When should I call a moving company?
The earlier, the better. Although 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 your 123moving.com agent, who can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.
Do I need an estimate?
A 123moving.com agent 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. Your 123moving.com agent 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.
What is a binding estimate?
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 either 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 your 123moving.com agent.
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, 123moving.com 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 123moving.com'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, 123moving.com 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, 123moving.com 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 123moving.com 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 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 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 the 123moving.com agent at your request. These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules.
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 each household goods motor carrier and include its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request. *information from mayflower.com
So what can or can't I take with me?
Dispose of All flammable items, liquids, matches, lighters, solvents, paint, camping gas , corrosive chemicals , food, animals, extremely fragile items and others that should not be shipped. Anything that can deteriorate should not be shipped. If you have a question about an item you´re not sure about moving, just call and ask. .
Anything that is definitely a no-go area?
Well, mainly the things you might expect - drugs, alcohol, weapons, ammunition. Shipping certain high value items or collections may require you to purchase extra coverage
What about my car?
Our moving company does not transport cars as part of a regular local or long distance moves. However, we do recommend a very serious company, which specializes in this topic and has very satisfactorily helped our customers with their cars.
Suppose I pack myself?
Why not? But be aware of the potential problems. For instance, valuation coverage will not pay out on goods packed by their owner, unless the exterior of the box is damaged |
Auto Transport 