Affordable Movers in Odessa
When you are looking for affordable movers in Odessa, you may want to watch out for this scam. It is true that most moving companies which have been around for a while offer great service otherwise they would not still be in business. However, during the peak moving season of summer, many fly by night companies pop-up only to vanish after the season is over. No doubt many of them simply have the desire to make a little extra money and good intentions but the lack experience, protection and ethical business practices. Moreover there is one business practice which even well-established moving companies ignore and it is important for customers to know this before they get scammed.
Before hiring your chosen mover make sure whether the workers are employees or independent contractors. The difference here could have far-reaching consequences on your liability as the consumer when the movers are inside your house. Many moving companies use independent contractors instead of employees and the only reason for this is to save money. Employees can cost up to 30% more compared to independent contractors who may even choose to receive money under the table. Even though you feel that you're paying a fair price for moving services, the local moving company may be cutting corners to increase their profits. By law, independent contractors have no obligation to stick to company standards or to follow consistent procedures and most importantly, are not covered by the workers compensation insurance coverage of the company. It can be difficult and costly for moving companies to obtain workers compensation coverage because of the risk involved in the business of moving. Independent contractors are supposed to arrange for their own insurance coverage but it is extremely unlikely that they will bother if the moving company itself does not bother.
You should learn how to protect your move from these risks. If an independent contractor sets and hurts himself while working on your property, you could ultimately be held liable for the injury. This also means that the actual moving company may not be liable for any damage that could occur on your premises as, technically, the independent contractor is not a moving company employee. This is a messy situation that is totally avoidable. How can you tell if the moving company you hire uses its own employees or hires independent contractors? You could start by
asking your moving company so even if the company says that it is fully licensed and insured, you must always check on workmen's compensation. The Labor Department requires companies with more than three employees to carry workmen's compensation certain states such as Florida require only general liability and auto liability to issue a moving company with a permit. You should be specific when asking for workmen's compensation and ask for proof of coverage from the moving company. This is not difficult to do so don't let them give you any excuses. You should also exercise caution with moving companies which only accept cash or offer incentives and discounts in return for cash payment.
Before hiring your chosen mover make sure whether the workers are employees or independent contractors. The difference here could have far-reaching consequences on your liability as the consumer when the movers are inside your house. Many moving companies use independent contractors instead of employees and the only reason for this is to save money. Employees can cost up to 30% more compared to independent contractors who may even choose to receive money under the table. Even though you feel that you're paying a fair price for moving services, the local moving company may be cutting corners to increase their profits. By law, independent contractors have no obligation to stick to company standards or to follow consistent procedures and most importantly, are not covered by the workers compensation insurance coverage of the company. It can be difficult and costly for moving companies to obtain workers compensation coverage because of the risk involved in the business of moving. Independent contractors are supposed to arrange for their own insurance coverage but it is extremely unlikely that they will bother if the moving company itself does not bother.
You should learn how to protect your move from these risks. If an independent contractor sets and hurts himself while working on your property, you could ultimately be held liable for the injury. This also means that the actual moving company may not be liable for any damage that could occur on your premises as, technically, the independent contractor is not a moving company employee. This is a messy situation that is totally avoidable. How can you tell if the moving company you hire uses its own employees or hires independent contractors? You could start by
asking your moving company so even if the company says that it is fully licensed and insured, you must always check on workmen's compensation. The Labor Department requires companies with more than three employees to carry workmen's compensation certain states such as Florida require only general liability and auto liability to issue a moving company with a permit. You should be specific when asking for workmen's compensation and ask for proof of coverage from the moving company. This is not difficult to do so don't let them give you any excuses. You should also exercise caution with moving companies which only accept cash or offer incentives and discounts in return for cash payment.
