Expert: Ralph Meyer - 5/3/2006

Question
Hi Ralph,

I'm moving out of my 2 BR apt to a new house and was wondering if you have any recommendations for a affordable moving truck rental company or movers. What are the best rates in the city?

FYI, I do not wish to rent from U-Haul - too many bad experiences.

Thanks!

Sharon

Answer
Sharon:

I will tell you there are many in Calgary. I run one myself so I am in a bit of an ethics conflict by answering this but here goes:
I advertise in Fast Forward weekly, but others advertise in The Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun as well as Yellow pages etc. Rules for hiring a company?

1) No cash upfront till they arrive. And how are they attired, Uniformed? Clean?
2) Are they Bonded? Security Checked through Police?
3) Can you get references?
4) Are they experienced, members of Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau? or Any other Association?
5) How long have they been doing this?

Here is how I would respond if asked and you can guage it against the others.
1) No problem, I never ask for cash till I arrive at place that I am unloading in to, or after the job is complete. I do not accept cheques due to problems in past but you can talk to my bank, here is the info...
2) Bonded and insured through your homeowners policy, but during the week at my full time Cargo Contract I provide service to Petro Canada, Imperial Oil, Grand & Toy, CHR etc. Please check out the equipment in my truck.
3) References sure, I can provide you with a few very satisfied clients.
4) I am member of the Fed. Calgary Communities, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, my local Community Association and volunteer with many groups year round.
5) I have been actively doing Cargo and Moving since 2005 and have never had a claim against my company, RMMT Enterprises also known as Man with a Truck. My name is Ralph Meyer and live in Acadia.

I am very ethical in the way I handle answering these questions, as a volunteer from About.com, that is why I am responding this way, therefore I want to provide information in a neutral manner. I feel obligated to let you know that I have many competitors and you should choose wisely. I expect that any moves I complete are done to the owners satisfaction.
I only accept moves I am comfortable with, therefore expect whom you hire has the same type of attitude. I work every day doing this and my employees are usually my co- workers whom are also owner/operators whom have cleared security checks through the Police as well.

Ralph Meyer,