When is the best time to 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 vans, equipment and personnel during these periods.
However, Armstrong Relocation 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.
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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.
Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill a van, it is often
necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. Each shipment is
carefully sectioned off from the others.
With the help of Armstrong's computer-assisted dispatching system, pickup and delivery
dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on
the van, as well as shipment weight.
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When Should I Call A Moving Company? |
The earlier, the better. Although the actual van assignment may not be made until a
few days before your move, it's wise to give Armstrong from four to six week's
notice, if possible. 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. 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 Armstrong, so that we 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, United Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority by the
federal government to move household goods among any of the 50 states. As a
motor carrier that held a certificate of authority on Dec. 31, 1995, United
Van Lines is automatically registered with the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) for five years after that date.
A local moving company ("agency") affiliated with a national van line such
as United may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments
within certain geographical areas.
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An Armstrong agent 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. Armstrong 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 Armstrong, 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 Armstrong.
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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 (see
"Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are In Transit?"), plus charges for
any "accessorial" services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by Armstrong at your
request. These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules (see below).
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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 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.
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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 "valuation"
program - Full-Value Coverage.
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be
adjusted and establishes the maximum liability. The liability for loss or damage is based
upon 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 Armstrong Relocation does not
offer insurance.
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Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage |
With this type of valuation, the 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.
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Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in Armstrong
Relocation'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. Armstrong will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.
Unlike other Armstrong "valuation programs," depreciation is not a factor in determining
replacement value.
Full-Value Coverage is available in dollar increments to fit
your needs at very attractive rates. Armstrong's total liability for loss or damage will
be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum total
declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by
$5.00.
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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 the Armstrong valuation program applicable to your shipment.
If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Armstrong'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 Armstrong representative.
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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 agent's warehouse. United 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 Armstrong
for information regarding storage arrangements.
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Will My Furnishings Remain Clean? |
United's exclusive Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The
Sanitized® feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, is an extra
measure of hygienic safety for your belongings. In addition to this service, United
protects your upholstered furniture with ClearGuardSM, a clear plastic material, before
they are wrapped with furniture pads.
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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 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, Armstrong 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 Armstrong for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home
Furnishings."
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Can I Pack My China, Glass and Crystal? |
Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items,
professionally packed by Armstrong. However, if you decide to pack these items
yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items
individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack.
Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two or three inch layer of
crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with
a soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest." Pack the heaviest items on
the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place
plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile,"
and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.
Cartons, paper and tape may be purchased from Armstrong for a modest cost. Also
ask Armstrong for a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."
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Can I Pack My Clothes In A Chest Or Dresser Drawers? |
Lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie - may be left in the
drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets,
which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave fragile
items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything
that might spill or leak.
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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 Armstrong 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.
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Can I Move My House Plants? |
Armstrong Relocation 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. Ask your agent for a copy of the
booklet "Moving With House Plants."
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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, Armstrong will be
glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask for a copy of the helpful
booklet "Moving With Pets."
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