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Web Guide To Household Moving
Household Moving Guide - Table
of Contents
Introduction
Who Is The Booking Agent
Who Is The Origin Agent
What Is The Van Operator Responsible For?
Who Is The Destination Agent
Establishing Liability For Loss or Damage
How To File A Claim For Loss or Damage
The "Statement Of Additional Services"
Document
General Tips - Do's & Don'ts
Introduction
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The information held within this document is intended to introduce you
to the different parties who will be involved in your interstate move.
It is also intended to outline the responsibilities of each party and to
begin to inform you of your rights and responsibilities when you move.
Please take the time to read this document thoroughly, as it contains information
that will help you solve any problems that may arise quickly; and hopefully,
to your satisfaction.
In addition; please keep in mind that communications between you, the van
line carrier, the booking, and the origin and destination agents (see below)
are vital to the success of your move. So if you have any questions, don't
be shy...ask!
Below we have outlined the various parties who are assigned to your move
and the responsibility of each...
The "Booking Agent"
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You or your company has placed your move directly with the booking agent.
The booking agent is responsible for setting up and managing your move.
The quality of the booking agent's service - how well the agent sets up
and manages the move - will be the single largest factor in determining
whether or not you will have a high quality relocation.
The "Origin Agent"
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The Origin Agent (who, for private "C.O.D." moves is often also
the booking agent) is responsible for providing you with the following
services at origin:
- Estimates the size and the cost of your move.
- Provides a crew to pack boxes (if you or your company has ordered this
service).
- Provides a crew to be hired by the driver to remove your belongings
from your home and load the moving van.
- Provides storage at origin, if this service has been requested and
approved by you or your company.
- Advises the Booking Agent and/or your van line's customer service team
of any problems which may arise at origin.
The Van Operator (The Van Line Driver)
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Your van operator is responsible for providing you with the following services:
- The van operator prepares the "Household Goods Descriptive Inventory"
(see the below for important information regarding the Inventory).
- Hires and supervises an adequate number of helpers to load your shipment
at origin and unload at destination. Inside pickup (removing the goods
from inside the origin residence) is included.
- Transports your shipment from point of origin to it's final point of
destination (unless your shipment is placed into storage at an origin or
destination agent's warehouse).
- The driver will place everything you have moved inside your new home
in a location which you specify.
- The van operator should reassemble any articles which he or she dismantled
at origin. Please note that this does not include unusual articles such
as swing sets, waterbeds, sheds, etc... which may require a 3rd party service
reassemble.
The "Destination Agent"
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The Destination Agent is responsible for providing the following services
at destination:
- Provides a crew to be hired by the driver to unload the truck and place
your belongings inside your new home.
- Provides a crew to unpack cartons (if you or your company has authorized
unpacking service). Note that movers do not put the contents of unpacked
cartons away into cabinets, drawers, or closets. The result of unpacking
service is, therefore, quite often disorganized and cluttered. You may
want to consider performing the unpacking of boxes yourself.
- Provides storage at destination if this service has been requested
and approved by you or your company.
- Advises the van line and/or your booking agent of any problems that
may arise at destination.
Establishing Liability For Loss or Damage
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If any of your goods are lost or damaged while in transit or storage, it
is imperative that you correctly document that such loss or damage occurred
while the shipment was in the mover's care. This is accomplished with the
"Household Goods Descriptive Inventory" (prepared by the driver
at origin). The inventory establishes what is being moved and each item's
condition when the mover takes possession. By signing the Inventory at
origin you are acknowledging what was moved and it's condition when the
mover took possession. Upon delivery, you will be required to sign the
inventory again. Any loss or damage which occurred while your shipment
was in the mover's care must be noted on the inventory at this time. If
you fail to do so, your claim may be denied! Look your goods over thoroughly
after they've been unloaded. If any are missing or damaged, note it on
the mover's copy of the Household Goods Descriptive Inventory.
To File A Claim For Loss or Damage
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To file a claim call the booking agent, destination agent or the van line
and request a claim form be sent to you. You will be dealing directly with
the van line and local repair/appraisal firms when settling your claim.
However, if you are experiencing a problem with the settlement process,
your booking agent may be able to help. Remember that you must substantiate
that the loss took place while the shipment was in the mover's care (the
Household Goods Descriptive Inventory is the key document here). In addition,
you will be required to substantiate the value of lost or missing items
with old receipts or appraisals. As of this writing, you have nine (9)
months to file an interstate claim with the van line carrier. However,
do not delay, file your claim as soon as is possible.
The "Packing, Unpacking & Statement of Additional Services"
Document (The "Pack Slip")
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This document details the quantity of cartons the mover provided and/or
packed, applicable "Long Carries", "Stair Carries",
"Elevator Carries", Additional Labor hours and other information
affecting the cost of your move. Definitions of these services should be
shown on the reverse side of this document. Remember that you are approving
charges by signing this document. It is imperative that the quantities
listed accurately reflect the work that is performed during your move.
General Tips
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- Please don't make travel plans for packing, move out, move in or unpacking
day. Plan on being occupied with the service being provided for the entire
day.
- Keep your telephone functioning through the planned loading day. Likewise,
try to have your new telephone installed and functioning for move in day
at your new (destination) residence. You or the movers may need to communicate
with the outside world.
- All personal items of high value such as jewelry, coins, prescriptions,
etc... are best carried with you when traveling to your new residence.
- Remember; note missing or damaged items on the Household Goods Descriptive
Inventory upon delivery. Failure to do so could result in denial of your
claim!
- Remember that when filing a claim for missing or damaged items, you
will be required to substantiate any loss with a proof of value and ownership.
This can be accomplished in the form of cancelled checks, sales receipts,
a homeowners policy or appraisals.
- Never throw out an item that has been damaged! The van line's appraiser
or repair firm may want to inspect it and if you dispose of a damaged item
your claim may be denied due to the article not being available for inspection.
- If you cannot be at your residence on the day of packing, loading,
unloading or unpacking; you will need to name an agent or representative
to act on your behalf and to supervise the movers, as the mover's may have
questions which will require immediate answers.
- You or your company has been provided with an estimate for the cost
of your move. Only the services detailed on this estimate are approved.
Any additional service that is required should be approved by you or your
company before it can be performed.
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