FAQ Long Distance Move

When is the best time to move? If there is a choice, it is best to avoid the summer months, the end-of-the-month, or the end-of-the-year holidays. Those are the busiest times for a moving company when the heaviest demands are placed trucks and personnel.

However, our approved vendors are equipped to work with any schedule and will set up your move when it is most convenient for you.

When should I call a moving company? The earlier, the better! We recommend at least four to six weeks’ notice, if possible. The more lead-time you can give, the more likely your mover will be able to meet your preferred schedule.

Do I need an estimate? Yes. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of space your goods will occupy on the van. Bargain Relo customers can receive a free in-home survey, performed by a certified estimator, or for a ballpark estimate, visit our web site www.bargainboxesinc.com and click on the moving estimator tab.

Keep in mind that estimates (household goods surveys) are only guidelines. Total charges for interstate and intrastate moves are based on the actual weight of your shipment, the distance it travels, and the services that you authorize or which become necessary in order to handle your shipment.  Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required.

What is an Order for Service? Moving companies are required to prepare an order for service on every shipment transported from an individual shipper. You are entitled to a copy of the order for service when it is prepared. It will note the estimated charge of the move and any special services you require such as packing and storage as well as pick-up and delivery dates or spread dates.

Are movers obligated to move my goods for the estimate they quote? It depends on whether the estimate provided is a non-binding or a binding estimate. A mover is not required to provide an estimate to a shipper. However, if a shipper requests an estimate over the telephone or Internet, and the mover calls it an "estimate", it must be in writing. The mover may provide a non-binding or binding estimate and the estimate itself must clearly state whether it is non-binding or binding.

What do the following estimate terms mean: non-binding estimate, 110% provision/rule, binding estimate?

Non-binding Estimate
A non-binding estimate is only an approximate cost, it is NOT binding. It is based on the weight of the goods to be transported and the distance they will be moved. Since a non-binding estimate should be reasonably accurate and provide the shipper with a general idea of the cost of packing and moving the goods, a mover should physically review the household goods (by scheduling an onsite estimate) to be transported. Non-binding estimates should cover the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover may void the estimate or revise it. The non-binding estimate must be in writing and state that it is non-binding.

110% Provision/Rule
If the final charges exceed the non-binding estimated amount, the mover must deliver the household goods upon payment of the estimated amount plus 10% of that amount. The mover must then defer the balance due on the charges for 30 days. However, the mover may collect payment for unexpected charges or services upon delivery.

Binding Estimate
Binding estimates 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. It must be in writing and is usually based on constructive weight. If additional services are requested, or deemed necessary at either origin or destination (see glossary – accessorial/extras) the total cost will increase. Movers may use other terms to designate a binding estimate or set price, but all such estimates shall have clearly indicated on their faces that the estimate is binding on the mover. Binding estimates are valid for the time period specified. Up to 30 days.

What is a Bill of Lading? The bill of lading is the paperwork done on the day of the move. The mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The information on the bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading BEFORE loading your household goods. You must also sign the bill of lading. It is your responsibility to read the bill of lading BEFORE you sign it. If you do not agree with something, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it shows the service you want. The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested, and you must pay the mover the charges for the service. The bill of lading is an important document so be careful not to lose or misplace your copy. Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled.

What information and paperwork is the mover required to provide?

At the time of the Estimate and/or prior to the execution of the Order for Service:

• A copy of its written non-binding or binding estimate.
• A copy of the U.S. DOT publication, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move".
• Neutral dispute settlement/arbitration program information.
• Telephone number for the mover for inquires and complaints.

At the time when the Order for Service has been executed:

• A copy of the order for service after it has been signed and dated by you and the mover.

At loading time at the time of pick-up:

• A copy of the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill (and scale weight tickets when freight bill has been paid).

At unloading time at the time of delivery:

A copy of the completed Bill of Lading/Freight Bill (and scale weight tickets when freight bill has been paid).

What information do you need to schedule my shipment? Your address (including zip code), phone numbers, and destination city and state are the primary items needed to get the moving process in motion. Other information, such as additional stops and unusual items to be shipped (cars, boats, tractors, etc.), also must be provided at this time.

If our schedule changes, who should be notified and when? Call your move coordinator as soon as possible, even if you do not know the revised move dates.

How much will my move 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 will 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 (see "Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are In Transit?"), plus charges for any "accessorial" services (such as shuttles). These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules (see below).

What is a tariff?
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 the Household Goods Motor Carrier Bureau and include various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.

How and when should I pay?
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 shipment is determined by your mover and can include : cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's check or major credit cards

All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding estimates.

Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process? Your should. You are the most important participant in the move. You will need to be present during all phases of the move - the pre-move 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)
• Perform the inventory check-off, which ensures that all items are delivered.
• If there is damage, exceptions MUST be noted on the paperwork prior to the driver's or packing crew's departure, or the claim will be denied.
• You will need to sign all paperwork at both origin and destination.

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 "valuation" program you choose.

The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability. The liability for loss or damage is based upon 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.

Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, the 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.

Full-Value Coverage
Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in our care, they will either be repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the item.

Items Of "Extraordinary Value"
"Articles of extraordinary value" refers to items having a value of more than $100 per pound. All "articles of extraordinary value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form (this form will be given to you by your salesperson). Following is a partial list to 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.

Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers? Here is the rule: anything you leave in the drawers is not covered by valuation, and any damage due to the items being left in them is not covered either. So, common sense says lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie - may be left in the drawers. But 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. Check your contract for details.

What should I do in the event of a claim or damaged item? First, bring the damage to the driver's attention. Second, you should contact the move coordinator who is handling your move and make them aware of the problem. Notate damages on the paperwork, and file a claim according to your moving company’s policy.

If there is loss or damage to my goods, how much time do I have to file a claim? Although a claim should be filed as soon as possible, you have nine months from the date of delivery to file a claim. This means the claim should be in the mover's possession by nine months from the date of delivery, not postmarked by midnight on the last day of the nine months' deadline. You do not have to wait for a claim form if the mover has not sent one to you. If you wait to file beyond the nine months' time period, the claim is considered untimely by the courts.

Disposition of Settlement
U.S. DOT has no authority to adjudicate claims. If a claimant is not satisfied with the settlement offered by a mover, the claimant must seek recourse through the courts or through arbitration. A household goods mover must offer arbitration as a means of settling disputes on loss and damage claims. If a claimant chooses instead to bring a lawsuit against the mover, the suit must be brought within two years of the date the mover gave first written notice of the disallowance of any part of the claim.

Arbitration Information
Since January 1, 1996, all common carrier household goods movers have been required to belong to a neutral dispute settlement program that arbitrates loss and damage claim matters on shipments transported after December 31, 1995. If the dispute involved a claim for $1,000 or less and the shipper requested arbitration, such arbitration shall be binding on the parties only if the carrier agreed to arbitration (Section 14708, (b)(6) Title 49, U.S. Code). The limit for mandatory arbitration was recently increased from $1,000 to $5,000 for shipment transported after January 1, 2000 (Section 209 (b) Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999). Ask the mover which independent arbitration program they belong to. Remember that depending on the arbitration program, you should file your loss and damage claim quickly, anywhere from 60 to 120 days from time of delivery. The following organizations handle household goods loss and damage arbitration programs:

• American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA): web site - http://www.moving.org
• The Council of Better Business Bureau (BBB): web site - http://www.bbb.org

What should I know about the pick-up and delivery dates? Make sure the mover gives you a date or spread of dates on your order for service and bill of lading. Do NOT allow the information regarding these dates or spread dates to remain blank as this may delay your shipment. Make sure your order for service dates are transferred to your bill of lading unless you have made arrangements for another date or spread of days. If you see language showing a period of time, such as "in a few weeks after pick-up", or "as soon as possible", have it translated into specific calendar dates. Make sure these dates are on your bill of lading.

At Pick-Up

• BE SURE YOU RECEIVE A BILL OF LADING (Not just the inventory sheet) showing the name of the mover responsible for transporting your goods, along with the mover's address, telephone number and "MC" number.
• YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE to accept pick-up from the FIRST date to the LAST date on your pick-up spread of dates.

At Delivery

• YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE to accept delivery of your goods from the FIRST date to the LAST date of the delivery spread dates.
• Do NOT hold to any specific date the driver says. Do not depend on any specific date the driver gives you for delivery, as it is not binding. Only the date or spread of dates on the order for service and bill of lading are binding.

What should I know about the pick-up of my furniture? Make certain that you are present to oversee the loading of your furniture. DO NOT LEAVE!

• Look at the mover's description of your furniture on the inventory (initials items that are chipped, marred, dented, scratched, etc.). If you do not agree with the mover's description, you should make certain the items' conditions are listed on BOTH the driver's copy and your copy of the inventory sheet - more importantly on the driver's copy.
• Make certain that ALL of your furniture, cartons/boxes that are to be moved are listed on the inventory sheet.
• Make certain that you have a copy of the bill of lading, inventory sheet, order for service/estimate, household goods booklet, numbers to call, etc. Do not have these documents packed with your shipment.