one Place - Move

Heck’s Transfer has one of the lowest hourly rates in the Eastern Iowa Corridor. Estimates are always free. Unlike some other moving companies in the area, we do no cost on-site estimates and recommend it for homes over 1200 Sq ft

While others often do estimates just over the phone, we feel taking the extra time to visually see the moving project allows us to be more accurate in our estimates. 

We have reduced hourly rates for veterans, law enforcement, students, Sr Citizens 60 yrs or older and repeat customers. 

For pickup and delivery of individual or smaller numbered items that fit in our moving van, there are special less expensive hourly rates. We are happy to recommend these less expensive hourly rates whenever possible.

ESTIMATE vs. BID vs. QUOTE: Is there a difference? Absolutely.

Estimate: an estimate is basically guessing on an anticipated cost. The guessing should be supported by the current known variables, past experience and education.
Estimate means, with some assumptions and unspecified things, this is approximately the price. An estimate is also often referred to as a “ballpark number.”

Quote or Bid: means this is exactly what the price will be for the work clearly defined by a potential customer.

SHOULD I EXPECT AN “ESTIMATED” AMOUNT TO BE WHAT I WILL ACTUALLY PAY? Absolutely not.

Unless guaranteed with a bid or quote along with the estimate, all estimates are non-binding.

In the local moving industry, you will pay what the actual charges are at the end of the move regardless of what the estimate may have been.

DOES CHOOSING A LOW ESTIMATE MEAN THE MOVING JOB WILL END UP COSTING ME LESS THAN HIGHER ESTIMATES I MAY HAVE BEEN GIVEN? Absolutely not.

Unfortunately, there are companies in the moving industry that estimate low just so they get the job.

1) Recognize the actual estimate numbers given are not the most important factor.  

2) Did the moving companies do on-site visual inspections of your home?  At Heck’s Transfer, our policy is to do visual inspections for all homes 1200 square foot or larger and upon any request by the customer no matter the size of the job.  We do offer estimates without on-site inspections for smaller jobs that are less likely to vary in ultimate cost. 

3) Did the moving companies offer free tips and advice on how to reduce the overall cost of the move? 

4) What are the hourly rates of each company? 

5) Did one company seem to be more credible and personable than the other? 

6) Remember the actual estimate numbers given are not the most important factor. They are just one factor to be weighed against many others. Estimated numbers alone do not take into consideration the quality and service you will ultimately receive.

7) Am I comparing "like" estimates? Be sure to note if you have estimates or binding bid/quotes. These are not the same!