Contact info
323-988-4243 (office line)
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Monday thru Friday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM –6 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
323-988-4243
Moving Reviews
Mission Statement
It is our mission to provide our customers with highest quality move as well as the fairest price on all of the moving services we offer. Our company will provide you with a team of experienced, friendly movers who are on time, in uniform, and highly knowledgeable regarding the best way to ensure the safety of your belongings. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction for every customer, every time. Our responsibility is to eliminate normal moving day stresses, and replace them with complete satisfaction. It is our hope that we provide you with the smoothest, least stressful moving experience possible, along with the secure feeling that choosing our company was the right decision.
Moving an Aging Parent
Relocating an aging parent can be very stressful for both you and the parent being moved. Here are 6 things to keep in mind when a move like this is necessary:
1- Include the parent in the decision as much, and as frequently as possible. The fact that they have to relocate their lives is hard enough on an elderly person, but doing so without having any say in the matter can make things much harder.
2- Consider the future. What might your parents need as they continue to age? By considering these things now, you can prevent complications further down the road when new needs arise.
3- Get a list of your parent’s wants and needs. Do your parents prefer a home with at least 2 bathrooms, or an extra bedroom for guests? Do they find it easier to walk on hardwood floors as opposed to carpets? Check for amenities such as close by parks, community centers and hospitals. Find out which things and attractions are important to your parents, and consider these when looking for a new location. This will give your parents a sense of ease and comfort when the move actually takes place.
4- Keep pets in mind. If your parents are pet owners, be sure to find a place that accepts their pets. Moving to a new location is going to be hard enough, but moving to a new place without their beloved pets will make the move ten times more difficult. Having a pet is a great way to keep aging parents busy and active, and taking that a way could affect their health in the long run.
5- Check with other residents of the assisted living homes that you are considering. Are they happy? Do they have any complaints? Address these things with your parents to be sure that the facility will fit your parents’ current lifestyles.
6- Check the quality of care. Will they have nurses available to check on them frequently or when needed? Is there a center for physical therapy on the premises? Maybe your parents enjoy getting together with other residents for bingo nights or other games and community gatherings. Check to make sure everything your parents might need is readily available to them.
By keeping these suggestions in mind, the relocation of your aging parents will become less stressful for everyone involved. Avoiding bumps in the road and stress altogether is near impossible, but the easier the transition, the happier the parents!
Moving Plants
Plants require special preparations prior to the move date. For customers moving out of state will most likely have to find a new home for their plants.
Most states have regulations that prohibit moving companies or individuals to transport plants across state lines.
Those customers that decide to take a chance and transport them with out doing preliminary homework are:
- taking a risk of breaking state law,
- having plants confiscated at the boarder,
- risking getting plants killed by weather conditions, lack of light, fresh air and water.
Customers moving within California - locally (under 100 miles) can ask movers to load their plants inside the truck. However, movers' main priority is to make sure that shipment fits inside the truck to avoid a second trip.
Plants are very delicate, can not stack on top of them - so they take a lot of space inside the truck. Usually, movers load plantslast, after all boxes and other goods safely secured inside the truck. In our experience we have transported (locally) many different sorts of plants, using wardrobe or dish pack boxes. Securing plants safely, and in some cases customers were assigned special trucks just to take care of their valuable plants.
Plants seem amenable enough. They barely move and they certainly don't audibly complain about anything. But they're actually very sensitive beings. And they will get as upset as your cat or dog about moving to a new place -- especially when moving involves spending a lot of time in a vehicle that's not temperature controlled.
-- What kinds of things should you consider when moving plants?
You may not be able to bring the plant at all if it's outlawed in your new area.
And if your plant is legal to make the move, you need to keep it moist and make sure the temperature of the vehicle is reasonable. What else should you do to make your plant's trip a comfortable one?
Five Important things to know about moving plants
1. Check the laws:
If you're moving to another state, federal and state laws may prohibit you from bringing a certain type of plant with you. In certain areas, plants may have to be quarantined or inspected to be certified that they are pest-free. Some states prohibit bringing any plants into the state. If you find yourself in a situation where you can't bring your plants with you to your new home, you'll have to give them up. You can give them to a friend or donate them to a willing institution. Or, you can even sell them. People have been known to buy plants off CraigsList.
2. If your plants are acceptable where you're moving, then you can let the movers move them. Professional moving companies are usually willing to move houseplants. But don't expect professional moving personnel to water your plants or give them any special care. So, if you're moving a long distance and will be on the road for a long time, you might want to put the plants in your own vehicle. You can look after the plants, making sure they're kept upright and remain in a relatively temperature-controlled vehicle. More about that on the next page.
3. Control temperature:
Most indoor houseplants cannot survive in temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1.1 degrees Celsius or higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius) for more than an hour, particularly if they are not wrapped. So if you are moving a long distance, pack plants in cartons and try to make sure they are moved in a heated vehicle and are not left in an unheated car or moving van overnight. That may mean you need to take the plants into the hotel room with your overnight if you're making a long car ride to get to your new home.
4. Prepare plants for transport:
Make sure plants are moist when they are packed for moving. They can usually survive for about 10 days without water. So you probably won't need to worry about watering them during the trip. If your plants are in ceramic or clay pots, those are heavy to carry and they're also breakable. So, it's a good idea to transplant your plants to plastic pots before the move. But even just moving them from one pot to another can be traumatic. So do this a couple of weeks before your move. That way the plant will get used to its new pot before it's put on the road.
5. Take cuttings from plants left behind:
If you can't move your plants because of space limitations, quirky laws or simply because you don't think they'll survive the trip, then consider taking cuttings from a few of your favorite plants with you. This is an especially nice thing to do with the plants in your yard that you don't want to dig out of the ground. To ensure sound transport, you can keep the cuttings in a plastic bag with damp vermiculite or peat moss. When you get to your new place, simply plant the cuttings in a new pot or in the yard.
A few weeks before you move assess all your plants you are planning to transport. Prune them, feed them and administer any pest control treatments to get them into peak condition. Think about the pots they’re in – if you’re worried about transporting stone pots, for example, re-pot the plants into plastic ones. Also, take some time to check that all pots are whole and not cracked. A cracked pot stands more chance of breaking in transit and thus damaging the contents. Make sure that the pots are not too big for the actual plant – this can cause them to move about and damage themselves.
On your moving day (or the day before if you’re pushed for time) make sure that none of the plants are water-logged and drain away any excess water. Pack them snugly (but not too tightly) into the boxes you have set aside and put some packing in place to hold them firmly. Point out to your movers that these boxes contain plants – although you won’t have any insurance coverage, they will still take a special care of the boxes. Plants in large pots should be wrapped in plastic or placed in bags – you can also wrap the actual plant in plastic to avoid damage and to keep the plant together. If you do this, be careful to make sure that the plastic is not tied together too tightly – they still need to breathe.
Safety of Driving Trucks
Moving trucks and tractor/trailer combination vehicles are heavier, longer, and require more driving skill than regular cars. This means that drivers of moving trucks must have additional knowledge and skills.
ROLLOVER RISKS
More than half of truck driver deaths in crashes are from truck rollovers. As more cargo is stacked in the truck, the center of gravity gets higher from the road. The truck becomes easier to roll over in a crash than empty ones.
There are a couple of things the drivers can do to prevent rollovers:
- keep the heavier cargo as close to the ground and the front of the truck as possible,
- keep cargo centered and spread out inside the truck,
- avoid the load from being off center to the side of the truck,
- go slowly around turns,
- avoid quick lane changes, especially when the truck is fully loaded.
STEER GENTLY
Trucks with trailers have a dangerous "crack-the-whip" effect. When you make a quick lane change, the this effect can turn the trailer over. There are many crashes where only the trailer has overturned.
If you make a sudden movement with your steering wheel you could tip over a trailer. Follow far enough behind other vehicles (at least one second for each ten feet of vehicle length, plus another second if going over 40 mph). Look far enough down the road to avoid being surprised and having to make a sudden lane change. At night, drive slowly enough to see obstacles before it is too late to change lanes or stop gently. Slow down to a safe speed before going into a turn.
BRAKE EARLY
Control your speed whether fully loaded or empty. Large combination vehicles that are empty take longer to stop than when they are fully loaded. When lightly loaded, the very stiff suspension springs and strong brakes give poor traction and make it very easy to lock up the wheels. When wheels lock, the trailer can swing out and strike other vehicles or it can jackknife very quickly. Allow adequate following distance and look far enough ahead so you can brake early.
AVOID TRAILER SKIDS
When wheels of a trailer lock up, the trailer will tend to swing around. This is more likely to happen when the trailer is empty or lightly loaded. This type of jackknife is often called a "trailer jackknife".
Recognize the skid. The earliest and best way to recognize that the trailer has started to skid is by seeing it in your mirrors. Any time you apply the brakes hard, check the mirrors to make sure the trailer is staying where it should be. Once the trailer swings out of your lane, it is very difficult to prevent a jackknife.
Stop using the brake. Release the brakes to get traction back. Do not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out the rig.
MAKE WIDE TURNS
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called offtracking. Longer vehicles will offtrack more. The rear wheels of the powered unit (truck or tractor) will offtrack some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will offtrack even more. If there is more than one trailer, the rear wheels of the last trailer will offtrack the most. Steer the front end wide enough around a corner so the rear end does not run over the curb, pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. However, keep the rear of your vehicles close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing you on the right. If it is hard to avoid completing your turn without entering another lane of traffic, turn wide as you complete the turn. This is better than swinging wide to the left before starting the turn because it will keep other drivers from passing you on the right.
Inventory of Household Goods
Any interstate or intrastate long distance moves or shipments going into movers warehouse for storage must have a written descriptive inventory of the articles prepared by your mover.
While there is no specific inventory form prescribed, the movers are free to design their own style form. The inventory form must identify each specific box, and every non-boxed item in the load.
The mover must mark every article with a numbered sticker. The number of the sticker corresponds to a line on the inventory form. Each article must also have a detailed description of its condition prior to it being loaded to the truck.
The mover must give you an opportunity to verify accuracy of the inventory and its description. If you disagree with any of the item's description, you should make your own notes on the form. After you go over the inventory, both you and the mover must sign and date it. You must receive a copy of the inventory forms and hold on to them until the delivery day.
At the time mover delivers your shipment, you must go over every article that goes off the truck to the inventory and check its condition and make written notes on the form. If there are missing items indicate them on the forms as well. This will not be an official claim for loss or damage, but it will certainly help when you are filing one with the moving or insurance company.
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The inventory forms have descriptive symbols, which help to describe condition of items at the time of pickup and delivery. Example: Item #1 - Wooden Chair - F, W.1, SC. F for faded, W.1 for badly worn top, SC for scratched. The customer should be actively participating in inventory and description of the items. In case you disagree with the movers assessment of your goods, you can make your own notations on the inventory forms.
Inventory of goods is kept attached to the contract with the shipment at all times, a copy of signed inventory forms are given to the customer. The customer should hold on to the forms until the shipment is delivered. This will give you a chance to go over the shipment's condition at the time of delivery.
Making notations on the inventory forms of the damaged or missing items will help you when processing claims. Making notations on the form doesn't constitute the claim, but will definitely help you when you do.
Hours of Service
Federal (Interstate commerce) and California (Intrastate commerce) have different rules for commercial drivers keeping hours of operations: daily and weekly.
| CONDITION | FEDERAL (Interstate) | CALIFORNIA (Intrastate) |
| Driving Time |
Driver may not drive for more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty. |
Driver may not drive more than 12 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. |
| On duty Time |
Driver may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 hours off duty. Driver may perform work, except for driving, after being on duty for 14 hours. |
Driver may not drive after been on duty for 15 hours. Driver may perform work, except for driving, after being on duty for 15 hours. |
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Multiple day on duty time limitations |
Driver is not eligible to drive after having been on duty for 60 hours in a 7-day period. However, if a moving company has commercial motor vehicles operating 7 days a week, the driver is not eligible to drive after having been on duty for 70 hours in an 8-day period. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. |
Driver is not eligible to drive after having been on duty for 80 hours in any 8 consecutive day period or if transporting farm products after having been on duty 112 hours in any consecutive 8-day period. |
| Off duty time |
After driving for 11 hours or being on duty for 14 hours, you may not drive again until dirver has had 10 consecutive hours off duty
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After driving for 12 hours or being on duty for 15 hours, you may not drive again until driver has had 8 consecutive hours off duty |
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Adverse driving condition |
Additional 2 hours of driving may be allowedif driver encounters adverse weather conditions which were not apparent at the start of the trip. |
Additional 2 hours of driving may be allowed if the driver encounters adverse weather conditions which were not apparent at the start of the trip. Regardless of the adverse conditions, you are not allowed to drive for more than 14 hours or after having been on duty more than 15 hours. |
For up-to-date HOS rules, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov or www.chp.ca.gov
Moving Contract
On the day of the move your mover must provide you with a copy of moving contract also known as bill of lading or freight bill.
The bill of lading is a key document since it contains all of the essential terms and conditions of the agreement between the mover and the shipper and serves as a legal contract. Bill of lading must stay with the shipment at all times.
The bill of lading provides information:
(1) About customer's valuation options, and in turn establishes mover's liability over the goods transporting in case of loss or damage.
(2) Provides identification of the mover.
(3) Date and time of pick up.
(4) Date and time of delivery.
(5) Tariff information (local or long distance).
(6) Customer name.
(7) Customer pickup and delivery addresses.
(8) Payment methods.
(9) Maximum cost of the move.
When the goods are unloaded at destination, the shipper must sign the bill of lading as to the fact that shipment has been delivered and the payment for it has been made.
INTERSTATE BILL OF LADING
INTRASTATE BILL OF LADING (California)
Pre-move Information
Interstate and intrastate movers are supposed to provide customers with additional information about their upcoming move.
At the time mover provides customer with an interstate quote, mover must also provide customer with US DOT brochure entitled "Ready to Move" and next before executing Order for Service and Bill of Lading mover must provide customers with FMCSA publication of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". Or at the time mover provides customer with an intrastate quote in California, mover must provide Public Utilities Commission booklet entitled "Important Information About Your Move".
Interstate customers must also be provided with:
- An accurate summery of the dispute settlement (arbitration) program;
- Finally, mover must provide customers with a written description of customer complaint and inquiry handling procedures, including where to direct written communication: the mailing address, the email, and fax number which can be used to file claims and/or complaints. Telephone number that customers can use to follow up on written claims and/or complaints.
LINKS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PERSONS MOVING HOUSEHOLD GOODS
YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN YOU MOVE
Arbitration
All interstate movers are required, as a condition of maintaining their interstate operating license to offer neutral arbitration as a means of resolving consumer disputes involving loss or damage. Under the statue, mover is required to provide customers with information about arbitration program before shipment is tendered to mover for transportation. Also, mover should be sure to distribute information regarding the availability of arbitration in claim settlement correspondence with the shipper to make sure that shipper has been fully advised of the arbitration program.
Customer Complaint & Inquiry Handling
The Department of Transportation requires each household mover to furnish to each potential customer a written description of the customer complaint and inquiry handling procedure established and maintained by the mover.
All complaints must be submitted in writing to the mover by certified mail, email, or via fax. The mover must acknowledge a receipt of such a complaint and respond with a settlement resolution.
Commercial Driving Laws and Regulations
CDL
Federal and California Motor Vehicle Safety Programs were created to improve traffic safety on our highways. As a result there were developed licensing and testing requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles which equal or exceeds federal standards.
It takes specials skills, professional attitude and experience to safely operate large trucks. Only professional drivers will receive and keep a CDL (Commercial Driver License), which is a proof of driver's professional skills and aptitude.
To operate commercial vehicles in California, one must apply for a CDL. The applicant must be a California resident. The driver need a CDL to operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles that require Class A or Class B license or Class C license with endorsements.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE
- A commercial motor vehicle is a straight truck or a combination of tractor and trailer used for transportation of property and:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVW) of over 26,001 pounds.
- Tows any vehicle with a GVW of over 10,001 pounds.
- Tows more than one vehicle of a trailer.
- Has three or more axles (excluding vehicles weighing under 6,000 pounds)
- Trucks that transport hazardous materials.
CDL EXCEPTIONS
- Drivers that tow trailer coach, when the towing is not for compensation. These drivers must get a noncommercial Class A license.
- Non-civilian military personnel operating military vehicles.
HOW TO GET CDL
In California - apply at any Department of Motor Vehicles the applicant must:
- Drive within California, for hire if you are 18 to 20 years of age. Drivers 18 to 20 years old may not engage in interstate commerce activities.
- To engage in interstate commerce (drive truck across state lines) the driver must be of 21 years of age or older.
- A driver applying for commercial license must submit to alcohol and drug testing. If refused the test, the CDL will not be issued or renewed.
A CDL driver must get a "medical card" completed by a U.S. doctor of medicine (M.D.)
REQUIRED TESTING
- Applicant must pass vision, knowledge (law), and performance (pre-trip and driving, if required) test to get original CDL. Law and vision tests may be required for renewals. A driving test is required:
- For an original CDL.
- To renew a CDL expired for more than two years.
The CDL law tests are:
Pre-trip inspection - demonstration of knowledge of specific features and equipment on the test truck.
Skills test - performance of skills that test abilities and controls to maneuver the vehicle. The test consists of exercises marked by traffic cones or markers.
Driving test - driving a DMV - specified route. The test time is about 90 minutes long, it includes left and right turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, rural or semi-rural roads, city multi-lane streets, and highway driving.
DISQUALIFICATIONS:
- If driver's class C driving privilege was suspended;
- Convicted of driving under influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Refuse to submit, or fail to complete a drug & acohol test.
MAXIMUM VEHICLE LENGTH
A maximum total length of a straight or single truck is 40 feet (including the cab and the box). The maximum length of the moving truck's box is 28 feet plus attic space over the driver's cab of another 3 to 3.5 feet.
A maximum total length of tractor and trailer is 75 feet.
MAXIMUM VEHICLE HEIGHT
The truck or trailer height limit measured from the surface of the road on which it stands, is 14 feet.
HOURS OF SERVICE
The drivers are required to comply with California's driver hours of service regulations when you are involved in INTRASTATE commerce. Intrastate commerce does not consist of:
- Crossing state lines;
- Transporting cargo that originated in a different state;
- Transporting cargo destined outside of California.
Federal hours of service regulations are to be complied with when involved in INTERSTATE commerce. Interstate commerce considered:
- Cargo originates out of state;
- Cargo is destined out of state;
- Any combination of the above.
Moving Insurance and Valuation Protection
INSURANCE
Prior to researching moving insurance companies, call your homeowners insurance and find out what type of moving protection is covered under your existing policy, and what options may be available to you and at what cost.
If you don't have homeowner's insurance or it doesn't cover moving you can research your options, starting by checking with your state's Department of Insurance. DOI will provide you all insurance companies that offer moving insurance in your state and their reputation, financial strength and claim settlement practices.
Select at least two reputable Insurance Companies and get quotes for the same type of policy you think you may need.
- Find out their claims process.
- Minimum and Maximum policies available.
- Deductible levels available to you.And premium costs for similar policies.
- Find out what is and is not covered under those policies.
- What type of limitations do you have.
- Do they offer insurance for storage in transit.
MOVER'S VALUATION PROTECTION
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Mover's Bill of Lading has an entire section dedicated to mover's liability over the shipment and customer's options. Customer has until the beginning of the move a decision, once decision is made the customer can not make changes to the contract.
Here are the costs of Valuation:
Basic Valuation is Free
Actual Cash Value - $1.15 per $100 of insurance protection coverage.
Full (Replacement) Value has three options:
- A. No Deductible - $1.60 per $100 of insurance protection coverage.
- B. $250.00 Deductible - $1.30 per $100 of insurance protection coverage.
- C. $500.00 Deductible - $1.10 per $100 of insurance protection coverage.
Level of mover's liability is the following: minimum of $5,000 or $5.00 per pound multiplied by actual weight of shipment, whichever is greater.
Example:
2 Bedroom house weighs approximately $6,500 pounds. Therefore, 6,500 x $5.00 = $32,500 coverage. Full Replacement Value with $500 deductible - 32,500 x 1.10 = $357.50 valuation payment. If movers damage a TV set worth $1,200, the customer that purchased the coverage in the example will get one of the following:
1. Get the TV repaired;
2. Replace that TV with a comparable model;
3. Or pay customer $1,200 less $500 decuctible, customer will get $700.00.
Here is the section out of mover's bill of lading contract
Moving Pool Table
There is a big variety of pool table, which come in different sizes and configurations. There are three commonly known tables:
- pool tables,
- billiard tables and
- snooker tables.
There are few basic steps that must take place to properly move a pool table. These steps include:
- Evaluation,
- Disassembly,
- Crating/Prepping,
- Reassembly.
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A. The specialist is going to spend time assessing current condition of the table, by making a list of preexisting damages. The technician may even take some pictures and file them with the list of the condition of the pool. This list will be signed by the tech and the owner to make sure there is agreement between both parties, and it is for protection of the technician and the mover from any false claim. All pool, snooker and billiard tables are designed in the same manner. They have a metal or a wooden base, which holds the slates are placed along with rails, bumpers, or boarders. Those tables that do not have slates or stone surface do not need to be disassembled.
B. Dis-assembly begins by removing rails and the pockets, exposing the bed of the table. The rails are covered by felt covered by vulcanized rubber, and pockets are usually made out of leather. The felt can be rolled off the table and safely packed away for the move. Do not fold felt, it must be rolled up to prevent creasing to become permanent. The next step is to remove the bolts that connect the slates to the frame of the table. The slates can now be crated. (Depending on the style and the age of the table there may be anywhere between one and 5 slates per table). Last step is to dis-assemble the base and the ball chamber located with in. All pieces of hardware are bagged and clearly marked.
C. Our pool specialists build custom wooden crates for each piece of slate (most modern pool tables have three pieces). Since the felt is normally glued to the slate, we do not wrap the slate or line the crate with cardboard. This prevents any wrapping material from sticking to the slate which could cause an uneven playing surface.
D. Reassembly is scheduled the day after the delivery of all of the parts to the room in which this table to be reassembled. The technician will review the table’s placement within the room to make sure that there is adequate space in order to play on all sides of the table. The table is assembled in reverse of the dis-assembly, starting with the table base and ball return. The most important factor is to make certain that the table is as level as possible to ensure proper play on the table. The slates are then un-crated, re-leveled and bolted onto the table, then shimmed to minimize any joints between the pieces of slate. The seams between the slates are filled with beeswax or plaster and the felt can be reattached and stretched onto the table. The tighter the felt is stretched the “faster” the table will play. Since the table speed is a matter of personal preference, it is important to have the owner of the table to be present to get their input during the assembly process. The final step is the attachment of the rails and the installation of the spots on the felt.
Terms and Conditions
Every moving contract also known as bill of lading has detailed descriptions of the terms and conditions of the contract between the shipper and the mover. These are industry standard terms developed by Department of Transportation to protect both the mover and the shipper. These terms are commonly printed on the back of the contract in small print, please spend time to familiarize yourself with it and fully understand your rights and responsibilities. If you have questions, make sure to ask your mover prior to the move day and before signing the contract. After you signed the contract you have agreed to all of the terms and conditions written on it.
Here is a copy of standard California Bill of Lading terms and conditions
Transit Time
Long Distance Carriers operate under no mandatory shipment transit times, neither by the statutes nor their tariff. The mover should strive to provide reasonable service expectations and to keep you informed of your shipments delivery time lines.
Your mover is not allowed to make unreasonable promises that can not be kept regarding pickup and delivery dates. The mover must keep you advised during transit and provide you with a 24 hours notice of date and approximate time of delivery. Keeping you informed as to delivery times, particularly, revised delivery dates.
"Reasonable Dispatch" is defined by the regulations (49 CFR 375.105) as long distance carrier's transportation requirement. This means that the mover is required to accomplish the pickup and delivery of the shipments on the dates requested, subject to circumstances that could not have been foreseen or conditions that are beyond of mover's control that may have caused a delay. While your mover may make every effort to see that the shipment is serviced on time, delays due to:
- mechanical break downs,
- accidents,
- road constructions,
- weather do sometimes occur.
- Also, multiple shipments are frequently transported together in the same trailer; and delays may occur due to another customer changes his or her plans for an earlier shipment that is already scheduled for the same truck.
If a delay does occur, and as a result you have expanses that otherwise would not have had, you can ask your mover to recover a portion or all of these expanses by filing an inconvenience or delay claim with the mover. The mover, however (much the same as airlines operates under delayed flight conditions) is under no contractual obligation to provide compensation for such delay claims. Unless your shipment was transported under "guaranteed pickup and delivery" provisions as oppose to "agreed pickup and delivery" provisions, your mover is not required to make such reimbursement.
"Guaranteed pickup and delivery" provision is more common on shorter distance deliveries, such as shipments with delivery distance of under 600 miles.
Keep in mind when you are researching your movers, not to make a decision strictly based on the movers provisions, make sure to research their overall reputation.
Moving Trucks
There are two types of moving trucks:
- Straight Trucks
- Tractor-Trailers
Straight trucks are used in local and long distance transportation of household goods with a limited range of distance.
Straight trucks handle smaller loads and are easily maneuverable in the city.
These trucks have 4 subdivisions by their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
- Under 15,000 lbs. GVW. 12' to 15' box trucks. Require a regular C-class license.
- Under 20,000 lbs. GVW. 16' to 20' box trucks. Require a regular C-class license.
- Under 26,000 lbs. GVW. 24' to 28' box trucks. Require a regular C-class license.
- Under 35,000 lbs. GVW. 26' to 30' box trucks. Require a special B-class license, must pass a written test at DMV.
Tractor-Trailers are used mainly for long distance transportation of household goods with a long range of distance.
Tractors pull different size trailers. Most common are 48', 51' and 53' trailers. Moving trailers are made by Kentucky Company and known as Kentucky trailers.
All trailers are built to pull up to 80,000 lbs of goods, the largest trailer fits close to 6,000 cubic feet of space. The tractors pulling them have sleeping quarters for a team of two drivers that can drive in tandem non-stop. They can get to from coast to coast in half the time it would take a straight truck, can pull 3 times the weight, while using about the same amount of fuel.
Long distance carriers use tractor-trailers for any load with a distance of over 500 miles. The loads are being combined by the mover's dispatch department with same destination. They are loaded appropriately inside the trailer and then are being delivered on the way to the farthest destination.
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Straight Truck
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Tractor-trailer
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12' - 14' Trucks
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20' -24' Trucks 26' - 30' Trucks
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Preparation
Start preparations as soon as you know you have to move!
- Chosen your mover and signed the acceptance note?
- Sorted through basement, loft and garage?
- Subscribed to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community?
- Made arrangements for storage if necessary?
- Asked your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records?
- Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised?
- Started using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved?
- Resolved what to do with prohibited items?
- Changed the locks on all the doors in your new home, if the new home is ready?
- If you are moving yourself, did you reserve a rental truck for your selected moving day?
- If you are packing yourself, did you obtain packing materials from uBoxes.com and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at your new house?
- Arranged for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting?
- Arranged for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary?
- Checked with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit?
- Made proper provision for pets?
- Decided whether or not you are taking your car?
- Disposed of the things you don't want to take?
- Started to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address?
- Notified banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions?
- Started to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation?
- Applied for any necessary visas?
- Checked that electrical goods will work in your new home?
- Separated favorite toys?
- Made sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date?
- Arranged for mail to be forwarded?
- Decided whether or not to buy any new household goods - check tax refunds?
- Decided which clothes travel with you?
- Started to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture?
- Agreed an insurance value and terms with your mover?
- Made arrangements of connection of services at your new home?
- Returning library books?
- Canceled milk, newspapers, subscriptions?
- Found new homes for your plants?
- Defrosted the refrigerator/freezer?
- Planned simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances?
- Separated luggage items you need for personal travel?
- Cleaned garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment?
- Emptied the tanks of powered tools such as mowers?
- Checked you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination?
- Collected travelers checks or local currency?
- Arranged for someone to look after the children on moving day?
Moved Day:
- If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
- Note all utility meter readings.
- Make sure to go over all items with movers and sign inventory report and get it's copy for yourself.
- Keep paperwork safe until the delivery will be made, each item will have to be accounted for.