Good move overall

Moved from the Wash DC area to Florida. 3 move in 12 years. Have used Mayflower twice before. I received bids from Mayflower, Bekins, and Wheaton. Wheaton's bid was in the middle. Overall, this was a good move, nothing missing or broken. However, I did learn a few things new this time around and I would offer advice to anyone preparing to move. This move could have been much worse, but being actively involved during the entire process was the key to success. 1. Price was negotiated down, about 8%. DOn't let them tell you they can't give you a better price. But, don't believe you will get something for nothing. If the price is too low, something is wrong (or too high, probably a poor estimate). 2. Watch out for the Internet movers -- regulations have changed and everyone with a truck is moving in. 3. Key is the driver. Ask for the best, plan early and push for a good driver. 4. Use their packers - it is worth it!!! 5. Ask about cross loading. I have not run across this in my previous moves. Apparently it happens all the time?? Read on: Anyway, what got me suspicious was when the truck came to load, it was a large truck, but it had the local company name on it and the tractor had VA plates. I greeted the driver and mover help. I asked the driver a few general questions, and then, something like So, all day to load (it was a Friday), will you be relaxing over the weekend before you head south to Florida? The answer was not what I wanted to hear; Oh, I am a local driver. We will load you belongings, take them back to our moving warehouse, unload and wait for the NATIONAL DRIVER to arrive -- we will then load his trailer and he (someone else) will drive down to Florida. I thanked him, and told him to wait before proceeding any further -- the other guys had started to move things out on the driveway. Everybody stopped. Long story short and two hours later, calls were made to the local agent rep and to Wheaton national HQ. Wow -- what I heard was amazing and, as mentioned earlier, common. However, I wanted no part of this. I wanted my stuff loaded -- once -- and then driven down to unloaded -- once --. Also, because of this scenario, they informed me that my gauranteed delivery window (3 days) would be missed, but they would put us up in a hotel -- again, wrong answer. They (both local agent and national guy) kept telling me this was in the contract, yada/yada/yada..... However, I insisted and asked calmly (key is to not get upset in this market as everyone is apparantly an ***hole), "When did you know this?" Reply: week ago. Me: Why am I hearing of this now (and I did speak to the agent about making sure we had a good driver, national type, etc.)? Them: Silience. Battle 1 completed, victory. Again, stayed calm, professional. Battle plan for next move -- need to get them to somehow load this trailer and not unload/reload for another driver. So, I asked, how can we avoid this cross load -- as you mentioned, you don't like it either as it is labor intensive? I suggested to waive my delivery dates by a few days if they could find the driver, have the local agent allow his trailer to be used. Thier move: Silience. Then, push back -- lots of logistical issues, costs, etc. I honed in on the costs as I felt the cross ship was more of on issue for them too. "What costs. They went on to explain driver would drop trailer in VA, pick up my loaded trailer, drive down to FL and then would have to come back. Hmm, I thought $500 in fuel (high estimate, 10/12 hour drive). I offered an extra $250 to help defer costs. Them: Silience, them I have to talk to my manager (both) -- can we call you back? I agreed. They called back in about 30 minutes and agreed, but asked if I would be a reference (smart on their part I thought). I agreed. So, no cross loading, load would come one day late. I wrote a letter to them a couple of weeks after the move (and since have talked to 2 potential Wheaton clients). I think this was worth my time and $250 bucks. 6. Take care of the help and driver. Lay ground rules. Offer drinks -- buy them all lunch!!! It is worth it!!! 7. Be there, on both ends. Ask about the inventory approach. Good luck!!!!