Hernandez Relocation: What to Know Before You Move

Hernandez Relocation is a moving company based in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial relocations

Hernandez Relocation operates as a full-service moving company serving South Carolina residents and businesses. The company handles packing, loading, transport, and unloading for moves within the state and beyond. Like any moving company, they charge based on factors such as distance, volume of belongings, and the specific services you request.

Before booking any mover, you should understand what services they offer, how they price their work, and what protections exist if something goes wrong during your move. This guide walks through what to look for when evaluating Hernandez Relocation or any moving company, and how to prepare for a successful relocation.

Key Takeaways

• Moving companies in South Carolina are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they cross state lines, or by the South Carolina Public Service Commission if they stay within state.
• Get written estimates from multiple movers before deciding, and verify their licensing and insurance status through official databases.
• Understand the difference between binding and non-binding estimates, as this affects whether your final bill can exceed the quoted price.
• Document your belongings with photos or video before the move, and keep an inventory list separate from the moving company's records.
• Read the mover's terms about liability and damage claims, since standard coverage often limits what you can recover if items are lost or broken.

How to verify a moving company's license and insurance

Any moving company operating across state lines must register with the FMCSA and display a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. You can search for this number on the FMCSA's SaferBus website to confirm the company is registered and to check for complaints filed against them. The search also shows whether the company carries the required liability insurance.

For moves that stay entirely within South Carolina, the company should be registered with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. You can contact the PSC directly to verify registration status. Always ask the moving company for their USDOT number or PSC registration number before booking, and confirm it independently rather than relying on what they tell you.

Insurance is separate from registration. A licensed mover must carry cargo liability insurance, but the amount varies. Ask what coverage they carry and whether it covers your belongings at full replacement value or at a reduced rate. Many movers offer additional coverage you can purchase if standard coverage is not enough.

Understanding binding versus non-binding estimates

A binding estimate means the moving company agrees that the final bill will not exceed the quoted price, even if the actual weight or volume of your belongings is higher than expected. You pay only what was quoted (plus any services you add after the estimate). A non-binding estimate is an educated guess; the final bill can be higher if the mover discovers you have more stuff than originally estimated.

Most movers offer binding estimates for a slightly higher quoted price, because they are taking on the risk that your move will cost them more than they anticipated. Non-binding estimates are cheaper upfront but carry the risk of sticker shock on moving day. Some companies offer a hybrid: a binding estimate up to a certain weight or volume, then non-binding pricing if you exceed it.

Always get the estimate in writing and read the fine print. Ask whether the quote includes packing materials, fuel surcharges, or fees for stairs, long carries, or elevator reservations. These add-ons can significantly change your final cost.

What to do before the movers arrive

Start by taking photos or video of your current home and all your belongings, especially high-value items like electronics, furniture, and artwork. This creates a record of what you owned and its condition before the move. Store these images somewhere you can access them later if you need to file a damage claim.

Create a written inventory of what you are moving. You do not have to list every item, but note major pieces of furniture, appliances, and anything fragile or valuable. Keep this list separate from any inventory the moving company creates. On moving day, compare your list to what the movers load onto the truck, and note any items that do not make it.

Defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move if you are taking it with you. Drain garden hoses, propane grills, and any other equipment that holds liquid. Remove batteries from items like remote controls and smoke detectors, or let the mover know they are there. These steps prevent damage to your belongings and the truck.

What happens if something is damaged or lost

Most moving companies limit their liability to a set amount per pound of damaged goods, which is usually far less than what the item is actually worth. This is called "released value" coverage. If a mover breaks a $2,000 television, released value coverage might pay only $200 or $300. You can purchase additional coverage (called "full value protection" or "declared value coverage") to cover the real replacement cost, but this costs extra.

If something arrives damaged or goes missing, notify the moving company in writing within a specific timeframe—usually 30 days for damage and 9 months for loss. Include photos of the damage, your inventory list, and proof of the item's value (a receipt, credit card statement, or appraisal). Keep copies of everything you send.

The mover has a set number of days to respond to your claim and either pay it, deny it, or offer a settlement. If you disagree with their response, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA (for interstate moves) or the South Carolina Public Service Commission (for in-state moves). These agencies do not settle disputes directly, but a complaint on record can pressure the company to reconsider.

Preparing your new home for arrival

Before the moving truck arrives at your new place, measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells to confirm that large furniture will fit through. Take photos of the new space so you have a record of its condition before the movers enter. Note any existing damage, stains, or wear so you do not get blamed for it later.

Clear a path from the front entrance to each room where furniture will go. Remove obstacles, close doors to rooms you do not want the movers in, and protect floors with cardboard or plastic sheeting if you are concerned about scuffs. Have a plan for where each major piece of furniture should go, and communicate this clearly to the moving crew when they arrive.

If you are moving to a building with an elevator or a narrow stairwell, reserve the elevator in advance and let the building management know the moving date and time. Some buildings require you to put down a deposit or carry additional insurance. Confirm these requirements with the property manager before moving day.

Questions to ask before booking

Beyond the estimate and insurance, ask the moving company whether they handle packing or if you pack everything yourself. Ask whether they provide boxes and packing materials or if you source your own. Clarify what happens if the move takes longer than expected—do they charge by the hour, or is there a flat rate? Ask whether they charge extra for stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, or weekend and holiday moves.

Ask how they handle items that are difficult to move, such as pianos, pool tables, or antiques. Some movers specialize in these; others will not touch them. Ask what their cancellation policy is if you need to postpone or cancel the move. Ask for references from recent moves in your area, and actually call a few to ask about their experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

Check their USDOT number on the FMCSA SaferBus website (for interstate moves) or contact the South Carolina Public Service Commission (for in-state moves). Verify they carry liability insurance. Legitimate movers will provide this information without hesitation and will give you a written estimate before you commit.

Can a moving company charge more than the estimate?

Only if you signed a non-binding estimate or if you added services after the estimate was written. With a binding estimate, the price is locked in. Always get the estimate type in writing and read the terms carefully to understand what can and cannot change.

What should I do if items arrive damaged?

Document the damage with photos, notify the moving company in writing within 30 days, and include your inventory list and proof of the item's value. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the company denies your claim or offers too little, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or South Carolina Public Service Commission.

Do I have to use the moving company's packing service?

No. You can pack everything yourself and have the movers load and transport only. This is usually cheaper, but you are responsible for packing items securely so they do not shift or break during the move. Ask the mover what their liability covers if something you packed is damaged.

What items can movers refuse to transport?

Most movers will not transport hazardous materials like paint, propane, gasoline, or certain chemicals. They may also refuse to move items they consider too fragile or valuable without special handling, such as fine art or antiques. Ask about restrictions when you get your estimate so you can plan alternatives.