Do you have Questions?
F.A.Qs
Not if it’s a non-binding estimate. Always get your estimate in writing — it MUST state whether it is non-binding or binding. If it is binding, the company is legally obligated to follow the estimate.
Every mover is required to prepare an Order for Service before they transport your shipment. This will provide you with written confirmation of your shipment and the services you have requested. It lists the agreed upon dates for the pickup and delivery of your shipment, along with any special services that you ordered. It will also list the telephone number you gave the mover to contact you.
You can easily verify if your movers are licensed and insured. This information should be located on the mover’s website. Whenever you call a mover, you can ask them for their DOT and MC license numbers and then verify if with the Department of Transportation. If they are licensed, they are required by law to offer limited liability protection.
A non-binding estimate is one that is subject to change, although these estimates should be accurate and provide you with an idea of the moving cost. Typically, a mover will schedule an onsite visit and check out the goods for the estimate. If you happen to add items, or request additional services, the movers have the right to void the estimate or to revise it. A binding estimate is a set price. It is a legal agreement between you and the mover that the cost to move the goods will not change.
Many moving companies calculate the cost based on how many cubic feet your belongings occupy. The movers must have a provision in their tariff allowing cubic feet charges, and any estimates based on cubic feet must be binding. Some additional charges that may appear include packing, crating, shuttle fees, stair fees, and bulky article charges for oversized items and extra labor. Be certain you understand these charges so that you can accurately compare the estimates you receive.
With over 100 years of experience, our sales team prides themselves on providing the most accurate estimate in the moving industry. Our sales system ensures that we work closely with every customer to fully understand their moving needs and to provide a moving estimate that reflects those needs. Be sure to provide as much information as possible at the time of estimate. This includes reviewing the inventory accurately. Neglecting to mention additional items or difficult areas of access may result in unexpected costs.
The busiest times for moving companies are the summer months (May-September). At the end of this time period, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This goes for all professional moving companies. Take all factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for your move. If you are flexible with your schedule, provide the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment. If possible, try to be flexible with your destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that you are most likely not the only shipment on the truck.
As with any other services industries, you may wish to thank your movers for a job well done by offering gratuity. The movers do not expect a set tip amount, of course, so we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move.
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the draws empty.
Most moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being inside of the moving trailer can cause them to die.
Items of value such as jewelry, money, and antiques can be included in your shipment if you notify your moving company of these items prior to packing and loading day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements for transport.
No licensed movers will move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, or aerosols. The temperature inside the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.
Your driver will contact you 24 to 72 hours prior to your scheduled delivery. The moving company will assign you a customer service representative as your primary contact, and they will provide you with any updates. When relocating with a long-distance moving company, you will be given a range of pickup and delivery dates. While many people want an exact date for their moving plans, transportation laws and circumstances make it impossible to know the exact time a mover will arrive. Keep reading for an explanation on those laws and why professional moving companies are likely to quote you a delivery range rather than a delivery date.
All drivers must comply with FMSCA regulations. These regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can be on the road, as well as how many total hours they can work each week. While it may be possible to drive across country in a few days, being on the road for 40–60 hours straight is not safe for the driver, other motorists on the road, or your household goods. This may not seem like much of a scheduling conflict, but there are many unpredictable elements on the road. A driver may drive 500 miles a day, but the only thing that matters is how many hours they spend behind the wheel.
The number of household goods that can fit into a moving truck may vary, depending on the size of the home and the shipment volume. On average, there are five households per moving truck. Unless you have a large home, or pay extra for an exclusive truck, your driver will most likely have more than just your items to deliver.
Putting traffic aside, weather can make driving dangerous. There is nothing quite as unpredictable as the wrath of Mother Nature. Movers are experts at their craft and know how to navigate these conditions. This often means taking different routes, driving slower, or simply waiting for the weather to pass.