How to choose a moving or transport company
Handing over your furniture, stock or equipment means trusting someone with everything on the truck. Here is what to check before a moving or transport company loads anything: insurance, the driver and vehicle papers, and what to agree in writing.
Goods-in-transit insurance
Ask whether the company has goods-in-transit insurance, what it covers and up to what value, and ask for proof. Many moves are only covered if items were packed by the company, so ask about that too. If the cover is too low for what you are moving, ask about extra cover before the day.
The vehicle and driver papers
- A goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass over 3 500 kg must carry a valid operator card.
- The driver of such a vehicle needs a professional driving permit (PrDP) for goods, on top of the right licence code.
- The vehicle should be roadworthy and licensed. A truck in visibly poor condition is a risk to your goods.
Get it in writing
A proper quote lists what is being moved, the pickup and delivery addresses and dates, the price and what could change it, the insurance, and the payment terms. On a household move, ask for an inventory of what goes on the truck and check it again at delivery.
Warning signs
- Full payment up front, especially in cash or into a personal account.
- A quote over WhatsApp with no company name or registration number.
- A much lower price than everyone else, then "extra charges" on the day.
- No proof of insurance.
Check the company on the CIPC register before you pay a deposit.
Common questions
What should I check before hiring movers in South Africa?
Proof of goods-in-transit insurance and what it covers, a written quote with an inventory, the company's CIPC registration, and for heavy vehicles a valid operator card and a driver with a professional driving permit.
Does a truck driver need a PrDP?
A driver of a goods vehicle with a gross vehicle mass over 3 500 kg needs a professional driving permit (PrDP) for goods in addition to the right licence code.
Should I pay movers in full up front?
Avoid it. Pay a reasonable deposit into an account in the company's name, with the balance on delivery once you have checked the inventory.