Preparing for any move, whether personal or commercial, is a major undertaking. Whether your move is across town, or across the country, you probably have many questions. But our experience has shown that pre-planning is the key to an easier move.
Our Frequently Asked Questions section has been structured to assist you in finding your answers as quickly as possible.
We hope that these answers solve any questions that you may have. But if you cannot find your answer here, please contact us directly with your question.
- When should I call a moving company?
- Do I need an estimate?
- What is a binding estimate?
- When is the best time to move?
- How long does it take to move?
- Is a moving company "licensed?"
- How do you determine what my move will cost?
- What is a tariff?
When should I contact a moving company?
The sooner you make contact, the better. Even though the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, it's wise to give your moving company from four to six week's notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
All moving companies, for their standard type of service, require alternate pickup and delivery dates. We'll do our best, of course, to comply with the dates you prefer or the nearest possible alternatives. You will be notified in advance of the loading date for your goods and of the estimated date of arrival.
If your pickup and delivery dates are critical due to such factors as a lease expiration or a real estate closing, you may choose an extra-cost service which will enable us to accommodate a more precise, reasonable schedule. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with us so that we can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.
Reliable will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of van space your goods will occupy. Reliable will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. An accurate estimate cannot be calculated without a visual survey of the goods to be moved. There is no charge for the estimate.
Keep in mind that estimates (household goods surveys) are only guidelines. On interstate shipments, you must pay the total charges as determined by the actual weight of your shipment, the distance it travels, and the services that you authorize or which become necessary to handle your shipment.
Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required. These shipments are handled by the local moving company, not the interstate carrier.
A binding estimate or binding cost of service 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 the origin or destination (such as a "shuttle" to or from a location to which a full-size van cannot operate directly), the total cost will increase. Binding estimates are valid for the time period specified, up to 60 days.
If you add items to be moved or require additional services, such as packing, between the time of the estimate and the time of your move, there will be additional charges. An addendum specifying these additional charges will be prepared for your signature.
If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate, please discuss it with us.
When is the best time to move?
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during these periods.
However, Reliable Moving and Storage believes you should move when it is most convenient for you. Factors involved in the decision may include:
- whether the move must be made immediately
- moving children during the school term
- separation of the family while the move is under way
If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are more readily available, we'll be better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
How long does it take to move?
This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.
Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill a van, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. Each shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others.
With the help of Reliable's computer-assisted dispatching system, pickup and delivery dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the van, as well as shipment weight.
Is a moving company "licensed?"
It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." For example, Reliable Moving and Storage has been issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to move household goods among any of the 50 states. As a motor carrier, Reliable has maintained a certificate of authority with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) since September 27, 1988.
A local moving company ("agency") affiliated with a national van line such as Reliable may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.
How do you determine what my move will cost?
Unless you have been given a binding estimate, the exact cost of your move cannot be determined until after your shipment has been loaded on the van and weighed. If additional services are requested or become necessary after loading and weighing, additional charges could be incurred. Basic transportation charges depend on the actual weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for Full-Value Coverage or Depreciated Coverage (see "Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are In Transit?"), plus charges for any "accessorial" services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by Reliable at your request. These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules.
This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation of household goods. The tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and include its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.
Understanding What Things Cost
- How and when should I pay?
- Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
- Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
- Full-Value Coverage
- Items of "Extraordinary Value"
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).
Payment for your United shipment can be made by one of the following methods: cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. In addition, the American Express® Card, DiscoverSM Card, Visa® or MasterCard® can be used to pay for interstate moves only, with advance approval required prior to loading (unless other billing arrangements have been made). Personal checks are not accepted.
All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding estimates.
If you have received a non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed the estimate, you will be required to pay no more than 110% of the estimated cost at delivery. Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10%, you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110%.
Payment of estimated charges plus 10% does not apply if goods are delivered into storage. If storage at destination (storage-in-transit) is necessary, all transportation charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse. You will then be assessed storage charges based on the applicable rates set forth in our tariff.
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 upon the United "valuation" program you choose – Full-Value Coverage or Released Rate Liability (60 cents per pound per article).
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of United. The liability of United for loss or damage is based upon United's tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability. If you desire insurance, you should consult your insurance company representative about available insurance coverages, because United does not offer insurance.
Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, United's maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article. This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.
Under this protection plan, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while under United Van Lines's interstate authority, it will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by United, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement. An additional charge applies for this option. United will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.
Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates.
The deductible options are as follows:
- Option A -- Full-value protection with no deductible
- Option B -- Full-value protection with a $250 deductible
- Option C -- Full-value protection with a $500 deductible
United's total liability for loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum total declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by $5.00.
Items of "Extraordinary Value"
In the moving industry, items having a value of more than $100 per pound are known as "articles of extraordinary value." All "articles of extraordinary value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form which will be given to you by the salesperson to complete. An online copy is also available. Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, the following list should help you identify items that might fall under this classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware. In the event of a claim, any settlement involving an article of extraordinary value listed on the High-Value Inventory form is limited to the value of the article, not to exceed the declared value of the shipment, based upon the United valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, United's maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article. If you are not shipping any items of high value, sign the form and print the word "None" in the inventory list.
Shipments that move under the Released Rate Liability program, in which the declared value of the shipment would be 60 cents per pound per article, would not be covered by the provisions applicable to articles of extraordinary value. The High-Value form should still be signed with the words "Not Applicable" written on the form.
You must select the valuation program, and you must write your choice in the "Valuation" box on the Bill of Lading in your own handwriting.
For a full description of the Full-Value Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please ask Reliable Moving and Storage.
- Can my Possessions be stored temporarily?
- Will my furnishings remain clean?
- Do my appliances need special attention?
- Can I pack my china glass and crystal?
- Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Can my possessions be stored temporarily?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored in a local United agent's warehouse. United agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you're ready for them. However, you are responsible for the storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage and final delivery charges from the warehouse.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will be an additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment, as mentioned previously. The type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether the shipment is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or in permanent (long-term) storage. Please ask your United agent for information regarding storage arrangements.
Will my furnishings remain clean?
United's exclusive Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The Sanitized® feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, is an extra measure of hygienic safety for your belongings. In addition to this service, United protects your upholstered furniture with ClearGuardSM, a clear plastic material, before they are wrapped with furniture pads.
Do my appliances need special attention?
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, and icemakers should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move.
It is the owner's responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional charge, a moving company will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company. For more information on servicing and cleaning appliances for moving, ask your United agent for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."
Can I pack my china, glass and crystal?
Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack.
Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest." Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile," and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.
Cartons, paper and tape may be purchased from your local United agent for a small fee. Also ask your agent for a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."
Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing – sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie – may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak. For more information on how to pack clothing, please visit the Packing Tips section of this Web site.
- Can I move my frozen foods?
- Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
- Can I move my house plants?
- Can I move my pet?
Frozen foods can be moved, but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this with your United agent. In most instances, we suggest that shipping arrangements be made through local frozen food locker plants, especially for a long-distance move. It is even easier just to use up the foods prior to the move or donate them to someone.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify your United agent of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write "none" on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
United Van Lines cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because they may suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your house plants in the family car or ship them by plane.
Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure to check the regulations of the state to which you're moving. Ask your United agent for a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, your United agent will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask for a copy of the helpful United booklet "Moving With Pets."
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
- Understanding Our Service
- Pricing and Payment Information
- Packing and Loading Your Belongings
- Delivery of Trailer
- Special Concerns
- Moving Terminology
- How does United Intermode's service work?
- Who does the packing, loading and unloading?
- Will I receive instructions about how to load the trailer
and how to pack?
How does the United Intermode Do-It-Yourself service work?
In the Request A Quote section of this Web site, you can obtain an estimate that will give you an idea on how much your move will cost. Once you have confirmed the move with a United Intermode ValueMove® representative, we will establish the dates for your move. Two days before you move, your local United Intermode representative will deliver a trailer to your current residence for you to load. On moving day, your United Intermode representative will pick up your loaded moving trailer. At your destination city, a local United Intermode representative will bring your trailer to your new residence. Once again, a ramp will be set up for you and you will have up to 48 hours to unload. It's that easy! You don't have to drive the truck you won't need to find the rental facility in the new city to return the truck - we'll take care of that for you.
Who does the packing, loading and unloading?
You are responsible for all of the packing, loading and unloading. You may also hire your own professional loaders and/or unloaders.
Will I receive instructions about how to load the trailer and how to pack?
Yes, United Intermode provides you with instructions about how to load items in the trailer. You can also learn more about this by visiting the packing tips and loading tips sections of this Web site.
Pricing and Payment Information
- How do you determine my price?
- What would make the estimated price change?
- How do I pay for my move?
- Is there a separate charge for the ramps?
- Should I consider purchasing additional protection?
- Does the price of the move include taxes, fuel and tolls?
How do you determine my price?
From the information provided on the online quoting form, United Intermode will determine your price based on the size of your shipment and the distance your shipment travels to your new residence.
Depending on the exact location and size of your shipment, your price could change. Since United Intermode selects the appropriate trailer (28 to 53 feet in length) for your shipment, we will utilize 28-foot trailers for smaller shipments and charge you on the space your shipment occupies in the trailer. Therefore, your price will be based on a "per foot" charge that will apply if you use more or less space. (Once you have the trailer loaded, you and the United Intermode representative will measure the amount of space your shipment occupies.) For the larger trailers, the price is determined by the cost of the trailer and the miles from your residence to your new location.
What would make the estimated price change?
Although it is unusual, you may incur additional charges if...
- You use more space than originally contracted in the 28-foot trailer.
- You decide to purchase additional Loss And Damage Protection for your shipment.
- You decide that you need longer than the two days we provide to load the trailer or the two days to unload the trailer.
- You request us to remove any boxes, packing materials, or other debris in the trailer after your move is completed.
- You have not provided the proper paperwork required by the Agriculture Department for shipments moving inbound to the state of California.
- Trailer positioning is necessary at origin and/or destination.
United Intermode accepts VisaTM, Master CardTM, American Express® and DiscoverTM, or you can pay by certified check or money order. The price is the same regardless of the payment method.
Is there a separate charge for the ramps?
No. United Intermode provides ramps for your convenience to access the trailer when you are loading and unloading. Best yet, there are no extra charges to use our ramps.
Should I consider purchasing additional protection?
Your do-it-yourself move with United Intermode comes with a minimal amount of Loss And Damage Protection. This gives you protection from loss or damage resulting from an act or omission caused solely by United Intermode.
The protection level that comes with the service at no charge to you is up to $1,000 replacement value. We recommend that you speak with your United Intermode representative about the additional protection options available to you.
Does the price of the move include taxes, fuel and tolls?
Included in your estimated price is the cost to use the trailer, ramps at each location for loading and unloading your belongings, basic Loss and Damage Protection, taxes and all fuel and toll charges.
Packing and Loading Your Belongings
- Are packing materials provided?
- Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
- Are there any items I should not pack or load in the trailer?
- Can I load/unload the trailer from a storage facility?
- How much time do I have to load my belongings?
Are packing materials provided?
Although the trailers are not equipped with moving blankets or straps, you can purchase packing supplies such as paper pads, bubble wrap, boxes, etc. from a local United Intermode representative.
Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing – sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie – may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful not to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.
Are there any items I should not pack or load in the trailer?
Several household items are either illegal to ship or potentially dangerous, or both, and are not allowed to be transported inside a trailer. These items include:
- aerosol cans
- ammunition
- cleaning chemicals
- fuels/oils
- insecticides
- liquid bleach
- live plants
- loaded firearms
- matches/candles
- paint thinners
- paints/varnishes
- perishable goods
- pets
- propane tanks
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Can I load/unload the trailer from a storage facility?
United Intermode can have your trailer delivered to a storage unit for loading or unloading. You should check with the property manager for permission to leave the trailer on the premises overnight.
How much time do I have to load my belongings?
We allow you up to two days at both origin and destination to load/unload your shipment. If you need additional time, United Intermode will provide you the extra time you need for a small fee.
- Do I have to be present when the trailer arrives?
- How long does it take for my shipment to arrive at destination?
- How far will the ValueMove® Do-It-Yourself program travel?
- Where will the United Intermode representative park the trailer for us to load/unload?
- How big are the trailers you use for the ValueMove® Do-It-Yourself move?
Do I have to be present when the trailer arrives?
Yes, you or a representative designated by you must be present when your truck arrives to drop off or pick up the trailer.
How long does it take for my shipment to arrive?
This depends on many factors, including the time of year, weather conditions, time required to load and unload, and the distance your shipment is traveling. With the help of our dispatching system, pickup and delivery dates are scheduled according to your needs.
How far will the ValueMove® Do-It-Yourself program travel?
United Intermode's Do-It-Yourself program can move your household items between any two states in the continental United States. The ValueMove® program does not provide local moves, international moves or moves within the same state; however, a United Intermode representative can assist you with these types of moves.
Where will United Intermode park the trailer for us to load/unload?
United Intermode respects your property and to ensure we will not damage the driveway pavement, we will not park a trailer in your driveway. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that parking a trailer in your neighborhood is not violating any city ordinances. If necessary, obtain a permit or permission from city officials to have the trailer parked at your residence. For 48- and 53-foot trailers, make certain there are approximately five car lengths of space (approximately 75 feet) to park the trailer. The 28-foot trailer will require three car lengths (approximately 45 feet).
How big are the trailers you use for the ValueMove® move?
Depending on the size of your shipment, United Intermode will select an appropriate trailer. Your shipment may be transported on a trailer that is 28 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length. In addition, most of the trailers are at least eight feet tall and eight feet wide.
- Would we be able to ship our car?
- Can you move jewelry and other valuables?
- Can you move my houseplants?
- Can you move my pet?
- Do my appliances need special attention in order to be moved?
Would we be able to ship our car?
Yes. If you're interested in shipping a car, ask your ValueMove® Do-It-Yourself representative for rates.
Can you move jewelry and other valuables?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
You should plan to transport your houseplants in the family car or by other means. When deprived of water or exposed to extreme temperatures, many houseplants go into shock or die. Also, many states have strict regulations for transport of plants.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Pets cannot be carried on moving vehicles. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, we will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Do my appliances need special attention in order to be moved?
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums and icemakers should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move.
Literally, it is one foot (12 inches) in length of floor space in the trailer you are loading. Each linear foot is approximately eight feet wide, at least eight feet high, and one foot long. Each linear foot contains approximately 64 cubic feet of space. Customers have an average loading capacity of 400 pounds of household goods per linear foot.
To secure your shipment in the 28-foot trailer, a bulkhead, which is a sturdy temporary barrier made of boards that extends across the interior of a trailer from side to side and floor to ceiling, is installed.
- What information do you need to schedule my shipment?
- If our schedule changes, when and who should we notify?
- Are there any items that United cannot ship?
- Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process?
- When will the moving crew arrive on loading day?
- If our new home is not ready to move into, can we store our household goods?
- Will United move high-value items from my home?
- What should I do in the event of a claim or damaged item?
- When will the household goods inventory take place?
- What is included in the unpacking service?
- Am I, as the transferee, required to handle and sign all of the paperwork and make sure that the condition reports are correct, or since this is a company relocation, will they handle that?
What information do you need to schedule my shipment?
Your address (including zip code), phone numbers, and destination city and state are the primary informational items that are needed to get the moving process in motion. Other information, such as additional stops, unusual items to be shipped (cars, boats, tractors, etc.) also need to be identified at this time.
If our schedule changes, when and who should we notify?
Call your move coordinator as soon as possible, even if you do not know your revised move dates, so scheduling changes can be made.
Are there any items that United cannot ship?
Yes, before your possessions are loaded, it is important to understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent a hazard or are perishable. You can view a list of non-allowables in the Moving Tips section of this Web site.
For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, please visit the Non-Allowables section of this Web site.
Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process?
Yes, because you are the most important participant in the move.
- You will need to be present during all phases of the move: the premove survey, packing, loading, and unloading to assure that all items which you intend to transport are surveyed, packed, loaded, and delivered.
- You will need to do a final walk through at both origin and destination in order to:
- Make sure that everything has been loaded (origin).
- Make sure that there is no damage to the residence (origin or destination).
- If there is damage, exceptions MUST be noted on the paperwork prior to the driver or packing crews departure or the claim will be denied.
- You will need to sign all paperwork at both origin and destination.
When will the moving crew arrive on loading day?
Unless prior arrangements have been made, expect the moving crew to arrive by approximately 10:00 a.m.
- The move coordinator will be in contact with you prior to the pack and load days in order to notify you at what time the crews will be arriving.
- The driver may also contact you directly to inform you of his schedule.
If our new home is not ready to move into, can we store our household goods?
It depends on the moving policy of your company. United has found that many companies require that storage be authorized prior to the household goods being put into a storage facility. Ideally, storage arrangements should be made and finalized prior to the beginning of the move process. If storage is not authorized, storage arrangements can still be made through the van line, and COD payment arrangements can be made if necessary.
Will United move high-value items from my home?
Yes however, United must be advised in writing that they are being included in your shipment. High-value inventory lists are provided by United Van Lines, and you should receive one at the time that the visual survey is completed. This form needs to be filled out "before" the first crew's arrival to your residence. Appraisals, at your expense, may also be required. Items that are typically considered to be "high-value" in nature include:
- Antiques
- Oriental Rugs
- Art Collections
- Silver and Silverware
- Crystal
- Tapestries
- Figurines
- Televisions and Stereos
- Furs
- Video Cameras
What should I do in the event of a claim or damaged item?
First, bring the damage to the driver's attention. Secondly, you should contact the move coordinator that is handling your move and make him/her aware of the problem. A claim form will then be mailed to you, or you will be forwarded to the appropriate claims manager for assistance.
The following information for an item will be needed when filing your claim:
- Inventory tag number
- Description/name of the item (including brand name)
- The nature and extent of damage, or if the item is missing
- The original cost of the item
- The year that item was purchased
- The value that you are placing on the item/the amount which you are claiming
DO NOT DISCARD ANY ITEM THAT IS DAMAGED UNTIL A REPRESENTATIVE HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT THE ITEMS. FAILURE TO HAVE ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION WILL RESULT IN THE DENIAL OF THE CLAIM.
When will the household goods inventory take place?
Immediately prior to loading, the driver will inventory, and he or she will note any unusual damage or wear to the household goods. The purpose is to make a record of the condition of each item. You have the right and should be present at this time to ask any questions and to view the items to which he\she is taking exception. You also have the right to make any notations which you feel are appropriate on the paperwork as well.
After completing the inventory, the driver will sign the paperwork and ask you to sign each page. It is important that before signing you make sure that the inventory lists all items in your shipment and that the entries regarding the condition of your items are correct. You have the right to note any disagreement that you may have. This can be noted in the "exceptions" space, which is located on the paperwork next to the item that is listed or you can make notes in the space provided at the bottom of the inventory sheet for "remarks/exceptions." When your shipment delivers and check-off is complete, your ability to collect from the mover on any loss or damage may depend on the notations which you make.
The driver will provide you with your own copies of the Bill of Lading and a copy of each page of inventory. This paperwork is the "receipt" for your goods. At the time that your shipment is delivered, it is the transferee's responsibility to check items delivered against the items listed on your inventory as they come into your new home. If new damage is discovered, make record of it on the inventory form. Call the damage to the attention of the driver, and request that a record be made on the driver's copy of the inventory. The driver does not have to be the one to note a damage or exception on the paperwork – you can, and have the right to, make any notations or exceptions that you feel are appropriate.
After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you again sign the driver's copy of the inventory to show that you received all items that were listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that the proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for your goods. Again, the driver will give you a copy of the completed inventories and Bill of Lading at destination. Please be sure to retain both the origin and destination copies of the paperwork for your records.
What is included in the unpacking service?
Unpacking includes the carrier removing your belongings from the cartons, and placing them on a flat surface. The transferee is then responsible for putting the items away. For example, when a dish pack from the kitchen is unpacked, the items will be unwrapped and placed on any available counter space or table tops and the packing paper and carton will be removed. The unpacker is not responsible for putting things into their final storage place.
Am I, as the transferee, required to handle and sign all of the paperwork and make sure that the condition reports are correct, or since this is a company relocation, will they handle that?
As the transferee, you are the one responsible for handling all paperwork – THESE ARE YOUR POSSESSIONS. Just as you do in your profession, when you act as an agent for your company, you must make sure all documentation is complete and correct, as well as assure that all items are accounted for. It is your responsibility to make sure that these elements are handled correctly during your relocation. If you have any questions please, contact your move coordinator for clarification and explanation. Your signatures, exceptions, and notations on documentation are very important.