Frequently asked questions
As you prepare for your move, you may be feeling
a little anxious of the prospect of relocating to a new neighborhood. I can guarantee you that you may have “ a
million things on your mind”. To help
minimize your stressful situation we have put together a list of frequently
asked question, (FAQ), along with their answers. If there is something that requires further information, please
contact a sale representative.
All
questions to be linked to the information listed below
- When is the best time to
contact a mover?
- I may need some items
packed.
- What will I do about my
antique items?
- When will I call a
moving company?
- Is the moving company
licensed and bonded?
- Do I need an estimate?
- How much will my move
cost?
- How long will the move
take?
- Who can I call if I have questions while my
belongings are being shipped?
- When will my belongings be delivered?
- What is a binding and
non-binding estimate?
- Will there be extra charges if I am moving into
or out of a multilevel building?
- What if the truck can’t park up close to the
house?
- What are these documents
for?
- What payment options are available?
- What is the extra
coverage and what does it cover?
- Does the moving company
offer storage and what type of storage?
- My appliances, what will
I do with them?
- How will All American protect my upholstered
furniture?
- Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT
load on the truck?
- Is there anything that I can’t have moved such
as plants & pets?
- Will they transport my
vehicle?
- What are the Do’s and
Don’ts of moving?
When
is the best time to contact a mover?
We at
All American specialize in last minute moves.
Contact us for additional information.
I may need some items packed.
At All American we understand that
you may need some materials for your move.
Please ask your sales
representative for a price list and other suggestions.
For packing suggestions and packing supplies,
please click here
Can I do some of my own packing?
Yes, you can if you wish pack
your own items. If you need any
supplies we do offer free box deliveries.
Speak to your sales representative for more information.
What will I do about my antique items?
At All American we understand
that you may have special items that need extra attention.
For this very reason we have
modern moving equipment and team leaders to assist in these special
circumstances.
Specialized Services
All
American Drivers:
- Are trained to handle
your relocation, from the pick up to the delivery location.
- Have extensive experience
in the handling and transportation of specialized property.
- Have extensive knowledge
in a large variety of moves, e.g. Piano relocation & fine art etc.
All American
Foremen:
- Coordinate with drivers
to ensure that all shipments arrive on-time and in good condition
- Coordinate with the
people at each point of the move to ensure that the loading and unloading
go smoothly.
- Coordinate with drivers
to ensure that the utmost care is taken whilst transporting the
merchandise to and from the locations
- Ready to handle any
problem that may arise
All American movers:
- Fully trained to assist
with many types of relocation and other specialized requirements that may
be necessary
- Fully trained for using
the correct packing equipment for the job at hand
- Easily recognizable from
their All American uniforms
- Courteous and polite
Specialized Equipment
All
American Equipment:
State-of-the-art Tractors trucks and Trailers
- Air-ride vans with a
suspension system that guarantees safe transport
- Power lift gates
- Wide doors, also located
on the side, for heavy and large piece
- Climate controlled
trucks, (& storage facility, if needed), to maintain specific
temperature and humidity levels inside the van to protect sensitive cargo
Other services:
- Specialized packing
materials and service
- Climate controlled
warehousing available
- Component consolidation
- Uncrating/assembly/debris
removal
Whether you're moving high-value electronics,
sensitive computer equipment or delicate works of art, All American relocation
services have the transportation capabilities you need. Our climate-controlled
fleet is specially equipped to control and continuously monitor the climate
inside the van. Other features of this service are listed below.
Climate Control Features . .
.
- Specific temperature and
humidity levels can be set.
- Periodically throughout
the trip, the on-board computer system measures and records these
temperature and humidity levels.
A record of these climate
readings is available to you when your shipment arrives, so you can verify that
the proper environment has existed en route.
How much will my move cost? (Volume
& weight calculator)
The cost of the move depends on
the type of move you require.
1: Local moves are priced according to an hourly rate. The cost will
be determinated according to Manpower multiplied by the duration of the job.
2: For an interstate move, your charges are based on the
amount of household goods you wish to ship cross-country. At the time of your
estimate, your sales representative will be happy to explain the itemized
charges on your estimate If you need information relating to packing, crating,
uncrating and coverage, please contact your sales person for more information
on moving charges.
How
can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
Please use the following link below:
To receive an estimate, fill out the on-line form and your sales representative
will contact you to set up an appointment for a free on-site or if you prefer
an estimate via e-mail or by phone.
Your sales representative usually sets, when you have
scheduled a local move, the time frame.
They check that the time you prefer is free, if not they will arrange
another time that suits you.
How
long will the move take?
What is a "window" on long
distance?
When your move is first booked, it is difficult to estimate exactly when the
driver will arrive at your home. We will give you a range of 3-4 days during
which the driver will arrive. You will receive notification 48 hours in advance
of the day that the driver will arrive at your home to load your belongings.
Who
can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
Once your goods have been picked up, the first contact department is the
Dispatch department, and secondly, the sales person who helped plan your move.
Your sales person should have given you the name and telephone number of a
contact person in that department. But, at any time during your move you can
always contact All American at 1-800-989-6900 or you may also check on the
status of your shipment online through our Tracking System
When
will my belongings be delivered?
Before your belongings are loaded on the truck,
you and your sales representative should have agreed on a delivery date.
In reference to long distance moves, you will
receive notification of delivery 48 hours prior to delivery. You, or someone
you have designated on your All American
Movers paperwork to
take your place, must be present to accept delivery and pay all charges. In the
event that no one is available, your shipment could be placed in storage at an
additional charge. Be sure that you give your sales representative contact
numbers where you can be reached throughout the move.
To
check on the status of your shipment, go to tracking System.
(a) What is the difference between a binding and
non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you
to pay based on the actual items you requested us to move and the actual
services performed. There is no limit. A binding estimate is a price
that has been given to you based on your information that is guaranteed by your
sales person not to exceed 10% of the price given. That is unless additional services are performed that are not
specifically listed on your paperwork. You must complete additional paperwork
for any items to be added to your shipment or to have additional services
provided.
(b) Where do "extra charges" come
from?
If you have not included areas such as,
an attic, crawl space or storage shed in your initial conversation then these
items are considered extras.
Often
these storage areas are forgotten when working up an estimate and remembered
only when it is time to load the truck. The cost of moving these additional
items would have to be added to the estimate. To avoid this situation, be sure
you have highlighted all of these areas to your sales representative at the
time of the estimate. For a free online quote, please click here
Will
there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
If you live on the second or third floor of
a building, the foreman may have to charge for "stair carries” on
long distance pick ups. However, on
local moves this is included in your hourly rate. Your sales representative
will let you know if the situation at your current home will require these
charges. Since your sales representative does not visit your new home, you will
have to let him/her know about the layout there.
What if the truck can’t park up
close to the house?
As a customer it is advised that you
highlight any parking regulations and restrictions to your sales representative
when discussing the estimate. If we are not able to park the truck close to an
entrance to your home, you may be charged for a "long carry". Often
tree branches grow low over roadways not allowing for the height of a truck.
Narrow
streets
and driveways can restrict accessibility to your home, making it necessary for
the driver and helpers to carry your belongings a longer-than-normal distance.
If the distance from your home to the truck is too great for the driver and
helpers to carry your belongings, we may need to load your belongings on a
smaller "shuttle" truck before placing them on the actual moving van.
Use of a shuttle truck is also an additional charge. On local moves shuttle
truck on pick up are free of charge.
What are these documents for?
There will be a number of
documents that you will be handed. They
are as outlined.
Your driver will present
you with the Order
for Service Bill
of Lading
Order for Service:
The mover will
prepare an order for service which you and the mover must sign before the
shipment is picked up. This document
must contain the following information:
1: The shippers name, address and
telephone number
2:
Consignee’s
name, address and telephone number
3: The name address and phone numbers of
the carrier
4: Agreed pick and delivery time
5:
A complete description of the special
services offered
6: An order number or job reference
number
7: The amount of probable cost and the
method of payment of the total charges
8: Maximum
amount to be paid in Cash, Certified check, or money order to relinquish
possession of a C.O.D, (Cash on Delivery) shipment.
10: The
shipper requests notification of charges and the address at which such
communication will be received.
Bill of lading (paperwork)
The mover will issue
you with a bill of lading at time of pick up. This document is a receipt of your goods
and represents a contract between you and your mover. The type of service you require
will determine the bill of lading. For example, a local move is an
hourly rated service and Long Distance is an estimated cost, based on your
total inventory list that has been supplied to your movers etc. Your moving company will explain the
contract in further detail.
Inventory
List
(paperwork)
Your selected moving
company will document your household goods upon pick up and also at the
delivery destination during unloading.
This document will also record the condition of your household goods
upon pick up.
If any damages are incurred they
need to be addressed immediately to the Moving companies Customer Service
Department, with a written letter explaining the damages or any other
grievances you may have.
If any additional services are necessary, the driver, with your signature
must also complete the Additional Services Performed Origin/Destination Service
and Delivery Report
What
payment options are available?
Most moves require payment upon delivery by cash,
or postal money order. Other payment options such as credit card and purchase
orders may be pre-arranged. However
these options need to be discussed with your sales representative to select the
one that works best for you. In the event that your employer is paying for the
move, the employer may pre-arrange be billed via invoice in other words a
purchase order. Whatever payment option best meets your needs is sure that all
the arrangements are made before your belongings are packed and loaded.
What is the extra coverage and what does
it cover?
(a) What if something is damaged while it is being shipped?
Keep in mind that you are moving Long Distance
and occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several
options to protect your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your sales
representative to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of
$0.60 cents per pound per article is provided at no charge, but we recommend
that a higher valuation be declared to adequately cover your belongings in the
event of damage. As an example, suppose your new television purchased for $500,
weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum coverage of 60 cents per
pound per article would entitle you to $30. All American does offer additional
protection plans with Bakers International Insurance that will adequately fit
your needs. Ask your sales representative about Value Protection and Extra Care
Protection.
(b) What is Value Protection?
Value Protection (DVP) provides for reimbursement for any lost or destroyed
item at its depreciated value, up to the dollar amount you declare as the total
value of your possessions. Minimum valuation under this plan is
.25 times the
weight of the shipment. Here, if your belongings were damaged beyond repair,
you would receive actual cash (depreciated) value for each item, up to the
total amount declared as the value of your shipment.
©What is Extra Care Protection?
Extra Care Protection (ECP), in the U.S., provides for the full cost of repair,
or the full cost of replacement of any household item that may be damaged or
lost during your move, up to the amount that you declare to be the total value
of your belongings. Replacement, if necessary, is at today’s prices, not at
depreciated cost. This full replacement protection includes many matched sets
and pairs, such as candlesticks, lamps and chairs. Please ask your sales
representative about Bakers International Insurance.
(d) Important Notes to consider.
You may check your
homeowner's insurance. Some policies cover property in transit.
- Consider purchasing short-term insurance that covers the move if
your property is very valuable.
- Unlike most property insurance, valuation does not automatically
pay for any damage. It must be clearly shown that the mover was
responsible for the damage.
- Items in boxes not packed by the mover are not covered, unless the
outside of the carton provides clear evidence that the entire box was
damaged during the move.
- The mover is responsible for any electronic item that does not
function after the move only if there is clear evidence that the item was
dropped or mishandled during the move.
- The customer has nine months after the move to file an initial
claim against the mover.
- The mover is legally obligated to acknowledge any claim within 30
days and to resolve it or offer a settlement within 120 days.
- The customer is legally responsible to pay for the move, even when
claiming extensive damages. The customer must go through the claims
process to receive compensation for any damages.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, the customer either can sue the
mover or seek arbitration.
Does
the moving company offer storage and what type of storage?
We at All American moving & storage offer
short & long term storage options. Please
click on storage icon for more storage info.
My
appliances, what will I do with them?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and
the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your sales representative
can refer you to an appropriate professional to perform these services.
(a) How will All American protect my
upholstered furniture?
All American use a special moving quilts. They are heavy, wraps that protect
your furniture from being soiled. Click on packing supplies and suggestions
or packing tips icons.
(b) Can I pack anything in the drawers
of my dresser or desk?
It is advised that all loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage
during transport.
©Can my valuables and personal documents go
with the moving truck?
It is strongly advised that you keep your
valuables and personal paperwork with you at all times during the moving
process.
(d) What should I do to prepare to move
my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be
professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your sales
representative can refer you to a professional to perform these services.
Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?
Yes, please be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to
last from the load date until the last day of the delivery window. We do
suggest that you keep small valuables such as jewelry and family photographs
and videos with you during the move.
Is
there anything that I can’t have moved such as plants & pets?
Plants & pets, for obvious reasons, can’t be loaded on the truck. There
are several household items that are considered hazardous materials and cannot
be moved with your other belongings. These include aerosols, gas cans, paints,
varnish, corrosives, batteries, matches, nail polish and remover, ammunition,
explosives, cleaning fluids and detergents. Please consult your sales
representative for more information if you think you have anything else that
may not be safe to transport on the truck.
Will
they transport my vehicle?
(a)Can I transport my car?
It is possible to transport your car, please consult your sales
representative for more information.
(b) Does All American provide motorcycle
transportation?
There are occasions that we do offer uncrated motorcycle transportation. Please
consult your sales representative for more information.
Do’s
and Don’ts of moving
We
at All American Moving recognize ourselves as reputable businessmen and
therefore recommend the following do’s and don’ts:
Do…
Please read carefully.
Always make sure that you have a
written agreement between you and the mover for the service and billing of
lading.
Always make sure that the
physical inventory record of your household goods is accurate as to the number
of items, condition of furniture etc.
Make sure to understand the
coverage that has been allocated to your particular move.
Allow enough adequate time to
schedule your move and also for your delivery.
Make sure to provide all the
necessary contact numbers and or addresses where you can be reached en route,
or at destination or both.
Ensure that everything has been
removed from your premises and that everything has been documented on the
inventory list.
File a claim if you determine
that your shipment has sustained loss or damage.
Don’ts….
Believe that any estimate or statement of probable cost given by
an estimator, except a written confirmation letter.
Expect the mover to provide
boxes, cartons or other packing materials free of charge.
Expect the mover to provide any
clean-up services, disconnection and reinstallation of appliances, fixtures
free of charge.
Leave your old residence until
the moving company leaves unless a friend, neighbor is available to act on your
behalf.
Fail to make arrangements to
have in cash, or postal money order, the maximum amount shown on the order for
service unless credit has been arranged for in advance.
Sign any receipt for your
household goods until you are certain that they are all delivered and there has
been no apparent damage that has been not been noted on the shipping papers.
Other Links available on this site:
- Local relocation
- Long distance relocation
- Corporate relocation
- Industrial & Commercial relocation
- Moving Services
- Packing supplies
- Tips & suggestions
- Antique Art & Piano
- Headquarters
- Shipment Info
- Volume weight calculator
- Planning & Schedule
- Moving tips & FAQ
- Storage
- Overseas services
Links to Help Your Move:
Department
of Motor Vehicles
United
States Post Office
Vote Registration
Information
Map
of your new Neighborhood
Information about Major U.S. Cities
(includes local weather; regional
information; locate golf courses and much much more.)
Check
Flight Availability
( Check flights; track flights; airport maps; and hotel information )
New York State information from Yahoo
Contact Us and Time Zone Information
For complimentary on-line offer on your moving services
cost, please login at http://www.moveus.net/quote.asp
and follow the instructions.
For all personal inquiries, please use the appropriate
toll-free telephone numbers
Eastern Time Zone:
NY, NJ, CT, RI, MA, PA, DE, MD: 1-800 989-6900 09:00am – 08:00pm
FL, VA, GA, NC, SC, LA, TN: 1-800 989-6683 09:00am – 08:00pm
Western Time Zone
CA, NV, AR, OR, WA, UT: 1-800 635-0945 09:00am – 08:00pm
Central Time Zone
TX, OK, NM, AK, KS, LA: 1-866 545-1275 09:00am – 08:00pm
IL, IN, OH, MI, KY, MO: 1-800 772-6938 09:00am – 08:00pm
