Moving Terminology You Should Know Before Signing a Contract

6 years 0

Moving is stressful, whether you’re moving from one apartment building to another building down the street or moving half-way across the world. It can also be shockingly expensive. Because of this, it is imperative that you know certain terms of the moving trade before you sign a contract. Here are some of them:

Bill of Lading

These are also called delivery papers. When the movers come to pick up your belongings, the driver has a bill with him that states how many vans and movers there are. The driver then goes through your house and inventories your belongings. It is very important that you note the condition in which he lists your things. Among the notations the driver may add are:

BR: Broken
BU: Burned
CH: Chipped
D: Dented
G: Gouged
M: Mildewed
PBO: Packed by owner
SC: Scratched
Z: Cracked

Make sure you agree with the driver’s assessments, then carefully go over the bill of lading with them. It should have:

The name and address of the moving company
Your name and address
Your new address
The date
If an out-of-state move, the company’s US DOT number.

You should also check the pick-up and delivery dates.

Check the start time.
Check that the bill lists the correct number of containers.
Check if there are any extra charges and if they are correct.
Check if the movers are charging for packing or unpacking.
The type of insurance should also be written down.

You should also:

Check the finish time.
Find out what the job hours are for the company.
Find out the travel time.
Find out if the moving company charges for overtime.

You should have answers to all of these questions before you sign the bill of lading. The bill should also be signed by the mover.

Estimates

An estimate is provided to explain how much the move is going to cost you. It’s a good idea to get estimates from several moving companies before you decide on one. A representative from the company will come to your home free of charge to look at your belongings and give you an estimate of what the move should cost. This is the in-home estimate. If the mover does not want to do an in-home estimate or does not offer one for free, find another mover.

Other estimates are:

Binding estimate: Once this estimate is written down and signed by both parties, it can’t be changed. Some movers charge extra for this.

Non-binding estimate: This estimate can be revised, but you should still get it in writing. There should be no charge for a non-binding estimate.

Method of Payment

Some movers don’t accept personal checks. They do accept cash, bank and traveler’s checks, money orders, debit cards or credit cards. Some movers require that your credit card be pre-approved before they load up the truck.

Non-allowable List

Some people are shocked that the movers generally will not transport their beloved houseplants. Houseplants are among a slew of items that are on the mover’s non-allowable list, which also includes dangerous chemicals and even furniture that can’t fit through a doorway. This kind of furniture, such as a grand piano, is best handled by a special mover.