Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to questions frequently asked by our customers:

What shouldn't I have a moving company carry?

Are all estimates basically the same?

What is the differences in service options offered by moving companies?

Are delivery dates guaranteed?

What is an inventory sheet?

What kind of insurance protection should I get for my goods?

What about moving my computer? Is it also covered?

What do I do if I discover damages during the move?

DON'TS

What shouldn't I have a mover carry?

Movers are extremely good at moving most things. However, there are two categories of items that you should NEVER give over to a mover:

1. Items whose value greatly exceeds their intrinsic, or insurable, value.

Some examples are photographs, scrapbooks, trophies, hobby collections and momentos of any type. Should such items be lost or damaged in transit, the mover, or the insurer, will not place anywhere near the value on them that you would.

2. Small items of unusually high value.

Examples are money, jewelry, coin, stamp or card collections, watches, precious stones or documents.

If your mover provides transit insurance through an independent insurance carrier, as we do, you will find that such items are NOT covered by your policy. Even if your mover provides liability coverage for such items, you will have to produce independent proof of value. Otherwise, you'll only be reimbursed at a rate of $100 per pound, which will generally be totally inadequate.

In both cases, you are far better to hand carry such items.

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ESTIMATES

Are all estimates the same?

All estimates are NOT created equal. If you receive several estimates and there is a significant difference in the prices quoted, be sure to look closely before deciding to go with the lowest bid. Firstly, if it seems too low to be true, it probably isn't covering all the moving costs.

If it's a non-binding estimate, it's really just a guess-timate. The amount you will be charged will be based on actual weight, distance and services performed, NOT the amount of the estimate. A good tip off that you've been "lowballed" is an estimate of the weight of your shipment, or packing time, or packing containers, that is significantly lower than the others. Even if the low estimate proves to be a binding, or "best price" estimate, the difference might lie in what are known as "accessorial services." This is a whole array of additional services, ranging from extra pickups, to stair carries, to special crating. It's likely you'll be asked to sign an addendum before the movers start unloading your possessions. The addendum provides for these services, but raises the cost of your move.

The moving industry is highly competitive, and a low price may be nothing more than that. However, there is generally not much of a price discrepancy between estimates from major national van lines.

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SERVICE OPTIONS

What is the difference in service options offered by moving companies?

It is customary for movers to offer different price and service options. The total cost of your move may be increased if you want additional or special services. Before you agree to have your shipment moved under a bill of lading providing special service, you should have a clear understanding with the mover what the additional cost will be. You should always consider that you may find other movers who can provide the service you require without requiring that you pay the additional charges.

One service option is a "SPACE RESERVATION". If you agree to have your shipment transported under a space reservation agreement, you are required to pay for a minimum number of cubic feet of space in the moving van regardless of how much space in the van is actually occupied by your shipment.

A second service option is "EXPEDITED SERVICE" to aid shippers who must have their shipments transported on or between specific dates which the mover could not ordinarily agree to do in its normal operations.

Another customary service option is "EXCLUSIVE USE OF A VEHICLE". If for any reason you desire or require that your shipment be moved by itself on the mover's truck or trailer, most movers will provide such service.

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DELIVERY

Are delivery dates guaranteed?

On most moving contract are bound by a "DELIVERY SPREAD." This is a range of dates within which the mover contracts to deliver your possessions to your new home. Often, pressed by the customer for a specific date, the sales representative may say something like, "I'm sure we can be there on that day." As a result, the customer plans for delivery on that day, expects delivery on that day and, as often happens, is disappointed. No one other than the corporate dispatcher has the authority to promise a specific delivery date. While most dispatchers do their best to honor a customer's wishes, even they can be overruled by unexpected weather or traffic conditions. If a specific delivery date is absolutely essential, you CAN get it by specifying "EXPEDITED SERVICE" or, if your shipment is very large, "exclusive use of the truck." However, you are charged a significant extra amount for such service.

By the way, if your shipment is delivered LATER than the last day in the delivery spread, and your shipment weight is over 5,000 pounds, you are entitled to monetary compensation for every day of delay.

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INVENTORY

What is an inventory sheet?

When your belongings are loaded into the truck on moving day, the driver creates an inventory, listing each item and noting, if appropriate, its condition. Then, at destination, you are asked to check off each item as it comes off the truck, noting any changes in condition since loading day. At the conclusion of the unloading process, you are asked to sign the inventory, which goes into the company's record of your move. It is your right and your responsibility to see to it that the inventory is accurate and complete, at both ends of the move. Once you have signed the inventory, you have accepted it as true and accurate.

You should note and initial any disagreement you have with the mover's comments regarding condition.

If you later file a claim, it is matched against the inventory. If you claim damage to an item, but didn't note the damage on the inventory, or if you claim an item is missing, but it's checked off and signed for, your claim will probably be denied. You should make every effort to be present for both loading and unloading. If you cannot be present, you should designate a representative to be present with the power to sign documents. The driver will not load or unload unless you or your representative is on hand.

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INSURANCE

What kind of insurance protection should I get for my goods?

There are 4 different levels of liability, and the you should be aware of the amount of protection provided by each. The level of insurance required for your move depends on the value of the goods you will be transporting.

Option 1: Released Value This is the most economical protection option available. This no-additional-cost option provides minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound($1.32 per kilogram), per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents (or the kilogram weight multiplied by $1.32). For example, if a 10-pound (4.54 kilogram) stereo component, valued at $1,000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $6.00. Obviously the shipper should think carefully before agreeing to such an arrangement. There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it.

Option 2: Declared Value Under this option, the valuation of your shipment is based on the total weight of your shipment times $1.25 per pound ($2.75 per kilogram). For example, a 4000-pound shipment (1814.4 kilograms) would have a maximum liability value of $5,000.00. Any loss or damage claim under this option is settled based on the depreciated value of the lost or damaged item(s) up to the maximum liability value based on the weight of the entire shipment. Under this option, if you shipped a 10-pound (4.54 kilogram) stereo component that originally cost $1,000, the mover would be liable for up to $1,000, based on the depreciated value of the item.

Unless you specifically agree to other arrangements, the mover is required to assume liability for the entire shipment based on this option. Also, the mover is entitled to charge $7.00 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) of liability assumed for shipments transported under this option. In the example above, the valuation charge for a shipment valued at $5,000 would be $35.00. Under this option, your shipment is protected based on its depreciated value, and the mover is entitled to charge you a fee for this extra protection.

Option 3: Lump Sum Value This is additional liability protection from the mover. Basically, a lump sum means a declared dollar value for your shipment. However,unlike option 2, the amount you declare must exceed $1.25 per pound ($2.75 per kilogram) times the weight of you shipment. The amount of value that you declare is still subject to the same valuation charge ($7.00 per $1,000) as described in Option 2. For example, if you declare that your 4,000-pound (1814.4 kilogram) shipment is worth $10,000 (instead of the $5,000 under Option 2), the mover will charge you $7.00 for each $1,000 of declared value, or $70.00, for this increased level of liability. If you ship article that are unusually expensive, you may wish to declare this extra value. You must make this declaration in writing on the "bill of lading." ("Your Contract")

Option 4: Full Value Protection Often referred to as "full value protection" or "full replacement value." If you elect to purchase full value protection, article that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either replaced, repaired with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Unlike the other options, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection.

Limits and Highly Valuable Items Under these four options, movers are permitted to limit their liability for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value, unless you specifically list these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 dollars per pound ($220 per kilogram). Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before you move. It is your responsibility to study this provision carefully and to make the necessary declaration.

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INSURANCE AND YOUR COMPUTER

What about moving my computer? Is it also covered?

Most insurance coverage extends to external damage to appliances and electronic items (such as computer equipment) when the damage can be identified as the result of mishandling. However, malfunctions of sensitive mechanical or electronic equipment that cannot be specifically traced to mishandling are considered "mechanical derangement." In such cases, claims will probably not be honored. Although movers take extra precauions with such items, you might want to consider having your computer or expensive sound systems shipped by a specialist in handling delicate items. In addition, if you ship these items separately, they will arrive at your new home sooner.

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DAMAGE CLAIMS

What do I do if I discover damages during the move?

You should present the damages as soon as possible. However, you have nine (9) months following either the date of delivery, or the date on which the shipment should have been delivered, to file a claim. If you fail to file a claim within 120 days following delivery and later bring a legal action against the mover to recover the damages, you may not be able to recover your attorney fees even though you win the court action.

You MUST retain the item in its damaged condition until the mover or its representative has examined it. You must be able to provide proof of damage (such as its original condition on the inventory sheet) for a claim to be honored. Otherwise, the mover is within its rights to deny liability. The damages paid on an item may vary depending on the insurance protection purchased for your move.

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