When is the best time to move?
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer or the end of the month. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel from June through mid-September and at the end of every month. However, United Van Lines believes that you should move when it is most convenient for you. Factors involved in the decision may include:
- whether the move must be made immediately.
- transferring children during the school term.
- separating the family while the move is underway.
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 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 separated from the others. With the help of United Van Lines' 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. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your 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 alternative. You will be notified, in advance, of the loading date of your goods and the estimated date of arrival.
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Is a moving company "licensed"?
It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "certified." For example, William B. Meyer, Inc./United Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and, therefore, has the authority to move household goods between any of the 50 states.
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Do I need an estimate?
We 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. We will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. No estimate can be given 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 which you authorize or which become necessary to handle your shipment.
Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis or cubic footage basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required.
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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 or long carry), 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 providing for these additional charges will be prepared for your signature.
If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate, please discuss it with your William B. Meyer sales representative.
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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, plus charges for any "accessorial" services, such as packing and unpacking, performed by the United Van Lines agent at your request. These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules (see below).
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What is a tariff?
This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all moving companies that provide interstate transportation of household goods. The tariffs include all of the various services offered by each company and are on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission. You may inspect copies of the tariffs through your United Van Lines agent.
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How and when should I pay?
Tariff regulations require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at its destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).
Payment for your William B. Meyer, Inc./United Van Lines 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, DiscoverSM Card, VISA or MasterCard can be used to pay for your move, 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 nonbinding estimates.
If you have received a nonbinding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed the estimate, you will be required to pay no more than 110 percent of the estimated cost at delivery. Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10 percent, you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110 percent.
Payment of estimated charges plus 10 percent does not apply if goods are delivered into storage. If "storage in transit" at the destination is necessary, all transportation charges must be paid at the time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse. You will then be assessed storage charges based on a daily rate 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 United Van Lines "valuation" program you choose: Gold Umbrella or Blue Umbrella Protection.
The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of United. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier's 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 protection afforded by an insurance policy, you should see your insurance company representative about available coverages.
All articles of "extraordinary value" (items having a value of more than $100 per pound) in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form. Articles of extraordinary value might include jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, and silverware. In the event of a claim, any settlement regarding 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 United valuation program applicable to your shipment. If such an article is not listed on the form, the carrier's liability is limited to $100 per pound per article.
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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 United Van Lines 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, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges from the warehouse.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will also be an additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment. The type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether the shipment is held in "storage in transit" or in permanent (long-term) storage. Please ask your United agent for information regarding storage arrangements.
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Will my furnishings remain clean?
United Van Lines' 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.
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Do my appliances need special attention?
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to assure 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 by your local gas utility.
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 United Van Lines agent 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 a moving company. 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, 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 your William B. Meyer, Inc., or local United Van Lines agent for a modest cost. You can also ask the agent for a copy of the booklet, Doing Your Own Packing.
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Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing — such as sweaters, shirts, blouses and lingerie — may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items — such as books, table linens and sheets — which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave fragile items, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.
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Can I move my frozen foods?
Frozen foods can be moved, but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this topic with your United Van Lines agent. In most instances, we suggest shipping arrangements be made through local frozen food locker plants, especially for a long-distance move.
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Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
Items of "extraordinary value" — such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections — can be included in your shipment, provided you notify your United Van Lines agent 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?
United Van Lines 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 United agent for a copy of the booklet, Moving With House Plants.
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Can I move my pet?
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, your United Van Lines agent will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask for a copy of the booklet, Moving With Pets.
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Why trust William B. Meyer, Inc. for your household move?
- Cendant Mobility Winner of Partnership Award of the Year for 1999.
- Prudential Relocation's Northeast Supplier of the Year for two years in a row, 1997 and 1998.
- Packer Certification — 25/200 hours with employee accountability.
- Mover Certification — 25/200 hours with employee accountability.
- Highest Overall Performance Scores/Ratings by Distribution Magazine for four years in a row.
- Quality Programs/Process — United is recognized by several business books written on the subject of the "quality process." One book, The Service Edge, devotes an entire chapter to United Van Lines.
- Standards of Performance hold agents accountable.
- Quality Measurement Survey to monitor and maintain individual agency performance.
- Ranked highest in Customer Service/Financial Stability by Traffic Management magazine.
- Customer Service Pledge — United's Mission Statement.
- Employee Ownership/Accountability — Our people are financially responsible if damage does occur.
- Reward Recognition — Performance-based incentive bonus based on customer survey responses.
- Van Star ® Satellite Communication with our fleet.
- High-Value Inventory enables you to realize the true full value of an item if damaged. No $100 per pound limit.
- On-line shipment tracking to pinpoint the location of your belongings.
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