1. When Is The
Best Time To Move? 
If there is a choice, most
moving companies suggest you select a time other than
summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays.
The heaviest demands are placed on trucks, equipment and
personnel during these periods.
However, Combined
Van Lines
believes you should move when it is most convenient for
you. Factors involved in the decision may include:
-- whether the move must be made immediately
-- moving children during the school term
-- separation of the family while the move is under way
If the move can be scheduled for a time when trucks and
trained personnel are more readily available, we'll be
better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
2. 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 the
direction and distance your shipment is traveling.
Because the furnishings of the average household will
not fill a truck, it is often necessary for two or more
shipments to be loaded on the same truck. Each shipment
is carefully sectioned off from the others.
With the help of Combined
Van Lines
computer-assisted dispatching system, pickup and delivery
dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations
of individual shipments on the truck, as well as shipment
weight.
3. When Should I Call A Moving Company?
The earlier, the better.
Although the actual truck assignment may not be made until
a few days before your move, it's wise to give your moving
company from four to six week's notice, if possible.
The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will
be able to meet your preferred 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 alternatives. You will be notified
in advance of the loading date for your goods and of the
estimated date of arrival.
If your pickup and delivery dates are critical due to
such factors as a lease expiration or a real estate closing,
you may choose an extra-cost service which will enable
us to accommodate a more precise, reasonable schedule.
You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements
with your Combined
Van Lines
agent, who can advise you regarding the types and costs
of services available.
4. Is A Moving Company "Licensed"?
It would be more accurate
to say that a moving company is "registered." For example,
Combined
Van Lines
has been issued a certificate of authority by the federal
government to move household goods among any of the 50
states. As a motor carrier, Combined
Van Lines
has maintained a certificate of authority with the US
Department of Transportation (DOT). A local moving company
("agency") affiliated with a national van line such as
Combined
Van Lines
may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate
shipments within certain geographical areas.
5. Do I Need An Estimate?
A Combined
Van Lines
agent 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. Your Combined
Van Lines
agent will compute the approximate cost and give you a
written Estimate/Order for Service. An accurate estimate
cannot be calculated 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
that you authorize or which become necessary to handle
your shipment.
Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on
an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours
required. These shipments are handled by the local moving
company, not the interstate carrier.
6. 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" to or from a location to which a
full-size truck cannot operate directly or a "long carry"
from the street to residence), 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 specifying these additional charges will be
prepared for your signature.
If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate,
please discuss it with your Combined
Van Lines
agent.
7. 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 truck 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,
any charges for Full-Value Coverage or Depreciated Coverage
(see "Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods
Are In Transit?"), plus charges for any "accessorial"
services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by
the Combined
Van Lines
agent at your request. These charges are based on "tariff"
rate schedules (see below).
8. What Is A Tariff?
This is the list of rules,
regulations, available services and resulting charges
used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation
of household goods. The tariffs are published by each
household goods motor carrier and include its various
services. The tariffs are available for your inspection
upon request.
9. How And When Should I Pay?
Tariff provisions require
that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded
at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made
for later billing).
Payment for your Combined
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 interstate
moves only, 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 non-binding
estimates.
If you have received a non-binding estimate and your actual
moving costs exceed the estimate, you will be required
to pay no more than 110% of the estimated cost at delivery.
Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than
10%, you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the
amount over 110%.
Payment of estimated charges plus 10% does not apply if
goods are delivered into storage. If storage at destination
(storage-in-transit) is necessary, all transportation
charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment
to the warehouse. You will then be assessed storage charges
based on the applicable rates set forth in our tariff.
10.
Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are
InTransit?
Yes, but how much protection
you have and its cost to you depend upon the Combined
Van Lines
"valuation" program you choose - Full-Value Coverage or
Depreciated Coverage.
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon
which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum
liability of Combined
Van Lines.
The liability of Combined
Van Lines
for loss or damage is based upon Combined
Van Lines
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 insurance, you should
consult your insurance company representative about available
insurance coverages, because Combined
Van Lines
does not offer insurance.
Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, Combined
Van Lines
maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in
the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the
article. This is the basic liability level and is provided
at no charge.
Depreciated Coverage
Both of the Depreciated Coverage options consider depreciation
in the settlement of a claim. With a Depreciated Coverage
option, a claim settlement for loss or damage to an item
will be the cost to repair an item or a cash payment of
the depreciated value of an item, whichever is less.
Lump-Sum Value - The amount
you declare as the total value of your shipment. The value
declared must be at least $1.25 times the weight of your
shipment. There is a charge for this option. Any claim
will be settled based on the depreciated value of your
lost or damaged items, up to the maximum value declared.
Pound-Weight Value - The maximum value
of your shipment is $1.25 times the weight of the shipment.
There is a charge for this option. Any claim will be settled
based on the depreciated value of your lost or damaged
items up to a maximum liability value that has been calculated
on the actual weight of your shipment.
Full-Value Coverage - Under
this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged
while in Combined
Van Lines
care, either they will be repaired or replaced with like
items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current
market replacement value, regardless of the age of the
item. Combined
Van Lines
will determine the appropriate settlement method to be
used. Unlike other Combined
Van Line
"valuation programs," depreciation is not a factor in
determining replacement value.
Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available
in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive
rates. Combined
Van Lines
total liability for loss or damage will be the amount
you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the
minimum total declared value must be at least equal to
the weight of your shipment multiplied by $4.00.
11. Items Of "Extraordinary
Value"
In the moving industry, items having
a value of more than $100 per pound are known as "articles
of extraordinary value." All "articles of extraordinary
value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value
Inventory form which will be given to you by the salesperson
to complete. Although you might have other articles of
extraordinary value, the following list should help you
identify items that might fall under this classification:
jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines,
antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china
and silverware. In the event of a claim, any settlement
involving 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 Combined
Van Lines
valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article
of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Combined
Van Lines
maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article.
Shipments that move under the Released Rate Liability
program, in which the declared value of the shipment would
be 60 cents per pound per article, would not be covered
by the provisions applicable to articles of extraordinary
value.
You must select the valuation program, and you must write
your choice in the "Valuation" box on the Bill of Lading
in your own handwriting. If the box on the Bill of Lading
is not completed, your shipment will be considered released
at a declared value based on the total weight of your
shipment multiplied by $1.25 per pound. A charge will
be added to your moving cost, and claims will be settled
taking depreciation into account.
For a full description of the Full-Value Coverage, Depreciated
Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please
ask your Combined
Van Lines
agent.
12. 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 Combined
Van Lines
agent's warehouse. Combined
Van Lines
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, warehouse
valuation coverage and final delivery charges from the
warehouse.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will be an
additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage
provided for your shipment, as mentioned previously. The
type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether the
shipment is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or
in permanent (long-term) storage. Please ask your Combined
Van Lines
agent for information regarding storage arrangements.
13. Will My Furnishings Remain Clean?
Combined
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. In addition to
this service, Combined
Van Lines
protects your upholstered furniture with ClearGuardsm,
a clear plastic material, before they are wrapped with
furniture pads.
14. Do My Appliances Need
Special Attention?
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers,
and other electrical or mechanical appliances require
special servicing to ensure 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 prior
to your move.
It is the owner's responsibility to see that appliances
are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the
truck. 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 Combined
Van Lines
agent for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home
Furnishings."
15. 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 and the 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 local
Combined
Van Lines
agent for a modest cost. Also ask your agent for a copy
of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."
16. Can I Pack My Clothes In A Chest
Or Dresser?
Lightweight clothing -
sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie - may be left
in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such
as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the
piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave
fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables
in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or
leak.
17. Can I Move My Frozen Foods?
Frozen foods can be moved,
but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to
discuss this with your Combined
Van Lines
agent. In most instances, we suggest that shipping arrangements
be made through local frozen food locker plants, especially
for a long-distance move.
18. Can I Move Jewelry And Other
Valuables?
Items of extraordinary
value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and
stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided
you notify your Combined
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.
19. Can I Move My House Plants?
Combined
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 truck.
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
Combined
Van Lines
agent for a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."
20. Can I Move My Pet?
Pets cannot be carried
on the moving truck. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets
can usually be transported in the family car. If this
isn't convenient, your Combined Van Lines agent will be
glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely.
Ask for a copy of the helpful Combined
Van Lines
booklet "Moving With Pets."
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