Allegiance Moving: What to Know Before You Hire Them
Who Allegiance Moving is and what they do
Allegiance Moving is a moving company based in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial relocations within the state and across the country. They offer services including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, and they operate as a full-service mover rather than a labor-only or truck-rental operation.
The company operates out of South Carolina and serves customers planning moves of various sizes. Like any moving company, Allegiance Moving charges based on factors such as distance, volume of items, and the specific services you request. Before booking any mover, it's worth understanding how they price their work, what their reputation looks like, and what questions to ask during the estimate process.
Key Takeaways
- Allegiance Moving is a full-service mover based in South Carolina that handles packing, loading, and transportation for residential and commercial moves.
- Moving costs vary based on distance, the amount of items you're moving, and which services you add, so getting a written estimate is essential before committing.
- You can research any mover's track record through the Better Business Bureau, online reviews, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database for interstate moves.
- Before hiring any moving company, confirm their insurance coverage, get everything in writing, and understand their cancellation and damage policies.
How to get an estimate from Allegiance Moving
Most moving companies, including full-service movers, offer estimates in two ways: over the phone or in person. A phone estimate is faster but based on your description of what you're moving. An in-person estimate means someone visits your home or business to see the actual volume and complexity of your move, which typically results in a more accurate price.
When you contact Allegiance Moving for an estimate, be ready to describe your current location, your destination, and the general size of your move. If you're moving interstate, the mover should provide a binding or non-binding estimate in writing. A binding estimate means the final price won't exceed that amount unless you add services. A non-binding estimate is an educated guess and can change based on the actual weight or volume of your belongings.
What to check before you book
Before signing a contract with any moving company, verify their licensing and insurance. For moves within South Carolina, movers should be registered with the state. For interstate moves, check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database at SaferBus.org to confirm the company's operating authority and review any complaints filed against them.
Ask Allegiance Moving directly about their insurance coverage. Most movers offer basic liability coverage, but it may not cover the full value of your belongings. You can often purchase additional coverage called "full value protection" or "released value protection" to cover more. Get the insurance details in writing, including what is and isn't covered, and what you'd need to do if something is damaged during the move.
Read the contract carefully before signing. It should spell out the pickup and delivery dates (or date ranges), the final price or how the price will be calculated, what services are included, and the company's policy on cancellations and damage claims. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing.
Understanding moving costs and what affects them
Moving companies typically charge based on weight (for interstate moves) or volume and distance (for local moves). Allegiance Moving, like other full-service movers, will factor in the distance between your old and new locations, the number of items you're moving, and any add-on services such as packing materials, specialty item handling, or storage.
Costs can also vary based on the time of year. Summer and the end of the month are peak moving season, and prices are often higher then. Moving during the off-season (fall and winter, mid-week, or mid-month) may result in lower quotes. If you have flexibility in your moving date, asking for estimates at different times can help you understand the price difference.
Red flags and what to watch for
Be cautious of any mover that won't provide a written estimate, quotes a price that is significantly lower than others, or asks for full payment upfront before the move. Legitimate movers typically collect a deposit and the balance upon delivery or completion of services.
If you're moving interstate, avoid movers that don't have FMCSA authority or that can't provide proof of insurance. Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and the FMCSA database for patterns of complaints. A few negative reviews is normal for any company, but repeated complaints about damaged items, surprise price increases, or failure to deliver on time warrant caution.
What happens on moving day
On the day of your move, the crew from Allegiance Moving should arrive at the time window you agreed to. Before they begin loading, do a walk-through of your home or business with the crew lead to point out any fragile items or special handling needs. Take photos or video of valuable items before packing, which can help if you need to file a damage claim later.
Keep a copy of your contract and the bill of lading (the document that lists your items and confirms the condition they're in) with you during the move. If anything arrives damaged, document it with photos and report it to the moving company within the timeframe specified in your contract—usually within 30 days for damage claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Allegiance Moving is licensed to operate in South Carolina?
For intrastate moves, check with the South Carolina Public Service Commission or ask Allegiance Moving directly for their license number. For interstate moves, search the FMCSA database at SaferBus.org using the company name or USDOT number. The FMCSA database also shows any safety violations or complaints.
What should I do if items arrive damaged?
Document the damage with photos immediately and contact Allegiance Moving within the timeframe stated in your contract—typically 30 days. Provide the photos and a detailed list of damaged items. The mover's insurance or your own homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover the loss, depending on the coverage you purchased.
Can I cancel my move with Allegiance Moving?
Cancellation policies vary by company and are spelled out in your contract. Most movers allow cancellations but may keep your deposit or charge a cancellation fee, especially if the move is close. Read your contract carefully or ask about the cancellation policy before you book.
What's the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?
A binding estimate is a may provide price that won't change unless you add services. A non-binding estimate is an educated guess based on your description and can increase if the actual weight or volume is higher. Ask which type Allegiance Moving is providing and get it in writing.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance for my move?
Basic liability coverage from the mover is usually limited. If you have valuable items, consider purchasing full value protection from the mover or checking whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers items in transit. Ask Allegiance Moving about their coverage options and costs.