How to do a Background Check on an International Moving Company?
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We realize that it’s a lot to take in, as moving overseas is not straightforward! Perhaps the biggest decision you will make is who to trust with shipping all of your stuff—an international moving company. Because international moving companies have different laws and standards compared to local or long-distance movers, it’s important to conduct a thorough background check.
Choosing an international mover is identical to selecting any other type of mover. You should be asking for quotes, info on the team, and references from all of your potential vendors. Furthermore, consider hiring a freight forwarder to keep your valuables secure from the moment they leave until they reach you in Qatar.
It’s crucial to remind yourself that you need to be extra cautious if you are hiring an international mover, as they don’t have to adhere to the same regulations and rules as a long-distance mover does.
First Things First: Check for Memberships and Affiliations
You can usually trust international moving companies that are members of well-known organizations and associations to do a competent job. Think about these important memberships and affiliations:
FIDI Membership
FIDI, Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux, is the largest global alliance of independent international movers. Joining FIDI signifies your commitment to providing the industry’s highest quality of service.
RIM Certification
The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) offers a Registered International Mover (RIM) certification and sets standards for international moving companies to achieve high-quality service. This certification demands extensive training and education.
RIM Certification has two objectives that help customers compare and select an international mover:
- It provides a system of standardization and a means of comparison for selecting a qualified international mover anywhere in the world
- The certification program increases the level of professionalism, performance, and standards at a moving company due to the rigid demands. Before a company can be certified, it must undergo an examination and meet the equipment and facility standards for handling household goods. To maintain certification, the company must complete 15 hours of RIM-approved education and training over the course of three years. After that, the company is inspected again, and the process continues.
Although RIM Certification is generally considered one of the best indicators of a reputable company, other memberships are important for companies to maintain.
OMNI Affiliation
Overseas Movers Network International (OMNI) is an organization that maintains standards of quality for international moving companies. Affiliation with OMNI signifies the use of high standards and strict policies.
ISO 9002 Certification
ISO 9002 company registration shows that a company has a commitment to quality and an investment in excellent business practices and performance. This certification supports their dedication to customer service.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) License
As with all overseas shipping, the process for international moving is done by an ocean-bound carrier. A license from FMC itself ensures international movers end up beyond any doubt in terms of the proper carriage of goods according to shipping laws.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings
BBB rating and customer reviews are also indicators of a company’s standing and satisfaction. Seek out firms with higher ratings and few complaints.
Beware of Blacklists – Check for Scam Indicators
Before hiring an international moving company, ensure they are not blacklisted. Research websites that list “moving scam” blacklisted companies. Avoid companies with a history of poor service or unethical practices.
Outstanding Complaints and References
Ask the company about its past international moves and how many international offices it has. Learn more about its history. Ask customers who have recently moved for references. Reputable businesses will gladly share reviews from happy customers and have only a few complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
Checking References Effectively
When collecting references, follow these steps to ensure thorough evaluation:
Contact References Directly
Please reach out to each reference personally to discuss their experience with the moving company. Direct communication allows you to obtain impartial information.
Verify Reference Information
Request full names, job titles, and email addresses of references. Ensure you have at least three references from each prospective company.
Look for Connections
Look for any links between the references and the moving company’s workers. References with the same area code or last name might be biased.
Schedule Callbacks
Be careful if a reference contacts you first. Set up a callback to ensure that you can obtain the information at a time that works for you.
Domain and Location Verification
To confirm that the company is real, do a domain verification:
Whois Search
You can find out how long the company’s website domain has been active and who made it by doing a Whois search. This can show you the company’s history on the internet.
Location Matching
Use Wikipedia or other trustworthy sources to find the area codes that match the locations of companies. This helps prove that the references and the company’s claims are true.
Conclusion
When selecting an international moving company, remember these important steps to help your relocation go as smoothly and securely as possible. Taking the time to do your research will help you feel comfortable leaving your items in the hands of a reputable international moving company. To find out how trustworthy and genuine International Sea & Air Shipping is, click on the contact tab.
FAQS
Why do memberships and affiliations matter for international moves?
FIDI membership, RIM certification, and OMNI affiliation are excellent examples of a company’s dedication to professionalism and quality procedures and obligation to industry guidelines. These affiliations increase the credibility and responsibility.
What is RIM Certification, and why is it important to customers?
The Registered International Mover (RIM) Certification by AMSA provides the industry with an organized method to objectively evaluate and compare international moving companies across the world. It represents a much higher level of professionalism and code following because they have to jump through all the hurdles in their certification process.
How do I know if a company is blacklisted?
Some websites have lists of approved and disapproved companies. By researching these lists, you can prevent the hassle of working with an unreliable or disreputable company.
What is the best way to verify referrals from a mover?
Obtain three references from each potential business. Talk individually to these references about their experiences and tips. Also, be wary of friends with similar area codes or last names; that is said bias.
What is the point of domain verification?
Verifying a company’s website domain through a Whois search can reveal the duration of its activity and ownership. Use sites like Wikipedia to check the location data against the references to make sure they are real and the company is real.