Are you in search of a reliable freight hauling company who can safely transport your oversized equipment or machinery from Wisconsin to South Carolina? Look no further than Heavy Haul Transporting, the trusted name in wide load shipping. Our expert team of haulers are experienced in transporting heavy equipment of any size, weight, quantity, or type, offering top-notch door-to-door freight shipping services at an affordable price.
As the demand for transportation of heavy equipment and oversized loads increases, so does the risk of falling prey to scammers in heavy haul shipping. These scammers often lure unsuspecting customers with low quotes, demand large deposits, or even hold their belongings for ransom. It’s crucial to understand your rights and legal recourse to protect yourself from such scams and hold the fraudulent companies accountable.
Here are some essential steps you should take to safeguard yourself from scams in heavy haul shipping:
Research the Company
Before hiring a heavy haul trucking company, do your research to ensure they have the necessary licenses and credentials. Check if they are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and have a Motor Carrier (MC) Identification number. You can also check their safety record on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
Avoid companies that lack proper registration or have numerous unresolved complaints from previous customers. Look for trustworthy flatbed shipping companies that have a reputation for providing reliable and safe transportation services.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you’ve decided on a heavy haul trucking company, make sure to get all the agreements and quotes in writing. This includes the bill of lading, which should detail the type, quantity, and destination of all goods being shipped. Never sign any blank contracts or paperwork before the move, as this could lead to fraudulent billing later.
Also, make sure to retain all the delivery receipts, invoices, and other related documents. In case anything goes wrong during the transportation, these documents will be crucial to supporting your claims.
Know Your Rights
The FMCSA offers comprehensive guidelines on rights and responsibilities when moving heavy equipment and oversized loads. This includes regulations about how transportation companies must handle shipments, provide estimates, and resolve disputes. They also have a consumer protection regulation called the 110% Rule, which limits the amount of money that a moving company can demand before delivering your items.
Make sure to read and understand these regulations to know what to expect from the moving process and to protect your rights as a customer.
File a Complaint
If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to heavy haul shipping scams, file a complaint with the FMCSA. Complaints are used to identify moving companies, brokers, and auto transporters that violate commercial regulations. FMCSA uses these complaints, along with other data sources, to make decisions about which companies to investigate.
When filing a complaint, be prepared with all the necessary details, including your name, address, and telephone number, the name and contact information of the company, origin and destination of the shipment, and details of the alleged violations. Also, upload all your moving documents, including the estimate, bill of lading, and inventory pages.
Take Legal Action
If the heavy hauling transport company has caused significant damage to your property or failed to deliver your belongings, you can take legal action. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in transportation law and has experience in handling heavy haul shipping cases. Your lawyer can guide you on your legal rights and can help you file a lawsuit against the company.
In addition to seeking compensation for your losses, taking legal action can also hold the moving company accountable and prevent them from scamming others in the future.
Don’t fall victim to scams in heavy haul shipping. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself by researching the company, getting everything in writing, knowing your rights, and filing a complaint if necessary. It’s also essential to take legal action if the company has caused significant damages.
Contact reliable flatbed heavy haulers and transportation carriers like Heavy Haul Transporting for safe and secure transportation of your heavy equipment. We pride ourselves on providing quality services at competitive prices, with honesty and transparency at the forefront of our business. Find us online for more information.