Customer rights and responsabilities

May 5th, 2008

TARIFF INSPECTION & INCORPORATION NOTICE

Federal law requires that movers advise shippers that they may inspect the tariffs that govern your shipment. Carriers’ tariffs, by this reference, are made a part of the contract of carriage (bill of lading) between you and the carrier and may be inspected at carrier’s facility, or, on request, carrier will furnish a copy of any tariff provision containing carrier’s rates, rules or charges governing your shipment, the terms of which cannot be varied.

Incorporated tariff provisions include but are not limited to those: (1.) establishing limitation of carrier’s liability, the principal features of which are described in the valuation declaration section 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; and, (3.) reserving the carrier’s right to assess additional charges for additional services performed and, on non-binding estimates, to base charges upon the exact weight of the goods transported.

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations protect consumers on interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers and household goods carriers (movers).

The mover gives you this pamphlet to provide information about your rights and responsibilities as a shipper of household goods. You should talk to your mover if you have further questions. The mover will also furnish you with a pamphlet describing its procedures for handling your questions and complaints. The pamphlet will include a number you can call to obtain additional information about your move.

ESTIMATES

Although movers are not required to give estimates, most movers do provide estimates when requested. There are two types of estimates, binding and non-binding.

BINDING ESTIMATES OF TOTAL COST

The mover may charge you for providing a binding estimate which must clearly describe the shipment and all services provided.

When you receive a binding estimate, you cannot be required to pay any more than that amount. However, if you have requested the mover to provide more services than those included in the estimate, such as destination charges (i.e., long carry charges, shuttle charges, extra stair carry charges, or elevator charges) often not known at origin, the mover may demand full payment for those added services at time of delivery.

To be effective, a binding estimate must be in writing and a copy must be made available to you before your move.

If you agree to a binding estimate, you are responsible for paying the charges due by cash, certified check, traveler’s check, or bank check (one drawn by a bank on itself and signed by an officer of the bank) at time of delivery unless the mover agrees before you move to extend credit or to accept payment by charge card. If you are unable to pay at the time the shipment is delivered, the mover may place your shipment in storage at your expense until the charges are paid.

NON-BINDING ESTIMATES OF APPROXIMATE COST

The mover is not permitted to charge for giving a non-binding estimate.

A non-binding estimate is not a bid or contract. It is provided by the mover to give you a general idea of the cost of the move, but it does not bind the mover to the estimated cost. Furthermore, it is not a guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate. The actual cost will be in accordance with the mover’s published tariffs. All movers are legally obligated to collect no more and no less than the charges shown in their tariffs regardless of prior rate quotations contained in non-binding estimates. The charges contained in the tariffs are essentially the same for the same weight shipment moving the same distance. If you obtain differing (non-binding) estimates from different movers, you will be obligated to pay only the amount specified in the tariff. Therefore, a non-binding estimate may have no effect on the amount you will have to pay.

Non-binding estimates must be in writing and clearly describe the shipment and all services provided. Any time a mover provides such an estimate the amount of the charges estimated must be on the order for service and bill of lading relating to your shipment. If you are given a non-binding estimate, do not sign or accept the order for service or bill of lading unless the amount estimated is entered on each form when prepared by the mover.

If you are given a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus 10 percent, at time of delivery. You will then have at least 30 days after delivery to pay any remaining charges.

IF YOU REQUEST THE MOVER TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES THAN THOSE INCLUDED IN THE ESTIMATE, THE MOVER MAY DEMAND FULL PAYMENT FOR THOSE ADDED SERVICES AT TIME OF DELIVERY.

SPACE RESERVATIONS, EXPEDITED SERVICE, EXCLUSIVE USE OF A VEHICLE AND GUARANTEED PICKUP AND DELIVERY

It is customary for movers to offer price and service options. The total cost of your move may be increased if you want additional or special services. Before you agree to have your shipment moved under a bill of lading providing special service, you should have a clear understanding with the mover what the additional cost will be. You should always consider that you may find other movers who can provide the service you require without requiring that you pay the additional charges.

One service option is a SPACE RESERVATION. If you agree to have your shipment transported under a space reservation agreement, you are required to pay for a minimum number of cubic feet of space in the moving van regardless of how much space in the van is actually occupied by your shipment.

A second service option is EXPEDITED SERVICE to aid shippers who must have their shipments transported on or between specific dates which the mover could not ordinarily agree to do in its normal operations.

Another customary service option is EXCLUSIVE USE OF A VEHICLE. If for any reason you desire or require that your shipment be moved by itself on the mover’s truck or trailer, most movers will provide such service.

Still another service option is GUARANTEED SERVICE ON OR BETWEEN AGREED DATES. You enter into an agreement with the mover that provides for your shipment to be picked up, transported to destination and delivered on specific guaranteed dates. If the mover fails to provide the service as agreed, you are entitled to be compensated at a predetermined amount or a daily rate (per diem) regardless of the expense you actually might have incurred as a result of the mover’s failure to perform.

Before requesting or agreeing to any of these price and service options, be sure to ask the mover’s representatives about the final costs you will be required to pay.

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THE MOVING CHECKLIST (Courtesy of Yahoo.com)

March 13th, 2008
Checklist for moving:
8 Weeks before Move: To Do
Done Task
Check your credit? If renting your new home, try to obtain a current credit report to give to potential landlords. If purchasing a home, please check on your credit report to make sure there are no errors!
  1. Look into getting moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move.
  2. Using a Mover: Use keyword ‘movers’ to get estimates from moving companies. Try to shop around as much as possible to get the best rate.
  3. Self-Move: Use various internet services to choose a rental truck to use. Be sure to reserve it well in advance since reservations fill up quickly at certain times of the year.
  4. Pets: Check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet, especially if you are moving out of state or overseas.
  5. Kids: If you have small children, be sure to research childcare options in your new area.
  6. Kids: Assess the quality of school districts in your new area. Use various internet services to compare schools.
  7. Overseas: Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you don’t have one, be sure to get one well in advance.
  8. Overseas: Contact the consulate for the country you are moving to, insure that you have all proper paperwork prepared and available.
  9. Overseas: Obtain a visa if you will need one. You can talk to a consulate about the steps necessary to obtain one.
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7 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
  2. Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage.
  3. Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books.
  4. Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc…) and place them in a briefcase, strongbox, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
  5. Using a Mover Get in touch with a moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.
  6. Overseas: Research the customs and laws of the country you are moving to. If you haven’t been there, try to visit before you move.
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6 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Update your car registration and driver’s license with your state’s motor vehicle department. You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
  2. Make item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes
  3. Sell your old and unwanted stuff on various internet services or hold a garage sale before you pack.
  4. Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals. Be sure your insurance covers the doctor/dentist in your new area.
  5. Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions or memberships.
  6. Pets: Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet. Buy a carrier on various internet services.
  7. Pets: Notify your veterinarian of your move. Obtain any records for your pet, and ask for a referral.
  8. Kids: Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts. Try to visit the school before deciding if this is possible.
  9. Research the financial situation your new country. Open a new bank account and change your currency if necessary.
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5 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Make reservations for a room at a local motel for the night before moving day. This is the best way to make sure you can get a good night’s rest and a shower while all your things are packed up. Use various internet services to make reservations online!
  2. Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts.
  3. Overseas Research driving laws in your new country. You may need to apply for a foreign driving permit.
  4. Overseas: Make sure you have current vaccination records. Make sure you receive recommended vaccinations for the country you will be moving to.
  5. Overseas: Research insurance options in your new country. Your US insurance may or may not be valid after you move and you may need to buy new insurance in your new country.
4 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Fill out an official change of address with the USPS.
  2. Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address. Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
  3. Leave a forwarding address with the next tenants of your home if possible.
  4. Self-Move: Buy boxes and packing materials.
3 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Start packing. Begin with rooms of the house you don’t use as much and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes. Check out our How to Pack section for tips on how to pack like a professional!
  2. Check if the moving company you choose has storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily Or various internet services .
  3. Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the move.
  4. Kids: Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things, and letting them figure out new layouts for their rooms.
  5. Kids: If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your kids are watched and safely out of the way.
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2 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. If you live in a high-rise apartment, be sure to reserve an elevator for the day of your move.
  2. Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
  3. Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or throw away.
1 Weeks before Move: To Do
  1. Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
  2. Service your car, especially if you’re traveling to your new place by car. See various internet services for tools, services, and advice.
  3. Have a party to use up perishable food items, beverages, and alcohol. Donate food items you don’t consume to a shelter or food bank.
  4. Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc).
  5. Using a Mover: Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
  6. Pets: Pack a travel case for your pet.
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Moving Week: To Do
  1. Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc… If you are moving out-of-state, keep in mind that many businesses do not take out-of-state checks.
  2. Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
  3. Do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with your old property manager if applicable.
  4. Self-Move: Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc…)
  5. Pets: Keep your pet confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water. Consider taking a dog or cat to the kennel for the day.
  6. Pets: Introduce your pet to your new home slowly. Be sure they won’t be able to run back to the old house for the first few days.

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Packing Guide

March 13th, 2008
The process of relocating can be a stressful one with major changes in your life and that of your families. Therefore, we have a listed a number of things for you to consider when planning your move.
 
Basic Guidelines:
  1. Label each box with your name and job reference number.
  2. Use sturdy boxes, preferably those provided by your mover.
  3. When packing breakables, leave a 2-4 inch layer of crumpled paper at the bottom, sides and top of the box.
  4. When packing a box, place heavier items on the bottom, less heavy and lightest on top.
 
China and Classware:

  1. Use china boxes, and unprinted newspaper.
  2. Plates and saucers: Wrap each piece separately in unprinted newspaper. Place them in the box standing on edge in the box.
  3. Bowls: wrap individually, stack 4-2 together, wrap all again and place then standing on edge in the box.
  4. Cups and Glassware: Wrap cup handles in paper, then wrap entire cup. Place them in box with all handles pointing in the same direction. Wrap everyday glasses individually.
  5. Stemware: Use white packing paper. Use china or liquor box with dividers. Wrap each glass individually, stand on rim in box.
 
Other Items:
  1. Books: pack books standing on bottom edge in book boxes.
  2. Clothing: Wardrobe boxes can be used for handling clothing. Other clothing, blankets and linens can be folded and packed in linen boxes. We recommend emptying all dressers and chests as the added weight can make them difficult to move susceptible to damage.
  3. Pots and Pans: Use china boxes; stack them together with a few pieces of paper in between them. Fill all empty spaces with newspaper.
  4. Lamps and Lampshades: Remove shades and bulbs. Wrap lamps in layers of paper and place in box on base. Wrap lampshades lightly in paper, nest one inside the other, and pack in separate box.
  5. Electronic Equipment: Wrap theses items heavily in bubble wrap and place in box (ideally in the original boxes). Place bubble wrap at bottom and sides to prevent movement.
  6. Paintings, Mirrors, and Glass: Use picture boxes and bubble wrap. Valuable pieces may need to be professionally crated by us.
 
Helping you estimate how many boxes you need!
Move Size Approx. No. of Boxes
Studio 10 - 20
1 Bedroom Apartment 20 - 35
2 Bedroom Apartment 25 - 40
2 Bedroom House 25 - 50
3 Bedroom House 45 - 65
4 Bedroom House 65 - 85
Larger 90 +
 
Nobel Van Lines offers a free box delivey to your door step
(with a minimum order of $75.00)

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Moving Tips

March 13th, 2008
We have Compiled this list of tips to help make your move worry-free!
1. Ask for a lot of questions.
When choosing a moving company, the details are extremely important. The very first and most important question you should ask is: Are you licensed? If the company is licensed in Florida State , they will be able to provide you with a Florida MR license number (Nobel Van Lines’s is MR-476). Their license number, as well as their address, should be listed in their advertisement. Write it down. Also, call the DOT to confirm the license number is legitimate. The DOT will be able to tell you whether the company’s required insurance coverage is in effect.
2. Tell the estimator all the details.
When calling around for estimates, tell the estimator everything you are moving. If you leave out “a few pieces,” it will affect the quote you receive . If you are moving into or out of a walk-up, it will take a bit longer than a move into or out of an elevator building. If you had any problems getting certain pieces into your current apartment, let the estimator know (i.e., narrow stairs, large furniture). Your estimator will have to take that information into consideration when determining the time it will take to complete your move.

3. Beware of hidden charges.
If you call around and most of the companies give you basically the same time estimate, and one gives you a much lower one, don’t assume it’s the best deal . For example, if you have a one-bedroom apartment and most of the companies are estimating about five hours, and one tells you they can do it in two, don’t take the bait. Movers are not supermen; you generally have an idea of how long your move will take. Nobody knows your things as well as you do. If the hourly rate is substantially low, be leery of “hidden charges.” If they offer a lot of “free” stuff, like boxes, insurance, etc., be prepared for them to make up the difference somewhere else.
4. Insurance/Valuation.
Movers are required to “cover” your belongings at no additional charge “up to 60 cents per pound.” This means, if you have a lamp that weighs ten pounds, you are entitled to no more than $6.00, regardless of the true value of the piece. Additional valuation must be charged for , and is determined by the value of your goods. If you wish to be paid depreciated value for lost or damaged items, you must declare a lump sum value for the entire shipment, and pay an extra charge.
5. Written Estimates.
We suggest asking the companies you contact via telephone to fax or mail a copy of their estimate, including an inventory list, which will bring to attention any pieces that were not discussed.

6. Written Binding Estimates.
Depending on the size of your move, it may be a good idea to have an estimator visit your home and take a walkthrough. An at-home consultation will allow you to meet a company’s representative, and will help avoid a deceptively low estimate. Upon completing the walk-through, the estimator should provide you with a written estimate of probable cost, or a Written Binding Estimate . Carefully read the front and back of the contract; there are a few conditions that, if not complied with, will make the agreement void. Also, a W.B.E is not valid unless you have had an on-site evaluation.
7. Packing.
In order to have a cost-efficient move, we strongly suggest being packed. Keep in mind, any time the movers spend packing you up will be charged at an hourly rate. Also, do not assume the mover will provide the materials at no cost. If you want the mover to pack for you, let the estimator know, so that he or she can take it into consideration when determining the final estimated cost.
8. Payment.
Movers are not required to accept any form of payment other than cash, a certified check money order, or Traveler’s check. Nobel Van Lines also accepts major credit cards for payment (In a Local move only).

9. Safety Concerns.
Don’t leave your old residence until the moving company leaves, unless you have a friend or neighbor acting on your behalf. Never leave anyone in your home alone.
10. Referral System.
As we are built our reputation as a professional mover, we will appreciate you submitting a referral letter by the end of your relocation service.

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LAST MINUTE BEFORE MOVE

March 13th, 2008
Moving with Nobel Van Lines is the first step to a successful move, the following are some suggestions to avoid any delays or inconvenience during your move.
 

international relocation services• Confirm your move 1 day before. We will try to reach you at the phone numbers you provided us. The job must be confirmed as we will not send a truck to unconfirmed jobs. For your convenience, you can confirm your move by phone, by email, or on our website. Click here

• If your service includes full packing services, make sure to show the movers what not to pack. This might include such items as your briefcase, personal papers, or personal items. Movers will pack everything.

• If your service is for partial packing, make sure that you pack your portion. Movers work according to the estimate that was given to you. If you need extra packing, please just notify the office so we can adjust the price and send the proper packing materials.

• If moving from or to an apartment building, inquire with the management office if any certificate or insurance is required for the move-in. We provide this insurance documentation at no cost to you.

• Check the operation hours of the service elevators so we can plan your move accordingly.

• If your new home is on the top of a hill, please notify us. In some cases, large trucks can not approach steep locations. As we operate different size trucks, we would be able to dispatch the right vehicle to perform this move.

• Our drivers are equipped with maps and use them frequently. If the place you moving from or to is hard to find or in a new development, providing us with directions will help to start the move on time.

• Have the proper form of payment available. We accept certified checks, money order, or cash. Visa or Master Cards are accepted only in Local Moves, or in the pick up location of a Long Distance Move. Personal checks or Purchase Orders must be approved by the office in advance when you confirm your move.

• Avoid having other services done at your new home at the same time as your move such as painters, carpeting, etc.

• If you have small children in your family, ask the foreman to load their belongs last - so they will be delivered first.

• Nobel Van Lines Moving & Storage will do anything to make sure your move is a pleasant experience so please just let us know how we can help.

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