Should I trust movers with my equipment?


Should I trust household movers with my equipment for
a long distance move (about 1100 miles)?
I would pack everything myself in mostly original boxes and
double boxing most things beyond that.
No big speakers, just a bunch of expensive electronics and monitors.
Or should I just rent a truck and drive my stuff by myself?
Thanks.
rgs92
"02-08-14: Jerico
I just relocated from the US to England, and moved my gear (and everything else) with a professional mover, most via sea container. Absolutely no problems with anything - everything arrived in perfect condition (TT, speakers, etc). I don't think I could have packed my stuff anywhere nearly as well as they did."

To be fair, you really didn't have a choice. I think most people are talking about a move that you can drive yourself, not overseas. What company did you use? Maybe there is a good one after all.

"02-09-14: Kodak805
Explain how this is any different than shipping from the manufacturer to the dealer or the dealer/seller to you. You had no control over UPS or Fedex. Why is there a problem with another shipper, assuming you use the original packing materials?"

From the factory to the dealer, the product is new. Its very easy to come up with an exact value for what something is worth. Once the unit is sold, its considered used and is up for negotiation as to what its worth. Kind of like when you have a car accident. The insurance company usually thinks the car is worth much less than what the owner does. Its no different with shipping. Also, the fact that you are moving plays a huge part. You're basically shipping something to yourself. If you sell an item on a place like Audiogon or Ebay the transaction info shows exactly what the unit sold for. You won't have that with moving.
Here is my thought. If I was to move ,relocate then for my staff (stereo gear and other valuables) I would take around myself ,for all the other household staff including the wife's shoes,furniture ,that would be the movers job.
That's a great thing would always support your friends while relocation. I prefer reliable moving company for relocation because they are helpful in doing safe relocation.
Thanks all for sharing your views i recommend moving by own , i only rent moving boxes while moving and everything else would be done by them.
When I moved, I had the movers take the speakers each one was boxed and on pallets and the amp.  I took the turntable, which was boxed with the platter removed seperated - my wife personally carried the arm with cartridge attached, but with a stylus guard.  Everything got here safely.