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Things to
know for a successful interstate move.
Click
on links below to help navigate.
Planning
Your Interstate Move
Your
Move Coordinator:
We want your
move to be the best ever! That's why we have assigned a Shannon Transport's
Customer Service Representative to be your personal move coordinator
throughout your relocation. Your move coordinator will assist you with
planning the details of your move, including a comprehensive pre-move
orientation over the phone, communicating your employer's policy concerning
household goods and answering any questions you have. This person is
your Shannon Transport contact for any questions or concerns you may
have. Please call anytime!
Pre-Move
Survey:
An important
step in the pre-move process is the in-home interview and survey. A
Shannon Transport or Atlas representative will schedule a visit to your
home to determine the requirements for your move. It is important for
you to be there to personally discuss the move process. Please allow
45 minutes to complete the survey. The interview and survey have several
purposes:
- estimate
the weight of the shipment
- estimate
packing requirements
- identify
special service needs, such as appliance servicing, crating, shuttle
service, etc
- determine
access logistics - elevators, stairs, etc
- review
your responsibilities & discuss your needs and concerns
Customer
Responsibility Statement:
Prior to your
move, you will receive a Statement of Customer Responsibilities/Inventory
of Items of High Value. The purpose of this form is to determine
the total value of a shipment and to assist Atlas Van Lines in determining
items needing special handling and protection. Your signature on this
form at origin verifies that you are aware that certain items cannot
be moved and that boxes you have packed yourself do not include prohibited
items. At destination, your signature on this form verifies that you
have received all items listed on the Inventory of High Value Items.
In Case
of Emergency:
Shannon Transport
has a 24-hour, toll-free number in case of emergencies. After business
hours, a recording will tell you how to get the assistance you require.
Frequently
Asked Question:
Q. "Do
I have to be present for the pre-move survey?"
A. Ideally,
yes. If at all possible, one person (adult) from the relocating family
should be present to answer the surveyor's questions and to make sure
your concerns are addressed. If you cannot be present, please select
a representative who is familiar with your move plans to act on your
behalf.
Q. "What
will the surveyor need to see?"
A. The surveyor will
need to see any household goods that we will be responsible for moving.
This includes items in closets, attics, under beds, and remote storage
locations.
Q. "Will the
surveyor be able to confirm my move dates?"
A. No. The surveyor does not have the authority
to set, change, or confirm your move dates. Please communicate any requests
to your personal move coordinator.
Helpful
Hints:
-
Be
present for the survey. If you are not able to be present, select
someone to act on your behalf. Make sure this person is familiar
with your move plans and can answer any questions that may arise.
-
Be
prepared to show the surveyor everything you are going to move.
This includes items in attics, under beds, in sheds, and at remote
storage locations or other family or friends' homes.
-
Find
out from your local authorities if any moving regulations exist,
such as restricted parking or access to your home. You are also
required to make arrangements for parking. If you live in an apartment
or condo, you may be required to move only on certain days of the
week at certain times, or management may require you to reserve
an elevator or loading dock.
-
Start
thinking about disposing of items you do not need or do not want
to take with you to the new location. They will only increase the
weight, which eventually increases move costs.
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Origin
Services
Origin
services consist of taking the necessary steps to prepare your household
goods for safe transportation. Depending upon your needs and what services
you or your company authorize, they may include packing, crating, furniture
disassembly, and disconnecting appliances.
Your
Responsibilities at Origin:
It is your responsibility
to be present during the packing and loading of your shipment. The driver
will ask you questions about your shipment. You are required to sign
documents releasing your household goods into our custody and care.
To fully prepare for the crew's arrival, we suggest you:
- Identify
items you do not wish us to handle. We suggest placing them in an
empty closet or bathroom - instruct the movers not to pack this area.
Post-it notes are great, too!
- Advise
your move coordinator of any changes since your survey was performed.
Did you add or eliminate items since the survey?
- Allow
refrigerators and freezers to defrost at least 24-hours prior to loading
and wipe dry. To avoid unpleasant odors in your refrigerator, place
a nylon stocking filled with charcoal, fresh ground coffee, or baking
soda in each compartment. Donate or give away foods & perishables
- we cannot move them.
- Do
not plan to travel the day of the move. Plan to travel the day after
the move and pack what you are taking with you two days before the
move. Leave your telephone and electricity hooked-up until the day
after loading.
- Disconnect
computers, stereo systems, and other electronics. Remember, however,
the driver has the right to request the operation of these items in
his presence to ensure items are in proper working order.
- Discard
your grill's propane tank or have it professionally emptied and tagged.
Do the same with air tanks.
- Drain
lawn mowers and other small gas engines of oil and gas.
- Items
in attics, crawl spaces, and at remote locations should be brought
to an accessible area. If this cannot be done, your move coordinator
can arrange an extra pickup or provide extra labor.
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Packing
& Loading
Your move coordinator
will discuss your packing and loading schedule with you once your move
dates are set and the pre-move survey results are received. Again, it
is extremely important for you to be present during this time.
- Frequently,
we are asked to utilize original cartons for electronics and other
special household items. We will only use cartons in good condition.
- Items
going into storage need to be packed in cartons.
- If
you decide to pack some cartons yourself, please use the original
cartons or boxes the movers have provided - ordinary boxes do not
usually hold up during shipment. Do not seal the boxes containing
any high value items; the driver needs to inspect them prior to loading.
Make sure you have completed the Inventory of Items of High Value
prior to the crew's arrival.
- Think
ahead of time about which items will go into storage. Remember not
to store things you might need later, like winter or summer clothes.
Consider important documents, like birth certificates, passports,
tax records, etc.
- Sell
your house faster by getting rid of unwanted clutter. Ask your move
coordinator to explain clutter storage and its cost before your move.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q. "Are
there any items that can't be moved?"
A. There are several
items that cannot be moved in our vans. The driver will refuse to accept
these items, so be prepared to handle these items yourself.
aerosols
combustibles
ammunition |
flammables
perishables
paints |
cleaning
agents
plants |
Several
items are not covered under transit protection (valuation). Plan to
take these items with you: jewelry, computer software, collections -
coin, stamps, baseball cards, etc, irreplaceables, currency, rare items,
furs, and important documents.
Don't
forget to take items you will need in transit with you such as airline
tickets, papers for school enrollment, home closings, etc. We suggest
you set aside a special carton for these items and label it "DO NOT
LOAD."
Q. "What about
my appliances?"
A. Some items like washers, dryers, refrigerators
with ice makers, grandfather clocks, and pool tables need special services.
Your move coordinator can help to arrange these services.
Q. "Do the
movers disassemble the beds?"
A. The movers will disassemble beds and bed
frames with the exception of waterbeds (see Special Services). Any other
items the driver and crew need to disassemble for safe transportation
at origin will be reassembled at destination. Items you disassemble
at origin are your responsibility to reassemble at destination.
Q. "My household
goods are going into storage. Is there anything different I need to
do?"
A. Keep the following things in mind if your
household goods are going to be stored for any length of time :
- Do
not put items in storage that you may need to access before the final
delivery of your household goods. Your household goods will be stored
in palletized storage vaults in an Atlas Van Lines agent's warehouse.
Your goods will not be readily accessible to you during this time.
If you need to access your storage vaults, you will be charged a fee
for warehouse labor. If you do your own packing, please remember all
storage items must be packed in a carton. Empty all contents of dressers,
chests, and drawers.
- If
we move your car, you must pick it up when your household goods are
delivered to storage (unless specified otherwise). Do not pack items
in autos we are shipping.
- Before
packing begins, make sure you tell the driver which items will be
going to storage. He will inventory and load the shipment accordingly.
- Segregate
or designate items for delivery to a temporary residence.
Q. "What if
my plans change?"
A. If your plans change and you need to amend
your delivery information, please call your move coordinator at the
24-hour, toll-fee number as soon as you learn of the change. Many times,
delivery information needs updating as a result of changes in home closing
dates, temporary living, extra pickups, etc. Your driver is required
to contact you 24 hours before arrival time. During this call, he will
confirm the delivery information. If you need the driver to make an
extra stop at a temporary living location, please communicate this to
your move coordinator.
Q. "How will
my furniture be protected against soiling?"
A. Shannon Transport has a mandatory shrink-wrap
policy. The crew will shrink-wrap all fabric pieces, such as sofas and
chairs, and wrap the items with furniture pads. This policy is highly
effective in protecting furniture from damage and soiling.
Q. "What papers
will I need to sign?"
A. The movers will request your signature
on several forms throughout the move. These forms release your shipment
to our custody and professional care and acknowledge the performance
of service. Your signature is required before the truck leaves your
old home and when the move is complete at your new home. Common documents
include:
- Descriptive
Inventory - lists each box by size and each piece of furniture
by name and its condition at origin. Your presence is required because
the driver will note existing damage to your household goods on this
form. Your signature verifies that we have accepted these items to
load into the van and you are aware of any pre-existing damage to
your household goods. Keep your copy of this form! You will need it
to check off delivered items at your new residence.
- Auto
Inventory - lists condition and mileage of transported auto(s)
at origin and destination. Your signature verifies that we have accepted
the car to load and you are aware of any pre-existing damage to your
auto.
- Packing
Services Report - serves as a record and authorization form for
special services performed, such as packing.
- Bill
of Lading - lists dates, services, and actual charges for the
move. It also notes the valuation you agreed to use.
- Statement
of Customer Responsibilities/Inventory of Items of High Value
- assists customer in determining the total value of the shipment
and verifies the shipment contains high-value items like antiques,
paintings, art etc.
- Additional
Services Performed at Origin/Destination Service & Delivery Report
(ASPOD) - serves as proof of the performance and satisfactory
completion of additional services at origin or destination.
- Sub-Contractor
Form (Third Party) - verifies the performance of services by non-Atlas
Van Lines personnel (e.g., appliance disconnect/installation)
Read the forms
completely. If you have any questions or do not understand the information
on the forms, please contact your move coordinator.
Moving
Your Car:
If we are moving
your automobile, we will transport it inside the enclosed van with your
household goods or on a car carrier. We will determine the best mode
of transportation for your needs. The driver will inspect the auto with
you at origin, noting any existing damage and the odometer reading on
an auto inventory. Your signature on this inventory verifes this information
is accurate. At destination, you will inspect the vehicle with the driver.
He will ask you to sign a release and the inventory again. Remember:
- The
vehicle must be in operating condition with less than 1/2 tank of
fuel.
- You
cannot ship anything inside of a car.
- You
should wash the auto just before the move date.
- Provide
the driver with a set of keys and the vehicle's registration.
Helpful
Hints:
Professional
packing or loading varies in time. Make yourself available throughout
the entire process. Make arrangements for your pets to be out of the
way during this time.
Segregate items
you are transporting before the crew arrives. This saves time
and errors. Keep your important documents and other items you
need before we deliver your household goods in a box marked "DO
NOT LOAD." Set aside a carton for items you want unloaded first,
like your telephone, a child's favorite toy, bathroom products,
etc.
Perform a final
walk-through of the interior and exterior of your home with the driver
after loading is completed. This ensures nothing was left behind. Shannon
Transport is not responsible for items left behind after you have signed
the required paperwork.
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In
Transit
Your
Responsibilities:
Make sure you
are accessible to your move coordinator while your goods are in transit
to your new home. Please leave a telephone number where you can be reached
- your current number or an alternative number. Our dispatch personnel
will notify you of the date and time of arrival of your household goods.
It is also your responsibility to arrange elevator or loading dock reservations
or any other access requirements to your residence.
When
to Expect Your Household Goods:
Every move is
assigned a spread of dates for determining loading, hauling, and delivery
time frames. The "spread" is based on the size and weight of your shipment
and the mileage from origin to destination. Spread dates are needed
for scheduling and efficiency purposes. The mover is responsible for
communicating the time frame or "spread" for delivery. It is your responsibility
to be available during the entire delivery spread period. For example,
if the delivery spread is determined to be a Monday through Wednesday
in a given week, you must be available to accept delivery anytime during
this time period. Your driver will contact you 24-hours before your
household goods arrive. Advise your personal move coordinator of alternate
contact information so we can inform you of exactly when your household
goods will arrive.
If Shannon Transport
cannot locate you or a representative you authorize to act on your behalf,
your shipment will be taken to the nearest Atlas Van Lines agent for
temporary storage until you are available to accept delivery. You may
be responsible for paying resulting storage and delivery charges. Consult
your move coordinator for details.
Helpful
Hints:
- Be
available during the entire delivery spread.
- Have
a backup plan in the event your home closing is delayed.
- Provide
Shannon Transport with accurate delivery information like phone numbers,
zip codes, etc.
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Delivery
What
to Expect at Destination:
When the delivery
crew arrives, the driver will provide copies of the original inventories
given to you at origin. Use the driver's inventories to check off each
item as it is brought into your new home. This is extremely important
because it is the source of important claims information. Failure to
check the inventory form may result in the denial of any claims for
missing or damaged items. Notify your move coordinator of any damage
to your goods or cartons at this time.
The crew will
unload the van and place the furniture and boxes in the room or area
you designate. They are instructed to place the furniture once. Any
movement after the initial placement is considered rearranging and is
subject to additional labor charges. It is a good idea to have a rough
sketch of where you want your furniture placed before we arrive to avoid
confusion at the time of delivery.
All items disassembled
at origin will be reassembled at destination. Certain items may have
required specialists to disassemble and prepare them for shipment at
origin and reassembly at destination. Your move coordinator can arrange
reassembly services.
You should check
off the inventory as your household goods are unloaded to make sure
you have received all items and note any problems. The driver will perform
a final walk-through to ensure delivery was performed to your satisfaction.
This includes noting any missing items or damages on the inventory.
Post-Move
Evaluation:
Shannon Transport
will mail a post-move evaluation your new address after your move. We
appreciate your feedback because we use the evaluation results to improve
our services. This evaluation also appears on our website - How
was your move?
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q.
"Will the movers unpack the cartons?"
A. Unpacking is defined as the removal of household
goods from cartons the mover packed at origin. The crew places these
items on a flat, visible area such as a table or countertop. The movers
will then clean up the debris and empty boxes and remove them. Cartons
packed by owner will not be unpacked by the movers.
Unpacking
does not include putting dishes in cupboards, books on bookshelves,
or hanging clothes in closets. These services fall under the definition
of maid service and can be arranged separately if you choose.
Helpful
Hints
- Do
not schedule the closing of your home and household goods delivery
for the same day. You need to be present for the entire delivery.
Also, delays in closing could possibly mean placing your household
goods in temporary storage.
- Check
each item on the inventory as it enters your new home. Inspect the
condition of your high value items while the driver is present.
- Try
to avoid delivering your furniture to a home that is under construction.
Access for a tractor trailer is difficult without a paved driveway
or street.
- Be
prepared to tell the crew where items belong. It is a good idea to
have a diagram of where you want your furniture placed.
- Read
and sign all documentation at delivery. Your signature verifies you
understand and agree with all the information on each form. Contact
your move coordinator if you have questions, or if the terms and conditions
are unclear.
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Storage
Storage
in Transit (SIT):
Storage in transit,
or SIT as it is commonly called, is the temporary warehousing of an
interstate shipment. SIT usually becomes necessary when you have not
secured a destination residence. SIT may also be planned in advance
for convenience reasons. Whether the shipment is stored at origin or
destination, SIT means that the shipment is taken to the nearest Atlas
Van Lines agent for temporary storage until a final destination is available.
Refer to your company move policy to determine storage authorization
for your shipment.
Permanent
Storage:
When SIT
expires after 180 days, the shipment must be converted to permanent
storage. Though the shipment did not move or change locations, its conversion
to permanent storage now makes it the responsibility of the warehouse
where it is stored. This means: 1) responsibility for the shipment transfers
from Atlas Van Lines to the local agent's warehouse, 2) rates and charges
may change and are subject to the local prevailing rates, 3) valuation
is subject to change, and 4) changes in the billing procedure may occur
because the account is held with the local agent. If SIT charges are
billed to you, Atlas Van Lines will notify you via certified mail in
advance of SIT expiration. Your move coordinator can assist you with
the conversion.
Delivery
from Storage:
As soon as you
have a date in mind for your shipment's delivery from storage, communicate
this information to your Shannon Transport move coordinator. Your coordinator
will make the arrangements for you. If you have an outstanding balance
on your move, your shipment will not be released until the balance is
paid.
Accessing
Storage:
Atlas Van Lines
storage facilities are very different from those of the self-storage
variety. Your shipment will be stored in palletized storage vaults.
To access your shipment, you must contact your move coordinator for
an appointment. There is a fee for accessing your vaults because of
the labor required, so check with your Shannon Transport move coordinator
about the costs involved. We suggest planning ahead - do not put anything
in storage that you may need during that time.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q. "My
household goods are going to storage. Is there anything different I
need to do?"
A. If your household goods are
going into storage for any length of time, you need to keep the following
things in mind:
- If
you do your own packing, please note that all items going into storage
need to be packed in a closed box. Empty the contents of all dressers,
chests, and drawers.
- Most
warehouses are not equipped to store automobiles. You must pick up
your automobile when your household goods are delivered to storage.
- Before
packing begins, make sure you tell the driver which items will be
going to storage. He will load the shipment accordingly. Optimally,
storage items should be clearly marked and separated.
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Valuation
Valuation
(Transit Protection):
Valuation is
a mover's term for transit insurance. Its purpose is to provide protection
for you against any loss or damage. There are several types of valuation
available to you. Your Shannon Transport move coordinator will discuss
these options with you.
High
Value Items:
A high value
item is an item generally considered worth more than $100 per pound
of its weight. For example, if a lamp weighs ten (10) pounds and is
worth $1,000 or more, it is considered a high value item.
Movers are permitted
to limit their liability for loss and damage to articles of extraordinary
value unless the transferee specifically lists the article on the Statement
of Customer responsibilities/Items of High Value Inventory form
and presents it to the driver before packing begins. You should have
bills of sale or appraisals to support the item's value should loss
or damage occur.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q.
"How is my home protected against damage?"
A. In the event that any damage to your residence
occurs, Shannon Transport is fully insured. Please contact your move
coordinator as soon as possible to make arrangements for repairs. Your
home's banisters, floors, and doorways will be protected with the best
equipment available.
Q. "Does valuation
cover my car also?"
A. Liability is generally limited to the repair
of the automobile up to the value of the vehicle. Value is determined
by using the industry standard N.A.D.A. guidebook.
Q. "How does
storage affect valuation?"
A. The liability on an interstate move extends
to shipments going into an Atlas Van Lines storage location for a period
up to 180 days. When a shipment converts from temporary storage to permanent
storage after 180 days, we recommend that you secure a written statement
of the warehouse's liability. Liability ends at destination if the storage
facility is not an Atlas Van Lines storage location. In the case of
intrastate, local, and international shipments, liability is under the
control of the warehouse where the goods are stored.
Q. "Which
household goods does valuation cover?"
A. Valuation covers all normal and customary
household goods while in the mover's custody and care. High value items
are covered if noted on the High Value Inventory form and a copy
of the form is presented to the driver before packing begins.
Q. "Which
items are not covered?"
A. Among the common items not covered under
mover's liability are: jewelry, collectibles - stamp, coin, baseball
cards, etc, rare documents, currency, computer software, hard drive
contents, stocks & bonds, etc
Valuation
does not cover mechanical failures unless there is external, transit-related
damage to the item. Electronics must be prepared for transport according
to the manufacturers specifications.
Filing
a Claim:
How to File:
If you have a claim, the first thing
to do is contact your Shannon Transport move coordinator. In most cases
your move coordinator will forward the information to our in-house claims
administrator. The claims administrator will issue a claim form. It
is your responsibility to complete it to the best of your ability and
return it. Then we assign the appropriate repair firm and/or work out
a settlement. Most claims are resolved within 30 days.
Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q.
"How much time do I have to file an interstate move claim?"
A. You have up to
9 months (270 days) after final delivery to file a claim unless your
goods were stored. If your household goods are stored in an Atlas warehouse,
you have up to six months (180) from the time the goods were stored
to file a claim. After six months, your shipment converts from temporary
to permanent storage. Each warehouse has its own policy concerning the
time allowed to file a claim. Get a copy of this policy if your shipment
converts to permanent storage. However, if you store your goods in a
self-storage, you have up to nine months from the time of delivery to
the self-storage facility. You must resolve all claims before your goods
are moved from self-storage.
Helpful
Hints:
- Make
sure you've finished unpacking before you file a claim for a missing
item. Many times, items are found during the unpacking process.
- Do
not throw away broken items until you've spoken with your claims representative.
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Special
Services & Other Concerns
Special
Services Available:
Shannon Transport
can arrange for additional services to be performed at your request.
We offer:
- Crating
for all types of objects
- Appliance
servicing
- Boat/Auto
transportation
- Maid
service
- Travel
reservations
Contact your
move coordinator to discuss your needs.
How to
Get Your Children Involved in the Move:
It's time to
move, the house must be sold, and another must be found. There are lots
of plans to be made and no time to make them. In all of the confusion,
parents may overlook the feelings and concerns of the children. To make
your move a happy and exciting experience for your children, try the
following:
- Let
your children ask questions. Allow them to express their likes and
dislikes.
- Get
some library books with moving-related stories or pictures for younger
children.
- Contact
the Chamber of Commerce for information about the new city.
- Contact
your children's new school and ask if you can initiate a pen pal program
for your child. When you move, your child will already have a friend
in the new city.
- Have
your children make lists of what they want to see or do when they
get to their new city.
Tips
on Moving Your Pets by Air:
The Humane Society
of America recommends asking the airlines if your pet can fly on board
with you. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, we offer these
tips:
- Have
your pet checked by a veterinarian. Obtain any necessary inoculations
and a health certificate. Affix a permanent identification tag and
travel tag on your pet's collar.
- Check
the airline in advance for instructions, reservations, special requirements,
and insurance coverage.
- Book
direct flights & travel on the same flight as your pet. Avoid
flying during extreme temperatures.
- Notify
the pilot and flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo hold.
Ask if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.
- Feed
your pet at least five hours before flight time and give it water
at least two hours before flight time.
- Leash
walk your pet at the airport and administer any medications. Fasten
the leash to the outside of the travel container.
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