Onsite Long Distance moving Quotes-What You Can or Should Expect

 

Long Distance Moves or Interstate moves are generally based on weight and distance so a visual onsite estimate by a professional moving company is definitely the best method to get an accurate quote.  It’s a good idea to get 3 different companies to come out and provide you with quotes for validity.  Understandably, movers probably wont’ want (or need to) come out and look at a small studio or 1 bedroom apartment but for anything 2 bedrooms and up, I’d get the onsite long-haul moving quote.  If you have a smaller move and only need a phone estimate, read Long distance Moving Quotes over the phone: What you can or Should Expect.

Just like with long distance moving quotes over the phone, you need to determine how much you need to move and the level of service required (packing, etc), the logistics of your current and future residence, and the distance between  two points (determined by zip codes).  Find 3 movers with good references, good Better Business Bureau Ratings, and set up your onsite estimates.  Schedule them separately so you can compare apples to apples.  When you schedule your onsite estimate, make sure you leave yourself about an hour for each moving company to complete.

When your move estimator arrives at your home walk with him/her and go room by room to determine what is going to be moved, and what services you require (packing, etc).  The estimator will record what furniture you are moving on a cube sheet (either paper or computerized) and calculate how many boxes you have or will have upon completion of the packing.   Accuracy is key; make sure the estimator visits all areas of your home; including all rooms, garage, basement, attic, cupboards, and closets.  This way you have a better chance of removing unwanted surprises and costs at delivery.

After you visit all areas of your home, your move estimator will either sit down and calculate the quote (which is good because then you can ask some service related questions) or get the quote back to you at a later day (by email, mail or another appointment).  The good part about having the quote completed onsite is convenience and that you will have a hard copy of your quote in hand.  Always make sure all long haul estimates are given in writing and spell out what services (and their related costs) are to be performed.  The long distance moving estimate should include origin and destination address (at least zip code) packing materials, and possible packing costs, Line haul (load, transport and unload charges), possible fuel surcharge, move day materials (furniture and floor protection) and insurance options.  Make sure you get insurance options and costs spelled out on your estimate.

The logistics of your current and future home need to be revealed to the long haul move estimator as things like flights of outside stairs, long distances to the home and even the possibility of a shuttle (or transfer of the shipment onto a smaller truck to unload or load) can all affect the price of the move.  The distance between your current and future residence is the easiest part of the quote as mileage is determined by zip code.

Once all of this information is received your long distance move quote can be completed.

Make sure you get specific (or at least a range) of load and delivery dates and your recourse if these dates aren’t met.  Also verify what type of quote, you are receiving adjustable (weight and distance), not to exceed (where the price can go down but not over a certain amount) or binding (the quoted amount is what you will be charged).

A good question to ask before choosing who will complete your long haul move is who will be hauling my shipment.  There are generally 3 different options.  A self haul is when the company or agent that gives the quote hauls the shipment, This has its advantages with regards to familiarity and potentially better communication.  The second option is a “system” move while the booking agent puts your move into their van line pool of shipments to be covered by a hauler within the van line family.  For instance a move booked by a local mayflower agent may be hauled by a mayflower driver from another state.  The third option is what’s called a brokered move where the mover who quotes and books the move can’t or won’t handle the move so they “broker” it to someone who can.  This can be a complicated process and great care should be taken if choosing his method.

With all onsite long haul moving quotes get everything in writing, sign all documents, and refer questions to the American Moving & Storage Association www.moving.org  at 703-683-7410 or to the FMCSA www.fmcsa.dot.gov (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)at 1-800-832-5660 .

Long Distance Moving Quotes Over the Phone: What you can (or should expect)

 

Interstate moves or what most people call “long distance” moves are based on weight and distance.  They can be priced as a space reservation or by an “expedited” rate but for our purposes we will figure that interstate shipments are rated on weight and distance if they cross state lines.  Similar to a local move estimate you need to determine how much you have to move, the level of service you require, (packing, etc), the logistics of your origin and destination, and the distance between the 2 points. 

 If you need a packing quote for packing boxes in addition to your move quote, I would strongly suggest an onsite estimate.  If you can’t do an on site estimate, make sure you go room by room listing everything both furniture, and packed or potential boxes.  If in doubt, count high.  Explain in detail things like how many feet of closet space you have (for wardrobe boxes), how many kitchen cabinets, and or storage shelves/book shelves you have, etc.  Give as much detail as possible and include garages, storage closet, etc.  The more detail you give on what you have gives the phone estimator a better chance to calculate the number and sizes of boxes accurately.  If you aren’t accurate and your shipment is larger, you risk having higher charges or what’s called an “overflow” where all of your shipment does not fit on the moving truck and other arrangements have to be made by the mover for what’s left over.  This is a potential problem, and should be avoided at all costs.  It’s not a bad idea to get 3 different moving companies to give you interstate phone estimates to establish the validity of the quotes.

The second part of the long haul moving quote process is determining the logistics of your current residence and your future residence.  Things like what floor you live on, how many steps it is up to your unit (if applicable) how close the moving truck can get to your house or building all factor into the potential costs.  If the moving truck can’t get within a certain distance of your residence, there may also be what’s called a “shuttle” charge where the shipment has to be transferred to or from the moving truck on a smaller vehicle (that can get closer to the residence).  Long twisting driveways, traffic and parking restrictions, and gated communities are things that can cause a shuttle (and its associated cost).  Building restrictions, dock restrictions, truck height restrictions, elevator rules all need to be revealed to the moving company to make sure there aren’t any surprises (and additional costs) at destination.

The final component of the interstate move quote process is the distance from origin to destination calculated by zip codes (so make sure you have your future homes zip when you call for a moving quote).

These three items should give a moving company enough information to provide you with a long haul moving quote.

There are, however, some things to request, ask about, and confirm prior to booking your move.   First, keep all email correspondence and get your quote in writing.  There are different types of quotes you can get so read the fine print.  You can get a quote for actual weight where the truck is weighed before and after to determine the actual weight of your shipment. You have the right the law to view the weighings (or re-weighings) if you desire.  You can get a ‘not-to-exceed” quote which means your quote can go down but will not exceed a certain dollar amount.  Lastly, you can get a binding quote which means what is quoted is the final price.

A good question to ask before booking a long haul mover is who will be hauling the shipment. This can be big in determining who will be handling your move. Ask if your shipment will be a self-hauled (moved by the company or agent you booked with), a shipment handled by another agent in the van line system(Allied, United, Paul Arpin, etc), or if it will be a brokered move where he person (broker) you book with determines which moving company will be moving your shipment.  Be very careful when booking a move with a broker, as sometimes control and accountability can be lost.  In all cases try to get a contact person who you can stay in communication with throughout the move. 

Depending on the size of your move, you will usually get a definite loading date, but “delivery spread” or window of dates that you will receive your shipment, or when your items will be delivered within.  Make sure you get a delivery “window” in writing and ask what your recourse is if those dates aren’t met.

With all contracts, make sure you read, understand and sign all documents you need to and if in doubt, direct questions or concerns to the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) www.moving.org at 703-683-7410 or the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration), www.fmcsa.dot.gov at 1-800-832-5660.

As stated before, on site long haul moving quotes can be more accurate than long haul moving quotes on the phone, buy if you follow these guidelines you’ll increase your chances of having a successful move.

WHAT IS A LOCAL MOVE, INTERSTATE MOVE, AND INTERNATIONAL MOVE?

Written By: Dave Hauenstein, Vice President, Compliance Services & Government Affairs-AMSA

 The professional moving industry is organized differently for different types of moves and it will help you to have a better move if you understand the differences.  First, there are important differences between local moves (called “intrastate” moves because your shipment does not cross state lines or enter into interstate commerce), long-distance moves (called “interstate” moves because your shipment crosses at least one state line and enters into interstate commerce that is regulated by agencies within the US Department of Transportation) and international moves (between the US and another country in foreign commerce regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission).

 Local or intrastate moves are regulated (or not) by the state in which the move occurs.  About thirty states have various degrees of regulation (some more than others) and the rest are unregulated.  Check the State Map on our website to see if you live in a regulated state and which office in your state oversees movers.  You can also find a list of state moving associations and state regulatory agencies on the www.protectyourmove.gov Web site that is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

 Local (intrastate) moves are generally based on a per-hour cost for the personnel and the number of vehicles that the mover provides (up to a certain distance, with longer distances based on the weight of your shipment and the mileage it is transported).  The level of liability that the mover will cover in the event of loss or damage is generally less than would apply for an interstate move.  Charges for interstate moves are based on the weight of your shipment and the distance that you are moving and are usually subject to higher level of liability by your mover in the event of a claim.  Charges for international moves are based on a combination of the land charges between your residence and the ports, the ocean transportation between the ports, and any additional customs, portage, or handling charges that may apply in the various countries transited.  For more information on international shipments, you may wish to contact the Federal Maritime Commission at (202) 523-5807 or at the complaints@fmc.gov Web site.

WHAT MOVES YOU? VEHICLE MAINTENANCE BEFORE YOUR MOVE

 

 Written By:  Maurice Schell, Automotivation Inc. - Lombard, IL

What moves you?  Your Car-It’s second nature to us.  We rely on our vehicles for everything from retrieving living essentials to vacationing.  During long distance moves or interstate moves, the maintenance of a vehicle is more important than ever.

Now that your Moving, did you give any thought as to whether your car is ready?  Have you been regular in the repair and maintenance of your vehicle?

Before you move you should do the following maintenance to your vehicle:

  • Complete Visual inspection
  • Check tire pressure, tread depth and age of tires
  • Inspect brakes for wear and fluid leaks
  • Pressure check cooling system for leaks and hoses for weakness
  • Inspect Serpentine belt or fan belts for cracks
  • Check physical condition of battery and cables.  Load test battery and alternator output
  • Perform starter draw test
  • Check engine oil-should be fresh or clean
  • Check transmission oil-should be red without “burnt smell”
  • Check that the engine is in the proper state of tune
  • Review all lights and signals
  • Scan vehicle computer for codes.  Any “check engine” light requires repair before your move

REVIEW VEHICLE HISTORY

Have you kept good records of your vehicle repairs and maintenance?  Did you have a relationship with your repair facility that can provide you a “history” of repairs with dates along with mileage?  Having a good history will help you when the time comes for your next repair.  Should a part previously installed in the vehicle fail, you might have a warranty; otherwise having good records can provide you peace of mind in your new town.  This preventative medicine can help your long distance move flows a little smoother and reduce your areas of concern by one.

 

75 WAYS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON LONG DISTANCE MOVES

If you’re using an interstate mover or moving yourself, here are some helpful tips to save time and money for your move.

DIRECTION AND PREP

  1. DO IT YOURSELF:  This not always the cheapest route to go.  If you decide you are not using a local mover or interstate mover, make sure you have proper help and equipment to do your move.  This can get very costly if you are not well prepared and know what you are getting yourself into.
  2. RENT A TRUCK:  If you are not moving with a moving company.  Make sure you reserve the truck well in advance of your move date.  Call and confirm your truck rental a week before and a day before.  Check with the rental company about down payments and additional charges for mileage, etc. ahead of time.  Inspect the vehicle at pickup, so you are not charged for someone else’s damage on the back side.
  3. GET FURNITURE READY:  The more stuff you have ready to go, disassembled, taken apart, broken down and wrapped up, it will speed up the moving process, and make things on move day go a little smoother.
  4. ELECTRONICS UNPLUGGED:  It is a good idea to unplug electronics, refrigerators, and appliances at least 24 hours prior to moving.  Make sure all items are at room temperature during the move.  Most manufacturers will recommend this especially when it comes to appliances .
  5. PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS:  This can save you money when you can’t move in directly to your new home.  Some companies will drop the container and pick up in all 50 states.
  6. FORGET THE PLANTS OR TAKE THEM YOURSELF:  Plants are more of a hassle than anything.  Most interstate movers will not take them due to state laws, pests or parasites on equipment, or equipment getting dirty.  Give them away or take them yourself if you cannot part with them.  A mover may charge if your plant tips in their truck, and their equipment gets dirty.
  7. JUNK OLD PAPERWORK:  Make sure you go through old junk papers.  Discard any old newspapers, magazines, mail.  These unnecessary items not only add to your packing, but may add to your moving costs also.  It’s a good idea to purge if you can.
  8. CLOTHING:  If you don’t wear it, get rid of it.  It’s a good idea to donate, or discard any articles that are not worn.  Rather than taking it with you and adding time to your packing, moving, and more money, donate, dispose, or give to someone who may be in need or a charity.
  9. CHILDRENS TOYS:  The old saying out of sight, out of mind is a good one to use when it comes to children’s toys.  Get rid of clutter, you can also donate items that the kids don’t need to a charity.  This is a good way to get your children get involved with helping other kids in need, if they are having a hard time parting with their unneeded toys.
  10. ADULT TOYS:  Same rule goes for adults, whether it’s exercise equipment, old cds, dvds, bikes, etc., if you don’t use it, why move it, this only adds to your moving costs, along with headaches by having to move bulky items, or not having a place for it.
  11. CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE:  Get rid of tools, and equipment that you do not use.
  12. FOOD:  It’s a good idea to try and use all the food in your cupboards, and eat everything up in your fridge, freezer prior to your move so nothing is wasted.  You can always go grocery shopping when you get into your new place and then it is one less thing moved.  You don’t want to move frozen or refrigerated items on an interstate move with household items.
  13. DISPOSE OR DONATE OLD RUGS AND FURNITURE:  Dispose or donate items that aren’t going to be used.  Local charities, Craig List, E-Bay or “to the curb” are options.  Remember one man may use what another man doesn’t cherish.
  14. SWINGSETS/TRAMPOLINES/KIDSOUTDOOR SLIDES/HOUSES:  This stuff will save you money especially if you leave them for the new owners.  If you have to take these items, it’s a good idea to have everything taken apart and ready to go.  This will save you time on your move along with moving costs.  Remember this will add weight to your shipment. If using a mover to do this portion of the move, make sure you let them know if disassembly and reassembly is required or not so they come properly prepared.
  15. POOL TABLES:  Hire a 3rd party service when it comes to your pool table for disassembly and reassembly or sell it with your home and get a new one at your destination, especially with long distance moving.
  16. HOT TUBS:  Have the hot tubs drained and ready to go, and if having your interstate mover take it, make sure they look at it ahead of time so it is included with your move.  You can view tips to move a hot tub article on assistance with this.
  17. MUSIC INSTRUMENTS:  Wait till after your move to have your instruments tuned .
  18. HAZARDOUS ITEMS, EXPLOSIVES:  Movers cannot take these by law, so dispose of them prior to your move.
  19. MOVING SALE:  Host a garage sale, moving sale, estate sale.  There are many people who will cherish your unneeded items, plus you can make some extra cash while doing so, along with helping someone else save some money.
  20. BASKETBALL HOOPS AND FLAG POLES:  Instead of going through the hassle of moving these items, leave them for the new owners, and include them with the purchase price, this will save you time and money on moving costs.
  21. POOLS:  Leave pools, do not move.  This will cause more headaches then you will want to deal with.
  22. CLEAN HOUSE:  Make sure you do a deep cleaning of your house; you can hire a cleaning service that specializes in moving out cleanings.  Make sure carpets, walls, appliances are clean and ready for the new tenants.  This can save you on additional fees that can be charged to you, or closing issues you do not want to deal with.
  23. MOUNTED SHELVES AND FIXTURES OF THE HOME:  Leave items that are built or mounted onto walls. You do not want to leave the new owners or tenants with lots of holes or damage to walls.  This will avoid unwanted charges to you because of repairs.

ORGANIZATION

  1. HAVE AN AGENDA AND BE ORGANIZED:  Have an action plan for the move day, closing times, picking up vehicle, babysitters, movers, flights, etc.
  2. CONTAINERS/BOXES/TUBS: Have all containers packed, closed up and sealed, so they are ready to go, and are able to be stacked.
  3. MARK BOXES WITH DESTINATION ROOM AND CONTENTS:  Mark containers on 2 sides of the box, also make sure to mark if the container is “fragile” or not.
  4. FLOOR PLAN:  Have a layout for where your furniture is going to in your new location.  This will save you time.  You may want to do a floor plan and measure out if big bulky furniture will fit, so you do not have to worry about storage, hoisting, disposing, etc.
  5. WARDROBE BOXES:  Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.  This is an inexpensive way to move clothing, and most moving companies will allow you to rent these inexpensively or include the rentals for free during your move.
  6. LEAVE CLOTHING IN DRESSERS:  Leave clothing in dressers, make sure they are not overstuffed, and that it is clothing only.  You do not want anything in drawers that will rattle around, no loose items, no valuables, nothing too heavy that will cause your drawers to get damaged.
  7. EMPTY DESK CONTENTS:  Make sure to pack items that are in a desk to avoid damage, and loss.
  8. MOVE JEWELRY AND HIGH VALUE ITEMS YOURSELF:  Make sure you move any valuables, jewelry, etc. yourself. Your mover is not liable for missing items if a high value inventory has not been performed.
  9. FILE CABINETS:  If it is a lateral, remove all contents, and if a 2 drawer or 4 drawer legal file, it’s a good idea to at least remove the top drawer or 2, depending on how full they are.
  10. MEDICINE:  Don’t pack your medicine in a carton that will be loaded on the truck or your movers will take.  Keep these items with you, or have enough to last you 30 days or a medicine container on hand.
  11. TRANSFER MEDICATION AND HAVE BACKUP REFILLS:  Make sure to have your medication transferred to your new pharmacy transferred and back up refills in case your new physician cant get you in right away.
  12. LOCKER CLEAN UP:   Clean out lockers (gym, work, etc) you do not want to leave your items and have to worry about having them shipped after wards.
  13. AVOID 411 CALLS:  Try 1-800-free-411 or looking items up in a phone book or internet if you have a computer.
  14. DO WALK THROUGH WITH LANDLORD AND BUYERS:  Do a walk through with buyers and landlord to avoid charges, take pictures or videos to confirm condition.
  15. COLLECT SECURITY DEPOSITS:  After doing a walk through, collect your security deposits.
  16. KEEP A FILE WITH CHARITY RECEIPTS, MOVING EXPENSIVE ITEMS:  Keep a file with charity receipts, moving expenses, home improvements, etc, you may be able to write these off on your year end taxes.
  17. CANCEL OR TRANSFER SUBSCRIPTIONS:  You can cancel or transfer subscriptions to your new location, so you are not paying unnecessary dues or not receiving what are paying for.
  18. CANCEL OR SELL MEMBERSHIPS:  You can cancel or sell memberships like clubs, gym, etc.
  19. TRANSFER ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND CLOSE ACCOUNTS:  Bank accounts, insurance policies, safety deposits boxes, etc, make sure this is all done ahead of time especially when moving out of state.
  20. UTILITIES:  Notify all utility companies of shut off and turn on dates, have appointments scheduled.
  21. CHECK HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND KNOW WHATS COVERED DURING YOUR MOVE:  This can help you make the correct insurance decision if you are using a mover.
  22. NOTIFY SERVICE PEOPLE:  Make sure you notify service people like cleaning services, lawn, pool maintenance, and discontinue services and pay your final invoices.

THE MOVER AND LOGISTICS

  1. ALLOW ENOUGH TIME WHEN SELECTING YOUR MOVER:  Make sure you give yourself enough time to select a mover, and you can research all options, and do the proper due diligence.
  2. GET MULTIPLE QUOTES:  It’s a good idea to get multiple quotes, especially when traveling interstate, make sure you get an on-site estimate, to compare pricing and services offered.
  3. SHOW THE MOVER EVERYTHING:  Make sure you are as accurate as possible, that way your quote is accurate.
  4. BE CAREFUL OF A COMPANY WHO OFFERS TOO MANY FREEBIES:  If it sounds too good to be true, most likely it is, make sure to get your quote in writing.
  5. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PETS:  Make sure you have arrangements made ahead of time for your pets especially when traveling long distance.
  6. ARRANGEMENTS FOR KIDS:  Make sure you have a plan for your kids on moving day.
  7. SELECT A MOVER BY GETTING REFERRALS, BBB, and LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES:  This will help you save time or stress by going with someone that is recommended to you or has a good background.
  8. VEHICLE SERVICED:  Have your vehicle service especially if driving long distance ahead of time.
  9. EMERGENCY KIT:  Have food, blankets, diapers, kid’s toys, favorite items nearby or at easy access to save time and money, also first aid kit is helpful also.
  10. HAVE ENOUGH CASH AND CREDIT CARDS ON HAND:  You never know when you will need to access cash or credit cards, also to have money if you are using mover to be able to pay for the services, truck rentals, fuel, etc.
  11. USED BOXES:  You can save money by getting boxes from grocery stores, friends, moving companies will sometimes sell them, etc, and this will save you from having to purchase new boxes.
  12. MOVING KITS:  Some movers will sell a moving kit, and will have everything you need for packing; this will save you on having to buy everything individually and is usually cheaper than having to buy them alone.
  13. MOVING BLANKETS/PADS:  Use quilts and moving blankets if moving yourself to avoid damages to your furniture.
  14. PAPER-PADS VS MOVING BLANKETS:  If having to move your items into storage, paper pads are a more cost efficient way of having your items wrapped; most movers will offer this to you, if not you should ask.  Paper pads are usually a 2 or 3 ply brown paper wrapping and is much less expensive than moving blankets.
  15. FLOOR PROTECTION:  Have floor protection down during the move to avoid damage. Rosin paper can be used for hardwood and can be found at a home improvement store.
  16. PARKING SPACE FOR TRUCK:  Make sure the truck is able to get close to the building or you may incur a charge for a shuttle.
  17. ELEVATOR RESERVATIONS:  Make sure you let the mover know there is an elevator, for long distance moves; there are sometimes additional fees for this, also confirm your elevator reservations with your building, your building may require a deposit or charge you for use.
  18. PEAK VS. NON PEAK:  Different times of the year for interstate moves can cost more than others; generally summer is usually busier than the winter, so rates may vary a bit.
  19. BACK-HAUL:  If you are not concerned when your items will arrive to, you can save some money by doing a back-haul (this is where your shipment is on a truck, with multiple shipments, and the moving company will tell you when they are picking up and delivering).  Call to get quotes from movers headquartered in your destination city.
  20. SATELLITE SYSTEMS AND TV MOUNTS:  Its easier and cheaper to leave, and purchase a new one than worrying with the hassle of moving them.
  21. BINDING QUOTE:  Get a binding or “not to exceed” estimate, some states will allow these as well as for local moves.
  22. GUARANTEED DATES OF DELIVERY:  Get exact dates of delivery so you are not wasting time and money trying to take scheduled days of work off.
  23. PAYMENT OPTIONS:  See if your mover has different incentives for payment terms.  Surcharges for credit cards or if cash discounts exist.
  24. PAYMENT TERMS:  Find out timing of payment terms.  Most interstate movers will not start unloading until payment is secured.
  25. WITNESS A REWEIGH:  Make sure you witness the weighing of the truck, also, make sure if the level of fuel in the truck’s tanks is the same at both the empty weight and loaded weight.  Diesel fuel weighs 5lbs per gallon.  An empty weight with empty fuel tanks combined with a loaded weight with full fuel tanks can affect the weight of a shipment by up to 1500lbs.
  26. TIPPING:  Although not mandatory, it is customary.  Don’t be pressured into tipping but if on a multiple day move, tipping part on the front end and part on the back can build rapport also.  If you do tip, have cash on hand, most movers will not want tips on credit cards or the extra step of a personal check. This again will show a friendlier attitude.
  27. DO A WALK THROUGH:  When doing a walk through, make sure all of your items are reassembled and parts are present, if you choose to reassemble it yourself, and that items are where you want them to be.
  28. INSPECT THE VEHICLE:  This can help show that nothing has been left behind.
  29. INVENTORIES CHECKED OFF:  Make sure if inventories have been used they are checked off.  It’s better to check off the inventory yourself for control purposes.  If items aren’t checked off the list on the bill of lading or circle etc and confirm with the driver or crew leader with signatures.
  30. PROTECT YOUR RIGHT AT THE END OF THE MOVE:  Sign all necessary documents.  Get copies of inventories.  Do a walk through with the crew leader to check furniture, walls, floor condition, any damages, or missing items should be on the inventories or bill of lading.  This doesn’t insure any remedy, but it doesn’t hurt. The type of insurance, etc you took with the mover does play a part but documenting damages, etc, helps assign responsibility.
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