| When it comes to moving and furniture shipping | | | | legitimate online shipping services broker offers value |
| services, some websites advise against using shipping | | | | in two ways - they can match the customer with |
| services brokers under any circumstances. They're | | | | the appropriate carrier, and they can offer a discount |
| wrong. Why? Because legitimate brokers are like | | | | you can't get by going directly to the carrier. The |
| travel agents. Not only do they provide access to | | | | only caveat is the same one that applies every time |
| more options, they can often get you a better rate | | | | you go online to buy goods or services: Take the |
| than you can get on your own. | | | | time to find out about the company you're dealing |
| In fact, you've probably used a shipping services | | | | with. Here are five ways to do just that: |
| broker in the past without even realizing it. | | | | |
| Here's an example: You go to the mail and parcel | | | | 1. Look on the company's website for contact |
| store in the local strip mall to have them ship a box | | | | information. There should always be an "about us" |
| that's larger than a parcel...congratulations, you've just | | | | page or a detailed "contact" page. Be wary of |
| engaged a shipping service broker. | | | | companies that don't list their complete address. |
| That's right, even the best known mail and parcel | | | | 2. Call the broker, even if you can get a price online. |
| stores (for example, think in terms of the color | | | | A good shipping services broker knows that the |
| brown!) broker the shipping of items that are larger | | | | more information they have about your shipment up |
| than parcel size. That's because they're independent | | | | front, the better. |
| businesses - franchisees, actually - and although they | | | | 3. Find out some company history. How long have |
| ship parcels via their parent company, they're | | | | they been around? What's their DOT license number? |
| generally free to ship larger items with any carrier | | | | Like location, this type of information should be on |
| they choose. That makes them brokers. And that's a | | | | the website. If it isn't, that's a red flag. |
| good thing. | | | | 4. Check with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. |
| Why? Because they can offer the price and type of | | | | And be aware that all shipping and moving companies |
| transport best suited to your particular shipment. For | | | | incur complaints. The test is whether or not the |
| example, suppose you want to ship furniture - say, a | | | | company has worked to resolve them. The BBB site |
| large recliner. They'll consider time, price, and other | | | | will list all of that. |
| factors. Then they may box it so it can be shipped | | | | 5. Have a friend get a quote from the same broker. |
| with a freight carrier, or they may choose a small | | | | If the price is different, first make sure the |
| move specialist to get more careful handling and | | | | information you both provided is identical. If it is, then |
| inside pickup and delivery. | | | | find another broker. Maybe even that store in the |
| Like bricks and mortar mail and parcel stores, a | | | | strip mall. |