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Moving Guide When is the best time to move? How long does it take to move? When should I call a moving company? Is a moving company "licensed"? Do I need an estimate? What is a binding estimate? Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit? How and when should I pay? Can my possessions be stored temporarily? 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, NDM&S believes you should move when it is most convenient for you. Factors involved in the decision may include:
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 United'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. 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 weeks' notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your delivery schedule. All moving companies, for their usual 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 alternative. 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 lease expiration or a real estate closing, you may choose an extra-cost service that will enable us to accommodate a reasonable schedule. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your NDM&S representative, who can advise you of the types and costs of services available. Is A Moving Company "Licensed"? It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." For example, NDM&S Moving & Storage - Agent for United Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority to move household goods between any of the 50 states. As a motor carrier that holds a certificate of authority, NDM&S Moving & Storage - Agent for United Van Lines is automatically registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). NDM&S 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. NDM&S will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. An accurate estimate cannot be given 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. 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 or long carry), 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 providing for these additional charges will be prepared for your signature. 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 NDM&S 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. If moving locally, other payment options may be available. 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 depends upon the "valuation" program you choose. The option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. Please contact us for more information on the programs available. 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 NDM&S warehouse. United affiliates 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, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges from the warehouse. If your goods are placed in storage, there will also be an additional charge for the valuation protection coverage provided for your shipment. 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 contact us for information regarding storage arrangements. |
