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What’s the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
Charges for out-of-state (Interstate) and for most long distance in-state (intrastate) moves are determined by the actual weight and distance. Rates are generally calculated by your mover's state or interstate tariff.
If you have received a guaranteed price (binding estimate) for your move, the total cost of your shipment will be determined by the weight and services that are performed for your move. You will be charged less if the shipment weight is less. The total costs of the combined weight and services will not exceed your estimate.
How are charges determined for an out-of-state move or a long distance move in my state?
Charges for out-of-state (Interstate) and for most long distance in-state (intrastate) moves are determined by the actual weight and distance. Rates are generally calculated by your mover's state or interstate tariff.
If you have received a guaranteed price (binding estimate) for your move, the total cost of your shipment will be determined by the weight and services that are performed for your move. You will be charged less if the shipment weight is less. The total costs of the combined weight and services will not exceed your estimate.
How are charges determined for local moves?
Most movers determine the cost of a local move on an hourly rate. The hourly rate is determined by the size of the crew, equipment and materials that will be needed.
Most movers require a minimum charge, usually a two or four hour minimum.
Should I schedule an appointment for a visual estimate?
You have the right to receive an estimate based on a physical (in-house) survey of your shipment. Under the regulations, your mover must base your estimate (binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed), on a physical survey of the household goods to be moved if the goods are located with a 50-mile radius of your mover’s (or his agent’s) place of business. You may elect to waive this requirement for a physical survey, but if you elect to do so, you must sign a written waiver of your rights.
Will my estimate be based on the weight of my shipment?
If you are receiving a non-binding estimate, the charges that your mover assesses on your shipment must be based on the actual weight of the shipment. Your mover may not lawfully assess transportation charges on shipments with non-binding estimates on cubic feet, volume, time (hourly), or on any basis other than weight. Also, the federal regulations require that shipment weights must be determined on a state certified scale with a copy of the weigh master’s tickets provided to you in support of the final invoice.
Will any other charges be added to the estimate?
Help the movers calculate
the cost of your move by showing them every single item
to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic,
basement, garage, shed, and closets and under beds.
Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing
and other services needed. Anything omitted from the
estimate but later included in the shipment will add to
the cost of the move. Also, be sure to tell you mover
about any conditions (narrow streets, steep hills, sharp
turns, or other obstacles) that may prevent the use of
his over-the-road tractor trailer at your origin or
destination residence. If the mover’s normal
semi-trailer equipment can’t make a safe approach to
your residence to accommodate the loading and unloading
of your shipment, an additional charge (called a
“shuttle charge”) may apply which compensates the mover
for using a smaller vehicle to transfer your shipment
between your residence and his semi-trailer.
Is it a good idea to get an estimate over the phone or the Internet?
You will find that an on-site estimate, based on a physical survey of the items that you plan on moving, will be more accurate than an estimate that you provide to your mover over the telephone or the Internet.
Will I have to pay a deposit to the mover before my move?
Professional movers generally don’t require a deposit before moving you, and if they do it is generally just a small "good faith" deposit. However, some scam movers or Internet brokers frequently require a large deposit. So, if a mover you are considering requires you to pay a big deposit to "hold your dates" or to insure "prompt service", you may want to choose another mover. Also, the FMCSA consumer regulations do not allow movers to require you to pay for your move before it takes place; instead, payment is due at delivery, when the truck arrives at your new home. (The FMCSA’s rules are designed to protect you and to insure that you receive your shipment in a timely manner. If you have paid for your move "up-front" through a large deposit, the mover may have less incentive to deliver your shipment on time and free from unexpected problems.)
Should I tip the mover? How much should I tip the mover?
It’s always difficult to decide on whether and how much to tip the movers. There are no set rules, so it’s up to you to decide what you want to do based on the service that you received.
Professional movers are expected to be careful to protect your belongings and the walls, floors and doorways of your home. Still, movers, just like any other service provider, always appreciate recognition for a job well done. Another nice thing to do is to provide beverages (water, sports drinks, sodas, but nothing alcoholic) and food (breakfast rolls, sandwiches, pizza, cookies) throughout the day. You should also advise the crew which restroom you want them to use.
How Do I File a Claim?
Call Future Moves if you need to file a claim for any
loss or damage to your shipment
(800) 205-9410. We'll help you get
started.
Why is it so important to check off my inventory?
In order to validate your
claim, during delivery you must check off your inventory
and record damaged or missing items on your inventory or
Bill of Lading. Make certain that you have your driver
leave copies of all documents, especially those that you
have recorded your missing or damaged items notes.
If
damage to your property is caused during loading or
unloading, these damages are also to be recorded on your
inventory or Bill of Lading.
If
you do not check off your inventory or properly record
damaged or missing items, your claim will be denied.
Do
not throw away any broken or damaged items until your
claim has been settled.
Are My Goods Insured if I Do My Own Packing?
If
you choose to do your own packing, your mover will be
liable for damages when their is damage to the container
(crushed, torn, open). You must record this type of
damage on your inventory or Bill of Lading during
delivery to validate your claim.
Do I need to unpack my boxes before my driver leaves to validate possible damage?
No. You may observe these items at a later time. If content damages are discovered, you will report these items on your claim form. Do not dispose of any items until you claim has been settled.
How Are My Household Goods Weighed?
Before your household goods are loaded, your driver will weigh his truck. This is called the "tare" weight. After loading your shipment, your driver will return to the certified scale to weigh again. This is called the "gross" weight. The difference between the "tare" weight and the "gross" weight represents the the actual weight of your shipment. What if I disagree with the weight that my shipment weighs?
If you are concerned about the accuracy of your household shipment's weight, you are entitled to request a "reweigh". Your driver will obtain a certified weight before unloading and return to the certified scale after unloading.
You must request a "witness reweigh" if you wish to be present during the reweigh. There is no cost for requesting a re-weigh, however, if the new weight exceeds the first weight by more than 10%, you will be subject to pay for the additional weight.
What if my mover is late?
If the mover fails to pickup and deliver your shipment on the agreed dates and you have expenses that you otherwise would not have experienced, you may be able to recover these expenses from the mover through what is termed a claim of inconvenience or delay. Ask your mover before your move what payment or other arrangements you can expect if your shipment is unduly delayed through the fault of the mover.
What happens if my shipment needs to be put into storage?
Often during a move, circumstances call for a shipment to be placed into storage. When this occurs, there are different types of storage that you may use and it is important to understand how placing your shipment into storage may affect your mover’s liability for your shipment.
What is "storage-in-transit"?
The most frequent type of storage is called storage-in-transit or simply "SIT". SIT storage occurs most often at destination (although it can also occur at origin or en route) when the mover arrives at your new home but for some reason you are not able to accept delivery (closing was delayed, the former tenants have not yet vacated the premises, etc.). During SIT, your shipment is stored in the mover’s warehouse and your mover delivers your shipment to your new residence when you’re ready. The mover will charge you for the storage provided and the delivery out of SIT to your new home. During SIT your shipment continues under the interstate bill of lading and your mover remains liable for any loss or damage that might occur during the SIT period and delivery out. SIT storage is generally limited to a period of 90 days (although some movers have longer SIT periods) and at the end of the SIT period the shipment reverts to permanent storage (discussed below). What is my mover’s liability for loss or damage if I use a self-storage facility?
It is important to
understand that your mover’s liability will be limited
to only loss or damage that occurred during your
interstate shipment. In other words, your mover’s
liability ends when your shipment is delivered into any
third party storage facility (not the mover’s own
warehouse) where you have rented space that is not
within your mover’s control. Your mover is not liable
for any loss or damage that might occur during the time
your shipment is stored at the third party facility or
later when your shipment is delivered out of the
facility locally to your residence. When do I pay the mover?
The regulations provide that when your mover arrives at your new home (or in some cases if your shipment is placed into a storage facility), he may collect the charges due before the shipment is unloaded from the truck.
How to I pay the mover?
Most movers require payment in cash or by certified or traveler’s check. Some movers also accept charge cards. Ask your mover before your move about the forms of payment that are acceptable. Do not assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover before your move. If you do not pay the charges due at the time of delivery the mover has the right to refuse to deliver your shipment and to place it into storage at your expense until the charges are paid. If your shipment is split for shipment on two or more trucks, the mover can require payment for each portion as it is delivered.
Your mover is not required to relinquish your shipment
until the estimated transportation charges (either the
charge shown on the binding estimate or not more than
110% of the charge shown on the non-binding estimate)
have been paid. Your mover will also collect the charges
applicable for any services that you may have requested
after the contract was executed that were not included
in the estimate. In other words, if you request more
services (additional services or added quantities) than
those included in the estimate, your mover may collect
full payment for those added services at delivery.
For example, if you received a non-binding estimate from your mover for $5,000, you would be required to pay no more than 110% of this amount (or $5,500) at delivery for the services and quantities listed on your estimate. However, if your shipment weighs more than the estimated amount, your mover will invoice you for the additional amount after your shipment has been delivered.
And, in the event that shuttle service is required, your mover may also collect for the shuttle charges at delivery - provided that the shuttle charges collected at delivery do not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the total charges due at delivery. Your mover will invoice you for any remaining charges after delivery.
Can I ship just a few items?
No shipment is too small for Future Moves. If you only have a few boxes, our ground/air transportation service is more economical and offers a speedy delivery compared to traditional van lines.
We also specialize in student moves, artwork and grandma's heirloom hand-me-downs. What's the difference between Carrier Liability and Replacement Value coverage?
Moving companies are required by law to provide general
liability coverage. There is no cost for this coverage.
Most mover's liability is sixty-cents per pound per
article.
If you have done your own packing and have recorded damages on your inventory or Bill of Lading, the general liability coverage will compensate sixty-cents times the estimated weight of the box that the damaged item was discovered.
Replacement Value Protection (RVP) is an alternative to General Liability. The cost for the coverage depends on your shipment's value and if you choose a deductible.
Most moving companies measure the value of your household goods multiplying the estimated weight times $5.00 per pound. For example, a 10,000 pound shipment would have a minimum replacement value of $50,000.00.
RVP offers to replace items that are damaged or missing using current market value. If the item can be repaired, your mover will pay for the repair. If the cost to repair is greater than the value of the damaged item, your mover will offer to cash the item out using current market values. Are there any Exclusions in my coverage?
Mechanical and electronic devices are not covered
under General Liability or RVP.
- Piano tuning is also an exemption as it is not considered transit related damage.
- Inherent Vice - To describe what inherent vice could mean, 1) Imprints from moving pads on wood furniture caused from wax buildup, 2) defects in materials used for manufacturing goods such as a laminate that has lifted and peels off during a move.
- Coins, jewelry and cash are also an exclusion.
What are other good sources of information?
You should also check out
the information available on the FMCSA’s
www.protectyourmove.gov website and on
the AMSA’s website
www.moving.org.
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