YOUR GILBERT MOVING FAQ’S ANSWERED

Becoming familiar with the most commonly used moving terms will make your relocation easier and simpler. Moreover, it will help you understand all the documents that you will need to sign, as well as your consumer rights and responsibilities. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions adapted from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Household Goods Guide.

1. Will I ever pay over the quoted estimate?

It depends whether it’s a Binding or Non-Binding Estimate which must be clearly stated. If it’s a Binding Estimate, it’s a legal agreement between you and the mover in the 85282 area of the cost to move the goods. The mover is legally obligated to follow the set price estimate that was agreed upon. Services may be added, and the cost for those services is due at delivery.

A Non-Binding Estimate can change, although these estimates should be reasonably accurate and provide you with a general idea of the moving cost. Typically, a mover will schedule an onsite visit and check out the goods for the estimate. If items are added or additional services requested, the mover may void the estimate or revise it.

110% Rule: If the final cost exceeds the Non-Binding estimated amount, the mover must deliver the 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. A mover is under no requirement to make an estimate to the shipper, so be sure all estimates are in writing.

2. What is an Order for Service?

This is a document authorizing the mover to ship your goods. It’s not a contract. It notes the estimated charge of the move and other special services asked for (like Gilbert packing and storage) — as well as pick-up and delivery dates or spread dates.

3. What paperwork and information is the mover required to provide?

At the time of the estimate and/or prior to the execution of the Order for Service, the mover must supply the following:

• A copy of its written Non-Binding or Binding Estimate
• A copy of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) publication, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”
• Neutral dispute settlement/arbitration program information
• Contract information for the mover for inquiries and complaints

Once the Order for Service has been executed, the mover must supply a copy of the Order of Service after is has been signed and dated by you and the mover.

At loading time at the time of pick-up, the mover must supply a copy of the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill (and scale weight tickets when freight bill has been paid).

4. What is a Bill of Lading?

The formal binding contract between you and the Tempe moving company near you for the transportation of household goods. It should be given to you before the mover loads your goods. It lists the dates, services, specific conditions and actual charges involved in the move.

The Bill of Lading is an important document, so don’t lose it. Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and any claims are settled. Read it very carefully, double-check all the details, and make sure you understand and agree with all the provisions in it before signing it.

5. If the mover does not pick-up or deliver my goods according to the dates provided what happens?

Gilbert Movers are required to meet something called “reasonable dispatch” requirements. This means the transportation must happen — within reason — during the scheduled dates, as shown on the Order for Service and Bill of Lading. Some things beyond a mover’s control, like weather, may be an acceptable reason for a delay.

Make sure the mover gives you a specific date or spread of dates on your Order for Service or Bill of Lading. Also, 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. Do not allow the information regarding these dates or spread dates to remain blank as this may delay your shipment.

6. If my shipment is not delivered as promised will I be compensated?

No, not necessarily. However, you may file an inconvenience or delay claim with the mover. Include receipts for lodging and food expenses for all days past the last day of the pick-up and/or delivery spread dates.

However, the mover is not obligated to compensate the shipper, so court action or arbitration may be required. If the mover refuses to pay or otherwise disallows any part of the claim, you can pursue a civil action within a two-year timeframe.

7. What types of insurance will I be offered?

Generally, Gilbert movers provide three types of protection of your goods in case they are lost or damaged.

Limited Liability:

This is the basic coverage required by law and doesn’t cost you anything. Under Limited Liability, the mover is responsible for 60 cents per pound per item for an interstate move.

Added Valuation:

This type allows you to collect the amount based on the current replacement value of the item, minus depreciation. The amount you pay for this coverage depends on how much you declare your goods are worth.

Full Value:

This insurance costs the most and covers the actual cost of an item’s replacement or repair, without a deductions for depreciation. Before purchasing coverage from the long distance moving company in Tempe, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it will cover your goods during a move and compare plans.

If there is loss or damage to your goods you have nine months from the date of delivery to file a claim.

8. If I do my own packing and something is lost or broken, is the mover still responsible?

Yes. The mover usually has a tariff provision that allows them to repack boxes or cartons if they feel they have been improperly packed — or if they will cause harm to the rest of the shipment.

The mover is also liable for any loss or damage caused during transit unless the sole cause for the loss or damage was due to any of the common law defenses:

• An act of nature
• An act of — or omission by — the shipper
• An act of public enemy
• An act of public authority
• Inherent vice (hidden defect, or the very nature, of a good or property which of itself is the cause of, or contributes to, its deterioration or damage).

Improper packing falls under an act or omission. Since the sole cause for the damage must be the act of the shipper, any contributory damage by the mover would void the common law defense — and the mover would be responsible. In other words, pack carefully.

9. What should I know about the pickup and delivery dates?

At pick-up:

Be sure to 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. It’s the driver’s responsibility to list the condition of your shipment on the inventory sheet; but, make sure the condition is listed on the driver’s copy as well. This is the time to agree or disagree with the mover’s description of the condition of your items. Make certain all goods to be moved are listed on the inventory sheet.

At delivery:

You’re responsible for accepting delivery of your goods from the first date to the last date of the delivery speed dates. Don’t depend on dates given to you by the driver. Refer to your Order for Service or Bill of Lading. It is your responsibility to list the condition of your shipment. If there are items missing or damaged, make an indication on the driver’s copy and your copy of the inventory sheet. Put an “X” on the boxes (at pickup) that contain breakables so that, at the destination, you can note the condition of the boxes.

10. What should I know about paying the movers?

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. If a shipment is delivered on more than one truck, the mover can choose whether to collect charges for each portion of the shipment as delivered or all at once.

Contact A to Z Valleywide Movers for your Gilbert packing and moving services. We are the #1 Gilbert moving company and can answer any additional questions you may have when preparing your next move as well as offer you a free moving quote.

A to Z Valleywide Movers – Michael Rodriguez
2316 E. Rawhide St.
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Office: 602-422-6409
Email: service@azvalleywidemovers.com
Website: https://www.azvalleywidemovers.com