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Understanding the Moving Process |
PRE-MOVE
PRICING AND PAPERWORK
PACKING
VALUATION OF COVERAGE THE MOVE |
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PRE-MOVE When is the best time to move? The
busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months,
May 15 – September 15.
At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is
extremely heavy.
This is the case for all professional moving companies. When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates? Try
to provide the moving companies with as much notice 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. What happens when an estimator comes to my home? The
estimator will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey
of 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 of 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. PRICING AND PAPERWORK 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 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. What is a non-binding
estimate? 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. What is a “Not to Exceed”
estimate? 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. 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 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. Every
mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment
it transports.
The bill of lading is receipt for your goods and the
contract with your mover for their transportation.
The driver who loads your shipment must 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 be liable for in the event of loss or
damage is also shown. 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. PACKING Will the
driver load all boxes that I packed? Yes,
as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.
All boxes must be sealed with tape on bottom and top with
your name listed on them. What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable
items? 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. Are there any items I should not
ship? 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
unforeseen accident. VALUATION OF COVERAGE Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in
transit? 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. THE MOVE How do I prepare my home for moving
day? 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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