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PRE-MOVE
When is the best time to move?
When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?
What happens
when an estimator comes to my home?
PRICING AND PAPERWORK
What is a Binding estimate?
What is a Non-Binding
estimate?
What is a "Not to Exceed"
estimate?
What is an Order for Service?
What is a Bill of Lading?
What is an Inventory?
PACKING
Will the driver
load all boxes that I packed?
What
should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Are there any items I
should not ship?
VALUATION OF COVERAGE
Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
THE MOVE
How do I prepare my
home for moving day?
PRE-MOVE
Q:
When is the best time to move?
A: The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months,
May 15 - September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of
the shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all
professional moving companies.
Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best
time to move for you. If you have some flexibility in your
schedule, provide the moving company with five day window for loading
your shipment. This will allow the individuals who schedule the
drivers and crewmembers greater flexibility when scheduling your move.
If possible, be flexible with your destination time frame as well.
Keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment on the
truck. If you stay flexible it should make a difference.
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Q:
When should I begin contacting moving companies for
estimates?
A: Try to provide the moving companies with as much time as possible,
especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above.
Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to
come into your home to complete what they refer to as a "visual survey
of your household goods shipment." Try to decide which mover you
will use four weeks from your actual loading day. This timeframe
can be shortened in the off peak season which is September 15 through
May 15.
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Q:
What happens when an estimator comes to my home?
A: The estimator will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey
of your household items. Once this is completed, the estimator
will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to
your move. Remember that the estimator must clearly see what you
are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate.
Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize
your house before the estimator arrives. Don't be alarmed if the
estimator goes through all of your cabinets and closets or looks under
beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is
moving and possibly needs packing. If you know if items that are
out of view, be certain to point them out to the estimator. If
there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out (One
word of caution that can save you a great deal of trouble on loading
day). Get rid of all items that you do not plan to move.
Otherwise, there may not be enough space for your shipment. This
will not occur on one or two items, but if you anticipated eliminating
an entire bedroom suite and do not do so, it is quite possible that this
could violate the integrity of your binding estimate and/or cause the
driver to run out of space.
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PRICING AND PAPERWORK
Q:
What is a binding estimate?
A: A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the
precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed
necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional services are
requested or required at either the origin or destination, the total
cost will increase. Ask your professional estimator if unplanned
events are charged COD to you. Binding estimates are only good 60
days from the date of the estimate. If there are any price
increases you will not be charged the higher rate.
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Q:
What is a non-binding estimate?
A: A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of
your shipment and the actual cost of the services that are performed.
You will still go through the estimating process to determine what your
shipment may cost. To verify the weight of your shipment the
driver will weigh his trailer prior to loading your shipment and once
again after loading. All other charges will be calculated at your
origin address. If you elect to do so, you may meet the driver at
the scale to verify the weight of the truck before and after loading.
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Q:
What is a "Not to Exceed" estimate?
A: This specifies the maximum charge to you. You would be
responsible for the lesser of the maximum charge specified in the
estimate or charges determined by applying the rates contained in the
tariff.
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Q:
What is an order for service?
A: All movers are required to prepare an Order for Service before they
transport your shipment. The order for service provides you with
written confirmation of the services that you requested to be performed
in conjunction with your shipment. It lists the agreed upon the
dates for the pickup and delivery of your shipment and the amount of
valuation that you requested, along with any special services that you
ordered and a place and telephone number where the mover can contact you
during the move.
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Q:
What is a Bill of Lading?
A: Every mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for every
shipment it transports. The bill of lading is a receipt for your
goods and the contract with your mover for their transportation.
The driver who loads your shipment mist give you a copy of the bill of
lading. It is your responsibility to read and understand the
information on the bill of lading before you sign it. The bill of
lading identifies the mover and specifies when the transportation is to
be performed. It also specifies the terms and conditions for
payment of the total charges. Information regarding the valuation
of your shipment and the amount the mover will ne liable for in the
event of loss or damage is also shown.
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Q:
What is an inventory?
A: The driver will usually inventory your shipment when he or she loads
it (although it is not required by law). When completed, the
inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household
goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover.
Be sure that everything listed on the inventory is correct. This
is not always the easiest task, as you will find things written on the
inventory like PBO, this means packed by owner. The contents of
this carton can't and won't be listed because the driver is not able to
see inside each and every box. You will also find CP on a line
item in the inventory. This means Carrier Packed container.
These are two important listings.
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PACKING
Q:
Will the driver load all boxes that I packed?
A: Yes, as long as the drover deems them safe for transport. All
boxes must be sealed with tape on the bottom and top with your name
listed on them.
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Q:
What should I do with jewelry and other valuable
items?
A: Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques, and
stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided that you
notify your local moving representative of these items before packing
and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry
irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements
for their transport.
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Q:
Are there any items I should not ship?
A: Do not pack or ship any flammable items, propane tanks, liquid
detergents, aerosol cans or any items that may cause damage to your
shipment. This could void insurance coverage if there is an
unfortunate accident.
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VALUATION OF COVERAGE
Q:
Am I protected against loss or damage while my
goods are in transit?
A: Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend on
the valuation coverage you selected. This can be one of the most
confusing aspects to moving but it is important that you can understand
what is being provided to you. The valuation option you choose
determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the
maximum liability of the carrier. Valuation is not insurance.
This is important to understand. It is the liability of the moving
company. Have your estimator go over the different options;
Released Value, Declared Value, and Full Value Protection or Coverage.
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THE MOVE
Q:
How do I prepare my home for moving day?
A: The customer service representative and/or driver will contact you at
least 24 hours prior to load day to let you know time of arrival.
Be sure to share any changes that have taken place that may effect
loading day. items you will be taking with you, put aside in a
bathroom closet or in your car. Let the driver know before
starting the inventory of the specific items that will NOT be going on
the truck. Make sure your home is ready for the crew. Move
anything off the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your
goods out of the home. Take doors off the hinges if you know
certain items will not fit through. Remove all small throw rugs
from traffic areas that could cause the driver or crew to trip or slip.
Ask the driver to prepare the home with runners to keep the floors
clean.
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