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How soon should I call a moving company?
The earlier, the better. 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. As your moving broker, 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 American Moving Services representative, who can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.
Do I need an estimate?
An American Moving Services consultant 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 weight of your goods. Your American Moving Services consultant will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. There is no charge for the estimate. See the "What is a Not-to-Exceed estimate?" section below.
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.
What is a Not to Exceed estimate?
The estimating process here at American Moving Services is based on a Not to Exceed estimate. This type of estimate is called various things by various movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result is the same --- an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, a Not to Exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing and is binding on the carrier.
Not to Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for the services outlined on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates with the tariff charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment, with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts. When you accept a Not to Exceed estimate, the move is performed at actual weight based on the tariff rate levels, with the binding estimate representing the maximum charge that you will have to pay.
Will American Moving Services arrange for the shipment of high-value items from my home?
Yes; however, American Moving Services must be advised in writing that they are being included in your shipment. High-value inventory lists are provided by American Moving Services agents. If for some reason you do not receive it please notify your coordinator and one will be provided for you. This form needs to be filled out "before" the first crews arrival to your residence. Appraisals, at your expense may also be required.
Is a moving company "licensed?"
It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." For example, American Moving Services has been issued a certificate of authority as a broker by the federal government to arrange household goods moves among any of the 50 states.
American Moving Services only works with carriers registered with the US Department of Transportation and who maintains good standing with all agencies governing the moving industry.
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.
What types of payment are available, and when is payment due?
A deposit is necessary for securing your reservation. Your deposit represents a portion of your total move cost. This is paid to American Moving Services by personal check or money order prior to your move.
The remaining balance is due upon delivery to the carrier (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing). It must be paid using certified funds (ie. Cash, Cashiers Check, Postal Money Order). In addition, American Express Card, Discover Card, Visa or Master Card can be used to pay for your interstate moves only, with advance approval required prior to loading. (Unless other billing arrangements have been made.) Personal Checks are not accepted.
Are my household goods protected against loss or damage while they are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon your assigned carrier "valuation" program you choose - Full-Value Coverage or Released Rate Liability (60 cents per pound per article).
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of the carrier for loss or damage is based upon your carrier 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 American Moving Services does not offer insurance.
Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, your carriers' maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 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 any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while under your carrier Interstate authority, it will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by the carrier, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement. An additional charge applies for this option. Your assigned carrier will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.
Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates. Please contact your assigned carrier for more information.
What are 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. Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, the following list should help you identify items that might fall under this classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware. 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 your assigned carriers valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, your carriers maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article. If you are not shipping any items of high-value, sign the form and print the word "None" in the inventory list.
You must select the valuation program, and you must write your choice in the "Valuation" box on the Bill of Lading provided by your carrier in your own handwriting.
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 American Moving Services agent's warehouse. American Moving Services agents 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 American Moving Services agent 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, ice makers and the pickup arm on a phonograph should be securely fastened for shipment. 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 Carrier for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."
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