Are a moving company’s blankets, dollies and straps in good shape?

Go out to the trucks and lay the gear out. Blankets should be clean, dense and free of tears. Dollies should roll straight, hold their load and have solid wheels and frames. Straps and ratchets should have no cuts, fraying or stuck mechanisms. Ask the crew which items they dislike and why, because they know the gear better than anyone.

Then ask how the gear is looked after. Is there a routine for washing blankets, checking dollies and retiring worn straps? Does each truck carry a standard set? A company with a clear kit list and a replacement habit probably handles the rest of the business carefully too. Compare what you see with the damage claim history.

Finally, think about what you would need to buy. Make a rough list of items near the end of their life and take it to your accountant, who can help you decide how it figures in the deal. Small items add up, and a tired kit can be a negotiating point. Also ask whether any equipment is leased or belongs to a crew member rather than the company. Do not forget the small consumables, such as shrink wrap, tape and padding. They are cheap one at a time, but a thin supply before the busy weeks can slow a crew and push up the cost of the first month.

Key takeaways

• Inspect gear on the trucks, with the crew’s opinion in hand.
• Ask about washing, checking and retiring routines.
• List what needs replacing and check whether any gear is leased or personal.