This process also helps document the condition of your belongings, protecting you in the event of lost or damaged items.
Confirm Inventory and Review Company Profiles
Once the items are uploaded, shippers have the opportunity to review and edit their inventory before sending it to their chosen movers. This ensures that all information is detailed and complete, providing a solid foundation for receiving reliable quotes. After the inventory is finalized, consumers can research company profiles and send it to a selection of verified movers in their area. The chosen carriers will then do a quality control review to ensure the accuracy of the shippers inventory.
Receive Pricing and Compare Quotes
The Virtual Survey Tool facilitates the receipt and comparison of quotes, allowing consumers to make informed decisions without the added pressure and sales tactics commonly associated with the moving industry. When consumers are satisfied with a quote, they can book directly with the mover.
A Commitment to Safer Moves
The launch of the virtual moving survey tool is part of the USMPO’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection and improving the moving experience. By offering this free resource, the organization aims to empower consumers, reduce the prevalence of moving scams, and promote transparency and fairness within the industry.
Although virtual surveys are nothing new, this is the first time a neutral party helps the shipper take one accurate inventory and assists in distributing it to multiple carriers that have been vetted for reliable service. “Our intention at USMPO is to protect consumers and provide them with free resources for a safe and optimized moving experience,” said a USMPO Spokesperson. “The virtual moving survey is a game-changer for the quoting process, offering a straightforward, efficient, and reliable way for shippers to obtain accurate pricing and avoid deceptive business practices.”
Looking Ahead
The USMPO continues to assist in enhancing the shippers experience and develop new resources to support consumers in the moving industry. Future enhancements to the Virtual Survey Tool are already in the works, with plans to integrate additional features that will further streamline the moving process and enhance consumer protection. By providing a free, easy-to-use resource for obtaining accurate pricing, USMPO is empowering consumers to take control of their moving experience, avoid scams, and ensure a smooth and successful move.
The DOT and FMCSA is the official government body of regulating moving safety. Their efforts are limited to creating awareness and collecting data. As we continue to work on new solutions to enhance consumer protection, we believe this is a step forward in providing a tangible consumer resource for helping shippers make the right choice.