When
should I 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 trucks, equipment and personnel during these periods.
However, Shannon Transport 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.
When
Should I Call A Moving Company?
The earlier,
the better. 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
the moving company would be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
All moving companies, for their standard type of service, require alternate
pickup and delivery dates. They'll do their best, of course, to comply
with the dates you prefer or the nearest possible alternatives. 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 the mover to accommodate a more precise, reasonable
schedule. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements
with the mover you select, who can advise you regarding the types and
costs of services available.
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Is A
Moving Company "Licensed"?
It would be more
accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." For
example, many of the movers registered with Shannon Transport, have
been issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to
move household goods among any of the 50 states. A local moving company
("agency") affiliated with a national van line may also be
registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain
geographical areas.
Do I
Need An Estimate?
Qualifying movers
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. The qualifying mover
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.
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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 or
a "long carry" from the street to residence), 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 the movers you
contact.
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 or Depreciated Coverage, plus charges
for any "accessorial" services (such as packing and unpacking)
performed by the movers at your request. 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 each household goods motor carrier
and include its various services. The tariffs are available for your
inspection upon request.
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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 Mover 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, Discover 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 Mover "valuation"
program you choose. The valuation option you select determines the basis
upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability
of Mover. The liability of Mover for loss or damage is based upon Mover'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 your mover might not offer insurance.
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Released
Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type
of valuation, Mover's maximum liability for loss or damage to any article
in the shipment is generally 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 Mover's care, either
they will 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. Mover will determine the appropriate settlement
method to be used. Unlike other Mover "valuation programs,"
depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value. Full-Value
Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to
fit your needs at very attractive rates. Mover's total liability for
loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment.
However, in general, the minimum total declared value must be at least
equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by $4.00.
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.
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 Mover valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an
article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Mover's maximum
liability is limited to $100 per pound per article. 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.
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.
If the box on the Bill of Lading is not completed, your shipment will
be considered released at a declared value based on the total weight
of your shipment multiplied by $1.25 per pound. A charge will be added
to your moving cost, and claims will be settled taking depreciation
into account. For a full description of the Full-Value Coverage, Depreciated
Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please ask your Mover.
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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 Mover's warehouse. Movers 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 Movers for information
regarding storage arrangements.
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, icemakers and the pickup
arm on a phonograph should be securely fastened for shipping. 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 Mover for the
booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."
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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 Mover 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.
Can I
Move My House Plants?
Movers 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.
Can I
Move My Pet?
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 Mover
will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely.
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