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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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