Inventory of Household Goods

An inventory or inventory report is a list of household goods and their condition.

Movers are required to take inventory of your household goods when taking possession of the shipment overnight or longer. Long distance moves are considered any moves with a distance of over 100 miles. Due to the restrictions of the amount of hours drivers are allowed to stay on duty, most long distance moves are delivered on the next day or later than the pickup day. Some local moves that require movers to hold the shipment in their warehouse or on the truck for a later delivery, similar to the long distance moves, require shipment to be inventoried by the movers. While common for distance and storage moves, an inventory report is not normally prepared for hourly moves. As on hourly move you will be charged for the time it takes to inventory a shipment. And taking inventory of the shipment that is supposed to be delivered the same day is very uncommon.

A complete and specific inventory of your shipment is a business-like procedure for you and the mover.

The movers will use numbered and colored stickers, which will be used to tag your shipment. The stickers will all have the same color and the same lot numbers. This helps movers to keep shipments separated during consolidated deliveries, or for the shipments stored in transit.

Movers tag boxes, furniture and other items in the shipment with numbered stickers. After the item is tagged with the sticker it is then written into the inventory form next to the number representing the item. Movers also will note the item's condition before the move. Later, when shipment is delivered, each item should be inspected by you and the mover and any changes to the original condition of the items, such as damages or losses should be described next to the item as well. Make sure that you agree with mover's notations of the condition of your items. If you disagree, make your own notations on the form. It may be helpful to take pictures of the items which you disagree about.

The inventory forms must be signed by you and the mover on the day of pickup. The original report the mover will keep with the shipment and you will receive a copy of all inventory forms. You should hold on to them until the delivery. After the delivery both you and the mover must sign the inventory forms again, noting any damages or losses. Check all boxes carrying fragile and expansive items. Personal participation is encouraged during inventorying process as this will help you uncover damages and will simplify any future claims. However, failure to do so will not affect your right to file a claim.

Example of an inventory form

 

 

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Valuation Protection and Moving Insurance

When planning a local or long distance relocation it is important to know what type of liability has moving company over your goods. And what liability is included in the mover's quote at no additional charge and what you can get for extra protection of your goods and for how much.

Your mover is liable for the loss or damage to any household goods, except for a few of your actions that may limit or reduce your mover's liability under the following circumstances:

• You include perishable, dangerous, or hazardous materials in your household goods without your mover's knowledge.
• You choose the alternative level of liability (60 cents per pound per articles), but ship goods valued at more than 60 cents per pound per article.
• You fail to notify your mover in writing of articles valued at more than $100 per pound ($220 per kilogram).

VALUATION

In California movers offer 3 levels of protection:

BASIC COVERAGE at 60 cents per pound per article ensures recovery at 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the item or the box it's packed in. Thus, if an items weighing 40 lbs is lost or damaged, you can recover $24.00 for this item (40 x $0.60). This is a very limited protection your goods are probably worth considerably more. This coverage is included in your mover's rates.

ACTUAL CASH VALUE protection ensures recovery at fair market value of your lost or damaged items, up to the total value you declare. Fair market value is the depreciated value of your goods and is determined by such factors as the cost of the item new, its age, its condition when received by the mover, and the value you declare. The mover may charge for this protection, and the rates will be stated on the bill of lading in the Valuation Section.

FULL VALUE protection ensures recovery at the replacement value of your articles that were lost or damaged, up to the total value you declare. This is the most expansive item since it covers replacement value of goods. The mover can opt to replace, reimburese or repair the damaged item, according to protection level you choose. The mover may offer deductibles in combination with full value protection. The mover may charge for full value protection, and the rates will be stated in the bill of lading in the Valuation Section.

OUR RATES:

Actual Cash Value: $1.20 per $100.00 of protection.

Example: for $25,000 of coverage your payment will be 25,000/100 x 1.20 = $300.00

Full Value:

   No Deductible -     $1.45 per $100.00 of protection.

   $250 deductible -  $1.30 per $100.00 of protection.

   $500 deductible -  $1.15 per $100.00 of protection.

Example: for $25,000 of Full Value coverage with $500.00 deductible your payment will be 25,000/100 x 1.15 = $287.50.

For $40,000 of Full Value coverage with $250 deductible your payment will be 40,000/100 x 1.30 = $520.00.

The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than it is provided in its base transportation charges.

You should ask your mover if you are not sure what articles may be considered hazardous and may not be transported with other household goods.

MOVING INSURANCE

Moving insurance must be sold by insurance agents representing insurance companies doing business and registered with your state's department of insurance. Valuation coverage we talked about is not insurance. There are insurance companies that offer moving insurance protection. Before you start researching moving insurance companies call your agent that provides you with your homeowner's policy. Some homeowner policies offer relocation protection. If they don't your agent will be able to assist you with further research.

 

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Interstate Tariff

Federal law requires that movers advise their customers that they may inspect the tariffs that govern their shipments. Mover's tariff, by this reference, are made a part of the contract (bill of lading) between the customer and the mover and may be inspected at mover's facility; or, on request, mover will provide a copy of any tariff provision containing mover's rates, rules or charges governing shipments, the terms of which can not be varied.

Incorporated tariff provisions include but not limited to those:

1) esteblishing limitation of mover's liability, the principal features of which are described in the valuation declaration of the bill of lading;

2) setting the time periods for filing claims, the principal features of which are described in Section 6 of the bill of lading;

3) reserving the mover's right to assess additional charges for additional services performed and, on non-binding estimates, to base charges on the exact weight of the goods transported.

 

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Moving a Sleep Number Bed

Modern technology allows us enjoying our rest in the state of the art Sleep Number Beds. These beds are build to provide comforting support in the right places, with temperature balancing sleep surface, which keeps you from sleeping too hot or too cold. They come with wireless controls that are designed to find your Sleep Number quick and easy. You can adjust the firmness of your bed on each side of the mattress for ideal comfort.

This comfort does not come cheap. These mattresses cost thousands of dollars.

A king size Sleep Number Mattresses are sold in the range of $5,000.00.

Obviously, when you spend so much money on a mattress you want to make sure that your mover understands the importance of proper handling of your bed. You also want your movers to have the know-how of moving Sleep Number Beds.

There are specific instructions that manufacturers advise for moving their product.

Special Instructions:

1st Step

The mattress must be carefully removed from the foundation. Set it aside and proceed to dis-assemble the bed's foundation.

2nd Step

Slide the deck panels from the support beams and side rails.

3d Step

Remove the center support beams.

4th Step

Pull the short end beams at the comers from the slots in the side rails.

5th Step

Pull the "T" shaped connecting pins from the side rails at the joints and break the side rails apart into pieces (2 pieces/side rail) by unhooking at the joints.

6th Step

Tie the beams and rails together with moving straps and wrap with moving pads for transportation. Gather all hardware in a plastic bag and tape/attach it to the tied up pieces.

7th Step

Place the Sleep Number bed mattress into a mattress moving box, which has to be fully inflated. Use the air chamber caps to stop air from escaping the hoses during transport.

8th Step

Protect the Firmness Control System with the pump and remote control by wrapping it with bubble wrap and box it.

9th Step

The mattress can be deflated, then remove the mattress cover, and foam comfort pad, border wrap, foam border walls and air chambers. And wrap it with moving blankets and shrink wrap for extra protection against damages, scratches, dirt or staining.

Finally

Use your owner's manual instructions to reassemble your Sleep Number Bed at your new residence.

 

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Moving Hot Tubs

Hot Tubs are heavy and very bulky. Attempting to move it is very dangerous for someone with no experience and without proper equipment. For those that have experience, the right equipment and the enough people moving a tub will be an easy task.

INSTRUCTION

1st

  - Drain the hot tub completely, once it is empty put the drain cap back.

  - Unplug the hot tub from electrical current and secure the cord by taping it to the wood penal.

  - Make sure that the motor is secure in its place.

  - Turn the tub on its side. Have at least 4 people lifting it.

  - Have two men lift the front corner slowly off the ground and place in on a 4 wheel dolly, then while front is secure in the position on the dolly, raise the back of it and also place it on the second 4 wheel dolly. At all times have 4 people keeping the tub from swaying from side to side.

  - Once the tub is on 4 wheel dollies, strap it to the dollies with special moving straps, so that the tub is securely attached to them to prevent the dollies slipping from under it.

  - Slowly roll the tub to the truck. Make sure your truck has a lift gate, this will make it getting tub in the truck much easier and safer process.

Inside the truck roll the tub to the side wall of the box truck, which has wooden panels. Strap the tub to the side of the truck leaving it attached to the dollies. Cover it with moving blankets for extra security.

  - Repeat this process at the destination. Major key points: have at least four people handling tub at both ends, and maneuver tub slowly - don't rush.

2nd

  - Moving the tub up or down stairs. 4 wheeler dollies are great when moving your tub in flat surface, they can over come some minor dips, or bumps, may be a curb lift, however if you have to deal with a flight of stairs you will need an appliance dolly. These are the same dollies that are used to move refrigerators. Appliance dollies have long straps that secure the dolly to the tub and you have more control of the appliance dolly, which has only two small wheels, that that of a 4 wheeler.

  - Make sure to have two people on each side of the tub and slowly, one stair at a time. When you are ready to lower your tub into place, be careful not to jam your fingers.

  - Connect your tub to the electric outlet and water pipes.

Enjoy using it!

 

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Contracts

Household moving services are divided in two distinct segments, by the type of operation they perform:

Intrastate moves (in state moves) - divided into local and long distance, as well as long term storage are regulated by local state laws; and

Interstate moves (out of state moves) are regulated by federal laws of US Department of Transportation's agency known as Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Both state and federal laws require movers to provide customers with a Contract called Bill of Lading. Bill of Lading services as a receipt for goods and the contract for transportation. While there are some minor differences in the terms and the tariff - the majority of the information provided in them and the purpose of it is the same.

Bill of Lading describes all of the essential terms and conditions of the agreement between the mover/carrier and the customer/shipper.

Bill of Lading contains the following information:

• Mover's/Carrier's Name, address, telephone numbers, website, and email.
• The contract number.
• The truck number, that will perform the job.
• The name of the representative assigned to the case.
• The date reservation for services was made.
• Customer's/Shipper's and their consignee's information.
• Pickup and delivery addresses, and any other additional pickup and drop off locations.
• The dates for packing, loading, and delivery.
• Payment methods acceptable by the mover.
• Services ordered by the customer.
• Mover's Tariff.
• Binding or non-binding estimated price to be paid by customer for transportation services.

Valuation Section of the contract, which establishes mover's liability over the shipment. The section describes customer's valuation choices. Both federal and state contracts provide for a free option. Basic or 60 cents per pound option. As well as Actual and Full Value protection, with and with out deductibles. This section must be signed by customer, stating that customer fully understands the choices and selects one of them before the move is commenced.

The front of the contract has the essential information that is easy to read. However, there is another side to both interstate and intrastate contracts.

Back side of the Bill of Lading.

It is as important to know the fine print of the back side of contracts as they hold the terms and conditions of interstate or intrastate moving services.

Technically, your movers must provide you with a copy of their bill of lading prior to the move. We email our customers with a pdf copy of it with a Confirmation for Reservation of our services. 

Below we have the contract's terms and conditions located on the back and rearly paid attention to by shippers.

California Intrastate Bill of Lading (Front)

   

 

Back

 

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 Interstate Bill of Lading (Front)

 

 

Back

 

 

 

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Dispute Settlement (Arbitration) Program

COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL STATUTORY REQUIREMETNS -

Beginning in 1996, interstate movers were required, as a condition of maintaining their registration, to offer neutral binding arbitration on interstate shipments for individual shippers as a means of resolving certain types of disputed claims. Since 2005, the requirements have been expanded to include both:

1) Disputed loss and damage claims is a mandatory requirement if the amount of dispute is $10,000 or less, and

2) Disputes regarding additional charges that are billed to the customer after the shipment was delivered is also mandatory arbitration requirement if the amount of the dispute is $10,000 or less. (Previously, only disputes involving loss or damage claims were subject to mandatory arbitration.)

The arbitration program is put in place to offer customers an alternative option to avoid excessive attorney's fees, in case the settlement between the mover and the customer can not be reached.

The mover is required to offer customer a compromise settlement and mention the availability of arbitration program and include arbitration brochure with the claim correspondence to customer to make sure that customer is fully appraised of arbitration program.

Some movers provide information of the existence arbitration program with their pre-move materials, in which the program is described accurately to avoid client confusion and potential legal exposure.

ARBITRATION THRESHOLD -

The regulations require that disputes of $10,000 or less on interstate shipments must be submitted to binding arbitration at the shipper's request if no settlement can be reached.

Arbitration is not mandatory for claims of more than $10,000. If the claim involves a dispute of more than $10,000, binding arbitration can be used to settle the dispute (which is most likely less expansive and easier process than going to court), but you are under no obligation to choose this method.

Under the regulations, your mover is authorized to collect the following charges when the shipment is delivered:

-  100% of the binding estimate amount or 110% of the non-binding estimate amount, plus

-  Charges applicable for any services (i.e. waiting time, extra pickup, or delivery, storage-in-transit) that the customer requested after the contract was executed, that were not included in the estimate, and

-  In the event the shuttle service is required, mover may collect for the shuttle charges at delivery - provided that shuttle charges collected at delivery do not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the total charges due at delivery.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION -

under the governing statute, arbitration is optional and voluntary for the customer but may be mandatory for movers. However, the customer can request arbitration for disputes over $10,000 (as this is a cheaper and easier option than going to court), but the mover may elect to use arbitration or opt out of it as the amount is over $10,000. Mover is obligated to use arbitration requested by customer for disputes under $10,000.

Please remember, the arbitrator's decision is legally binding on both parties and can be enforced in any court having jurisdiction over the dispute.

ARBITRATION PROCEDURES -

-  After the move, if a dispute arises that can not be resolved by mover's claims department, a customer can request arbitration by writing to AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) within 90 calendar days after the mover's last official offer of settlement, or denial of the claim.

-  After the mover is informed of the customer's request of arbitration, the mover has 15 working days to review the disputed claim to make sure it meets the arbitration criteria. The arbitrator will forward proper forms and program rules to the customer. The customer (afer receiving forms) has 30 calendar days to complete the forms and return them, along with administrative fee to directly to NAF (National Arbitration Forum) ot initiate the arbitration process.

-  NAF then opens the case by sending a copy of the forms and customer's supporting materials to the mover, along with the invoice for remaining portion of the admin fees. Then within 30 calendar days the mover replies to NAF, by sending completed and signed Submission to Arbitration Form along with the all relevant materials from its claim and mover's portion of admin fees.

-  NAF forwards a copy of the mover's materials to customer and then referrs the matter to an Arbitrator who begins the review process. The standard written review process is generally completed within 30 days after Arbitrator gets these materials. The Arbitrator then sends his awords to the parties made at the time. The Arbitrator's decision is binding on both parties.

The arbitrator's decision may cover repair, replacement, refund of charges, reimbursement for expenses and/or compensation for damages. However, the program rules DO NOT provide for claims that go beyond mover's liability, which includes but not limited to:

~ punitive damages,

~ loss of wages,

~ emotional distress, or mental anguish.

 

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Preparing for Long Distance Move

 

Long distance moves require special preparations. 

The customer and the mover must have a full understanding of the tasks, time lines, budget and have open lines of communication from the time of getting a quote to the time shipment is delivered to new residence.

The following steps must be taking during long distance relocation:

• On site estimate,
• Getting an accurate binding estimate,
• Understanding options that can help control the costs,
• Selecting dates for packing, moving, and delivery,
• Packing boxes,
• Dis assembly of furniture,
• Crating fragile items (carton or wooden crates available),
• Taking written inventory of every item, each item gets a tag its number goes in the inventory form, and both you and mover sign the receipt of the items and their condition on the day of pick up,
• Weighing the truck - calculating final and exact weight of the shipment,
• Transportation of the shipment,
• Keeping in touch with office and driver at all times,
• Re assemble furniture, reconnect electronics&appliances,
• Review items for any damages or missing items.

Some of the services may be added or done by you to control the cost of the move. Work with moving specialist to assist you in fitting the cost of relocation in your budget.

As long distance moves are calculated by weight (pounds) or size (cubic feet) of shipment and the distance to delivery location. It is important to get your shipment properly prepared. Exclude any heavy and over-sized articles that have no value. It is much cheaper to replace them than pay for their transportation.

Do not select a company strictly based on the low tariff (price per pound or per cubic foot). Most companies have just one tariff (based on weight or size). 

Choose a reputable company that uses a tariff that better suits your shipment. 

-  In case you have a large shipment that does not weigh all that mush, (6 lbs per cubic foot or less), you will definitely benefit by  choosing a company that uses a weight tariff. 

-  Shipment that is compact but heavy in weight (more than 8 lbs per cubic foot average) better to use a size tariff.  

-  The shipments with average 7 lbs per cubic foot (industry average) will not get a benefit of going size or pound, make no difference.  

Example: if your shipment (3 bedroom house) is estimated: 1,000 cubic feet of space, the weight should be 7,000 lbs, in this case there is no difference which tariff to use, just choose the mover with better reputation. 

When you order estimates make certain to get at least 2 estimates based on size and 2 based on weight. This will be your indicator of your shipments average weight per cubic foot.

Here is a simple formula: take the sum of the two weight based estimates and divide them by the sum of two size estimates. You will get an average weight per cubic foot of your shipment. 

Exapmple of three different cases:

Case A. 1st est.  - 6,750 lbs 2nd est. - 6,600 lbs 3d est.   - 920 c.f. 4th est.  - 860 c.f.

Case B. 1st est.  - 8,500 lbs 2nd est. - 8,800 lbs 3d est.   - 1,300 c.f. 4th est.  - 1,450 c.f.

Case C. 1st est.  - 12,380 lbs 2nd est. - 12,950 lbs 3d est.   - 1,860 c.f. 4th est.  - 1,750 c.f.

1. Case A: (6,750 + 6,600 = 13,350 / 2) = 6,675; devide by (920 + 860 = 1,780 / 2) = 880;  6,625 / 880 = 7.5 lbs/c.f.  In this case you should choose the cubic foot tariff.
 
2. Case B: (8,500 + 8,800 = 17,300 / 2) = 8,650; deivde by (1,300 + 1,450 = 2,750 / 2) = 1,375; 8,650 / 1,375 = 6.3 lbs/c.f.  In this case a weight tariff is a better option.
 
3. Case C: (12,380 + 12,950 = 25,330 / 2) = 12,665; devide by (1,860 + 1,750 = 3,610 / 2) = 1,805; 12,665 / 1,805 = 7.01 lbs/c.f.   this is an industry average weight per cubic foot.  In this case it makes no difference, which option you choose.

 

Once you are settled on the tariff that is best for you, interview a couple of more movers that use the tariff you prefer. 

A reputable mover is not necessarily the one with over 100 positive reviews all written in the past couple of years. A reputable mover has many years of experience and with no negative reviews/claims with Department of Transportation. As a rule of thumb, the companies with dozens of positive reviews are more likely to be overcompensating or in some cases covering serious, negative audits, claims or reviews by DOT agency.

The company that was easiest to reach through out the interview process and the one you have built the best report with is the company you should choose. Most likely they will be the ones to stay in touch with you and be easily available while your shipment is picked up and is in transit; or after shipment is delivered and you need to file a claim.

You need to familiarize yourself with as many people inside the company as possible. This way if you have critical questions and your representative is unavailable, there will be other persons that you know and can contact.

Test your mover by calling them on weekend. See if they even answer their phones. Leave them a message and see how long it will take for a call back.  

 

Lastly, ask two last candidates to provide you with names of a few references you can call. The one that passes the last test and you have the most comfort with should get your job.

Good luck.

 

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Estimates

To make sure that there are no surprises at the end of your move you should get a written estimate from the movers. A moving company will send an estimator to your residence or business facility.

You need to set aside approximately 45 minutes for an estimator to take a detailed inventory of your items. The estimator will assess the location for accessibility of the truck and will find out if you require any additional services.

This information is then input into a moving software that does the calculations and figures out the size of your shipment. Based on the size of your shipment, additional services required and materials to be used- the estimator will figure out the amount of labor necessary to complete the local job or figure out the weight of the shipment for long distance jobs, add the cost for materials and additional services and finally come up with a final cost.

The estimator can provide you with a written estimate at the time of the visit, or take this information to do calculations at the office and send you an estimate over fax, email or by mail. The fact that estimator came out to view your shipment and did a physical inspection of your location will make it a legal binding estimate.

Written estimates are binding and movers will not increase the price on you, unless there is a need for unexpected, additional services that come up during the actual relocation the cost will not change. In that case movers will ask you to sign a new "Order for Service Form", which will describe additional services and costs. This form will need to be signed by you/shipper. If you disagree with the additional costs, you are not required to sigh this form, however the movers will not be required to perform additional (unexpected) services.

In case the estimator made a mistake in calculations in your favor (underestimating the size of your shipment) - the cost will not change.

However, if the estimator overestimates shipment's weight or labor hours the cost will be adjusted down (in your favor).

Therefore, the movers are supposed to keep track of the labor hours and materials used on local moves and weigh the shipment to figure out the actual weight of your items. And adjust your price down.

Both California Public Utilities Commission and Department of Transportation advise shippers to receive written on-site estimates. Especially if you are planning a long distance move across country, or relocating a large residence, you should get at least three estimates from reputable moving companies. The companies that don not provide on-site estimates should not be considered, even if they offer lowest prices. Start your research of reputable movers and schedule estimates 3 to 4 weeks before your move day. This way you will have plenty of time to find the right mover and make a reservation in time to make sure they have the availability.

 

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