Keep Colorado Working is a blog for workers in the moving and transportation industry. While the job market may fluctuate depending on the labor climate, the demand for movers tends to be pretty stable. People always need to relocate, and it’s usually a job best handled to professionals. If you’re interested in becoming a moving professional, here’s everything you need to know before putting in an application.
What Movers Do
One of the most common misconceptions about moving companies is that the bulk of their work is picking up heavy objects and maneuvering box trucks. That’s a far cry from the reality of the situation. Movers have to wear multiple hats, and customer service and analytical thinking play as important a role in this field as big muscles and a driver’s license.
Coordinating with customers is one of the most integral parts of the job, and it involves significantly more than just asking where things need to go. Logistics can become complicated, especially when you start dealing with larger houses and adding on additional services, and being able to make the customer trust you and interpret your needs to play a big role in a moving company’s success.
A meticulous eye is an important role for anyone who wants to be successful at a moving company. You’ll have to be able to provide an accurate estimate before you begin the move and take a neat and detailed inventory of all the items for the sake of liability.
What Training is Needed
One of the big advantages of working for a moving company is that there’s rarely much in the way of educational requirements. Having a GED or a high school diploma is nice but usually not necessary. Instead, most companies are simply looking for workers who show up reliably on time and are ready to get the job done.
That said, you can expect to learn as you go. The chances are that new movers won’t be driving trucks or negotiating estimates on their first day. Most new movers will start as a “lumper,” or someone who rides along with the driver and helps with the loading and unloading.
The advantage of the lack of credentials required is that practically anyone can start at the bottom and climb the ladder with some hard work. For those looking to further their education, there are even some certification programs available.
Becoming a certified moving consultant or a certified packer/loader can be a great plan of action for someone looking to build a career in the industry.
How Much Do Movers Get Paid
Movers make an average of $13.20 an hour which typically adds up to a median salary of $36,661. Just keep in mind that business can fluctuate. Summers tend to be busier, and that allows movers to stack up over time, but that means preparing for the slower seasons with a nest egg or lining up other jobs on the side.
The market currently enjoys a modest but steady growth rate, but the high turnover in the industry makes it an ideal place to make your way up the ladder without worrying about stiff competition.
Are you still interested in a job in this industry?? Check out the rest of the blog for additional information on what it takes to work for a moving company or drive a big rig!
