Listen up guys…
I was doing research for Moving And Relocation Guide and it seems I’ve uncovered yet ANOTHER disturbing trend on Yahoo! Answers.
First, let me say that I know Yahoo! Answers can be full of spam questions and answers for marketing purposes. But, this particularly query is legit and posted just over a week ago:
“Moving company with small truck?
I would like to open up a moving company in Atlanta, GA. We are planning to set up as small operation locally and out of states. There is no 53 feet truck. We will purchase some 16 ft and 24 ft Van truck.
Do we still need to obtain Commercial Drivers License?
Do we need to register with Department of Transportation (DOT)?
Please advise.”Name Withheld
And here we have the answer:
“Yes to both questions.”
Name Withheld
And then, we have the original question-asker, posting a followup question:
“Thank your for your reply. I am wondering if there are more requirement to set up local,
interstate moving company in GA in details. We are planning to rent a van truck from Penske or Budget truck to operate the business. Still need to register and obtain the permit?”Name Withheld
This question/answer/question exchange concerns me GREATLY and, frankly, it should concern EVERY legitimate company involved within the moving industry!
Let me explain why I feel this is a completely legitimate post on Yahoo! Answers (YA).
YA is a platform that’s often used for SEO (search engine optimization) purposes. For example, a person (more likely, a bot) will post a question and then follow up with an answer that conveniently has a link back to a site they are hoping to promote. In this case, there’s no link ANYWHERE, meaning the only value the original poster could derive from this question is the actual answer itself. This individual is TRULY wanting to start a moving business by renting a truck and hanging a sign outside of his house.
I think this newest trend is WORSE THAN the U*S*h*i*p* debacle!
I have to give kudos (I guess!?!) for the entrepreneurial spirit of the guy. I know that times are tough and you have to do what you have to do to survive. Which brings up my next point: because times are tough and people will do whatever to make a buck, consumers have to be extra cautious to protect themselves!
Now, I’m not saying this guy doesn’t have the best of intentions. I’m not saying he will scam you out of your money. BUT, if he doesn’t, someone else trying to do this exact thing WILL!
How Do You Avoid A Situation Like This?
1. When you’re getting quotes from moving companies, make CERTAIN you get their ODOT license information as well as insurance information and then go here and verify that they are, indeed, legit.
2. If they ask for a HUGE deposit, run far, very far away.
3. If they aren’t even located anywhere near you, run very far away!
4. Call the FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline at 1-888-368-7238 to see if there’s any complaints on them.
5. Lastly, if you find yourself already in a situation where you didn’t follow the above steps and the movers show up on moving day in a rented moving truck, DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO LOAD YOUR BELONGINGS! I know, it’s tempting to go ahead with the move because you have deadlines to meet, etc. But, chances are, if you let them load your stuff, you’ll never see it again OR you’ll have to pay an enormous amount of money to retrieve your belongings.
Bottom line: Be cautious, people. It’s a jungle out there.
Link to the Yahoo! Answer: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120418084332AA85Fru
