Understanding valuation coverage when moving is one of the most important challenges facing many clients. Valuation coverage though similar, is not identical on intra and interstate moves. Here we will be referring to local or long distance intrastate moving in North Carolina.
The first thing a client should know is that valuation coverage technically is not the same as insurance, though many refer to it as such. Only licensed insurance companies or brokers are permitted to sell insurance, and for this reason, any damage protection against property being moved by a moving company will be referred to as valuation coverage. This coverage is generally backed by the moving company's cargo and liability insurance coverage, should a serious claim be rendered.
Valuation coverage is very often misunderstood by moving company clients for many reasons. Some mistakenly assume that since a moving company is moving the property, they should be fully responsible for what happens to it during the relocation. Unfortunately, this is not the case and they often do not truly learn about valuation coverage until they put forth a claim and expect full reimbursement for a damaged article, even though they chose not to purchase any coverage beyond basic value protection.
From an economic standpoint let's ask the following: Should a moving company cover all property moved with full value protection for free, that would mean that any damage caused during the move -- for any reason -- would mean a pay out either by the moving company or its insurance company? This would incur additional expense to the moving company and would result in higher prices for everybody, across the board. So for those clients who do not need more coverage, for a variety of reasons, the price of their move would still be higher. This would put a burden on those shippers needing a low cost move.
Valuation options give the consumer a better way to control the cost of their move. If they need additional coverage, it is an available option. In other words, basic value protection allows the shipper to accept a lesser level of coverage in return for a reduced price on the move.
Valuation coverage for residential moving in North Carolina is regulated by the NC Utilities Commission, as are all residential moves in transit in moving company operated trucks across state highways. This means that all legal moving companies operating in NC are required to offer the same three types of coverage. These are basic value protection, which is included in the cost of the move -- and also depreciated value protection and full value protection -- which are both fee based coverage.
With basic value protection, should an item that is being moved be damaged or destroyed, the weight of that article is determined and that weight is multiplied by 60¢ for a total claim value. This coverage is based solely and the weight of the article, and not on its value. If a repair to the damaged item should cost less than the total claim value, the moving company is only liable for the lesser amount.
With depreciated value protection, should an item that is being moved be damaged or destroyed, the price and age of that article would be determined, and the moving company would be responsible for the depreciated value of the claim. If a repair to the damaged item should cost less than the total claim value, the moving company is only liable for the lesser amount.
And with full value protection, or replacement valuation, should an item being moved be damaged or destroyed, the price of that article would be determined and the moving company would be responsible for replacement, whether it be a cash payout or actual replacement article. If a repair to the damaged item should cost less than the total claim value, the moving company is only liable for the lesser amount.
Notice that in all three coverages, it is always the carrier’s option to repair a damaged article. At Triangle Moving Service, we use the AMSA Joint Military/Industry Table of Weights and Depreciation Guide to determine item weights and depreciation values.
Another avenue to explore for coverage is home owners or renters insurance. In many cases, this coverage will be adequate to cover the property in transit, and the client need not expend the extra dollars for additional coverage. It is always wise for the homeowner to check with their local agent, since not all policies are written the same way and some exclude transit damage. If there should be a claim in many cases the basic value protection the moving company provides will be adequate to cover the deductible of the homeowners claim, leaving little or no payout from the insured. However, some clients prefer to purchase the additional coverage rather than chance a claim against their homeowner’s policy which may result in higher homeowner’s insurance rates in the future.
Lastly, here are a few other points about valuation coverage. The shipper must inform the carrier in writing on the carriers documents about any items exceeding a value of $100.00 per pound. Without this declaration, the carrier is liable for no more that $100 per pound for any of these lost or damaged articles. In addition, most carriers will require you to sign a limitation of liability for particle board, which limits the carrier to coverage of 60¢ per pound per article regardless of what coverage applies. This is because particle board is inherently weak and prone to deteriorate without fault of the carrier. Also, should a damaged article be part of a set, such as a dining room table and chairs, and one item is damaged, the carrier is responsible only for the damaged article, not the whole set. Most moving companies will decline claims for items that were packed by the shipper, unless mishandling of the box is witnessed or evident by the condition of the carton. At the close of your move it would be wise to inspect all cartons for visible damage before your mover departs and inspect the contents if exterior damage is evident.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mover
Planning a move is an exhausting endeavor that takes plenty of thoughtful planning. One of the most important aspects of planning is selecting the best mover for your situation. There are multitudes of companies available to select from. Most folks move infrequently, and consequently know very little about the business or its intricacies.
One very important thing to remember is that you mover will be in possession and responsible for almost the entire contents of your home in most instances. For this reason, it is critical to select a company that is trustworthy, and that has employees that are trustworthy. Not only is trustworthiness critical, but the level skill that your company provides you can prevent damages to your home and contents. Securing this information can be arduous and time consuming.
It is wise to know that in theory it is simple to get into the moving business. All you really need is a truck, some dollies, a few pads and a couple of strong backs. There are many companies starting in such a fashion every year, and they come and go like clockwork. In fact, to operate a professional moving company you need all of the above, but you also need highly trained and skilled employees. You also need to obtain authority to operate, and minimum levels of insurance which include worker's comp, liability, and cargo. Finally, you must understand and comply with the rules and regulations governing the business on the state and federal levels, including producing and maintaining the proper paperwork and documents. And it is useful to be able to produce accurate estimates of weight, packing, and time taken to produce moves. As we see, there is much more to the moving business than at first meets the eye.
It is easy to assume that all moving companies are equal, and that the best mover is the cheapest. This can be a devastating mistake. While there may be some people who legitimately do not really care if their goods are scratched or dented. However, it also important to understand that should a company send employees not covered by workers compensation, the client can be held financially liable for injuries sustained on the job.
It is easy to see how a company can be cheap if they are cutting corners on legally required expenditures. In addition, they can cut corners by using inadequate, under maintained equipment and by utilizing untrained and unskilled employees as cost cutting techniques. Of course, cost is an important factor in selecting a mover, and once you have established that the companies you are considering are reputable it makes sense to consider economics.
So how do you figure out where to start? The first thing to consider is whether the company is licensed by the appropriate agency regulating the type of move you are making. In North Carolina, there are two agencies governing residential moves. For in state moves The North Carolina Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over movers. You can check this link for a list of licensed movers http://www.ncuc.net/consumer/carriers.pdf. In addition, movers operating legally under North Carolina Public Utilities authority must display their license number on both cab doors and on the rear cargo door of the trucks they operate.
For moves leaving or entering North Carolina or traveling amongst other states, the governing agency is The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can check this site to confirm that the mover has interstate operating authority: https://www.protectyourmove.gov/. Movers providing interstate service are required to display both a DOT and an MC number on both cab doors.
Once you have determined that the companies you are considering are legal, the next step is to find out if they are actually reputable. It is possible to be completely legal, and still be less than stellar. There are ways to figure it out. One good gauge of a company's quality is its ability to survive in a competitive market. Most moving companies providing inferior service do not survive long. Find out how long the company has been in business, and whether operated by the same management. Longer service is usually better in the moving business.
But how do you begin the process of choosing a mover? One very reliable method is by referral. Ask around. Ask friends, acquaintances, co-workers, club members. It is likely that you will hear the same companies talked about by multiple sources, especially if they have been around for a while. Many people look to the yellow pages for movers, and many reputable companies advertise there. However, be aware that the producers of the yellow pages are not required to verify the licensing of their advertisers. Legal companies are required to post their DOT, MC, and NCUC numbers on all of their advertising, so that is a good thing to watch.
One other resource you can use is the Better Business Bureau. They keep records of length of service, ownership, contact persons, and recent complaint activity. An inordinate number of complaints may indicate a need for caution.
Today the internet is a favorite for those searching for services, and the moving business is no exception. Many moving companies advertise in several different ways on the internet. First, they will have their own web site, and it is reasonable to examine these for information. In addition, there are companies offering to provide the consumer with multiple moving quotes from different companies. Movers pay a fee for those leads. Many of these quote providers prescreen the movers they use, but there are some that do not. The advantage to the consumer is that they can fill out the form one time for multiple quotes, rather than one for each company.
Although you may easily find a great moving company on the web, please beware. The anonymity of the web offers safe haven to many corrupt companies. If you choose to select from the internet, it is wise to be diligent with your research and make sure you are considering a legitimate company. Make sure they have a verifiable address and not just a PO Box.
Another thing to consider when selecting a mover is the niche that the company fills. Many companies will provide any moving service that you need, but excel in certain areas. Some companies focus on interstate moving, and while they may provide local service, you may pay them more than is necessary for a local move. Other companies may be more focused on office or commercial moving, and while they may provide residential service, you may have a better move with a company focusing on residential.
One very important thing to remember is that you mover will be in possession and responsible for almost the entire contents of your home in most instances. For this reason, it is critical to select a company that is trustworthy, and that has employees that are trustworthy. Not only is trustworthiness critical, but the level skill that your company provides you can prevent damages to your home and contents. Securing this information can be arduous and time consuming.
It is wise to know that in theory it is simple to get into the moving business. All you really need is a truck, some dollies, a few pads and a couple of strong backs. There are many companies starting in such a fashion every year, and they come and go like clockwork. In fact, to operate a professional moving company you need all of the above, but you also need highly trained and skilled employees. You also need to obtain authority to operate, and minimum levels of insurance which include worker's comp, liability, and cargo. Finally, you must understand and comply with the rules and regulations governing the business on the state and federal levels, including producing and maintaining the proper paperwork and documents. And it is useful to be able to produce accurate estimates of weight, packing, and time taken to produce moves. As we see, there is much more to the moving business than at first meets the eye.
It is easy to assume that all moving companies are equal, and that the best mover is the cheapest. This can be a devastating mistake. While there may be some people who legitimately do not really care if their goods are scratched or dented. However, it also important to understand that should a company send employees not covered by workers compensation, the client can be held financially liable for injuries sustained on the job.
It is easy to see how a company can be cheap if they are cutting corners on legally required expenditures. In addition, they can cut corners by using inadequate, under maintained equipment and by utilizing untrained and unskilled employees as cost cutting techniques. Of course, cost is an important factor in selecting a mover, and once you have established that the companies you are considering are reputable it makes sense to consider economics.
So how do you figure out where to start? The first thing to consider is whether the company is licensed by the appropriate agency regulating the type of move you are making. In North Carolina, there are two agencies governing residential moves. For in state moves The North Carolina Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over movers. You can check this link for a list of licensed movers http://www.ncuc.net/consumer/carriers.pdf. In addition, movers operating legally under North Carolina Public Utilities authority must display their license number on both cab doors and on the rear cargo door of the trucks they operate.
For moves leaving or entering North Carolina or traveling amongst other states, the governing agency is The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can check this site to confirm that the mover has interstate operating authority: https://www.protectyourmove.gov/. Movers providing interstate service are required to display both a DOT and an MC number on both cab doors.
Once you have determined that the companies you are considering are legal, the next step is to find out if they are actually reputable. It is possible to be completely legal, and still be less than stellar. There are ways to figure it out. One good gauge of a company's quality is its ability to survive in a competitive market. Most moving companies providing inferior service do not survive long. Find out how long the company has been in business, and whether operated by the same management. Longer service is usually better in the moving business.
But how do you begin the process of choosing a mover? One very reliable method is by referral. Ask around. Ask friends, acquaintances, co-workers, club members. It is likely that you will hear the same companies talked about by multiple sources, especially if they have been around for a while. Many people look to the yellow pages for movers, and many reputable companies advertise there. However, be aware that the producers of the yellow pages are not required to verify the licensing of their advertisers. Legal companies are required to post their DOT, MC, and NCUC numbers on all of their advertising, so that is a good thing to watch.
One other resource you can use is the Better Business Bureau. They keep records of length of service, ownership, contact persons, and recent complaint activity. An inordinate number of complaints may indicate a need for caution.
Today the internet is a favorite for those searching for services, and the moving business is no exception. Many moving companies advertise in several different ways on the internet. First, they will have their own web site, and it is reasonable to examine these for information. In addition, there are companies offering to provide the consumer with multiple moving quotes from different companies. Movers pay a fee for those leads. Many of these quote providers prescreen the movers they use, but there are some that do not. The advantage to the consumer is that they can fill out the form one time for multiple quotes, rather than one for each company.
Although you may easily find a great moving company on the web, please beware. The anonymity of the web offers safe haven to many corrupt companies. If you choose to select from the internet, it is wise to be diligent with your research and make sure you are considering a legitimate company. Make sure they have a verifiable address and not just a PO Box.
Another thing to consider when selecting a mover is the niche that the company fills. Many companies will provide any moving service that you need, but excel in certain areas. Some companies focus on interstate moving, and while they may provide local service, you may pay them more than is necessary for a local move. Other companies may be more focused on office or commercial moving, and while they may provide residential service, you may have a better move with a company focusing on residential.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Finding Good Moving Boxes and What to Do With Them When the Moving Is Over
In order to make ready for a move, many items will need to be put into cartons or otherwise packaged to be moved safely and without damages. If you choose you may elect to have your moving company take care of the packing; most moving companies will provide that fee based service. However, many people are unwilling or unable to bear the cost of that service, and elect to take care of packing themselves.
This is a great idea, especially when one understands the basic principles of moving boxes and how to procure the proper materials. Mover's boxes are available from a variety of sources. Moving companies are a great place to obtain them, but they are also available at rental truck facilities, packaging store locations, office supply stores, big box stores, and corrugated outlets. Used movers boxes are acceptable and provide financial savings as well as help us stay green.
Many do-it-yourselfers go to retail stores, the liquor store or the grocery store for used boxes. The boxes obtained in this manner are seldom as useful or usable as mover's boxes. When movers pack a truck properly, they load the goods in tiers laterally across the truck. These tiers are usually either 18" or 24" wide, with an occasional double tier being 36" or 48" wide. Mover's boxes are cut to fit these dimensions and are built to withstand the weight which they are expected to transport, provided they are packed properly.
Boxes from retail stores and the liquor store are seldom sized properly. They are usually small and inconsistently sized, which make it difficult for the movers to pack a truck efficiently. Grocery store boxes again are inconsistently sized and usually less able to sustain the loads as well as mover's boxes. In addition, since some grocery store boxes have had food in them, there is a possibility of contamination by insect or other vermin.
One good used box which is not a mover's box is the cartons used to ship copy or printer paper, the ones with the slip on lid. These boxes are strong, durable, and sized properly and can help making packing a truck fast and efficient.
When your move is complete, you will have to dispose of your boxes. If you have space, and you think you might move again, you could store them for future use. Simply flatten them out by slicing the tape. It is possible, but time consuming, to reuse old newsprint as well.
If you choose not to store your cartons, there are a couple of other options. If you flatten the cartons, it is fairly easy to have a moving company come by and remove the old cartons. They will only be interested in the mover's boxes, so don't mix in other cartons.
Some folks sell them, others give them away. Either way, it is better than discarding them. Finally, if all else fails, you can recycle them. Some cities will pick up cardboard for recycling, while in other places you must deliver it out yourself. There are also companies that will purchase used cardboard for recycling, although the price is very low.
This is a great idea, especially when one understands the basic principles of moving boxes and how to procure the proper materials. Mover's boxes are available from a variety of sources. Moving companies are a great place to obtain them, but they are also available at rental truck facilities, packaging store locations, office supply stores, big box stores, and corrugated outlets. Used movers boxes are acceptable and provide financial savings as well as help us stay green.
Many do-it-yourselfers go to retail stores, the liquor store or the grocery store for used boxes. The boxes obtained in this manner are seldom as useful or usable as mover's boxes. When movers pack a truck properly, they load the goods in tiers laterally across the truck. These tiers are usually either 18" or 24" wide, with an occasional double tier being 36" or 48" wide. Mover's boxes are cut to fit these dimensions and are built to withstand the weight which they are expected to transport, provided they are packed properly.
Boxes from retail stores and the liquor store are seldom sized properly. They are usually small and inconsistently sized, which make it difficult for the movers to pack a truck efficiently. Grocery store boxes again are inconsistently sized and usually less able to sustain the loads as well as mover's boxes. In addition, since some grocery store boxes have had food in them, there is a possibility of contamination by insect or other vermin.
One good used box which is not a mover's box is the cartons used to ship copy or printer paper, the ones with the slip on lid. These boxes are strong, durable, and sized properly and can help making packing a truck fast and efficient.
When your move is complete, you will have to dispose of your boxes. If you have space, and you think you might move again, you could store them for future use. Simply flatten them out by slicing the tape. It is possible, but time consuming, to reuse old newsprint as well.
If you choose not to store your cartons, there are a couple of other options. If you flatten the cartons, it is fairly easy to have a moving company come by and remove the old cartons. They will only be interested in the mover's boxes, so don't mix in other cartons.
Some folks sell them, others give them away. Either way, it is better than discarding them. Finally, if all else fails, you can recycle them. Some cities will pick up cardboard for recycling, while in other places you must deliver it out yourself. There are also companies that will purchase used cardboard for recycling, although the price is very low.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Getting to Know Specialty Mover's Boxes
Mover's boxes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Most people are familiar with the normal everyday box sizes such as small, medium, large, and extra large. These boxes are used for the majority of household good such as books, records, tapes, weights, toys, packaged foods, clothes, shoes, and many general household items and tools. However there are specialty boxes designed for specific items that most moving companies carry and use and we are going to shed some light on what they are and what they are used for.
There are a lot of common specialty mover's boxes such as: dish packs, picture cartons, lamp cartons, wardrobes, and mattress cartons. There are also the more unusual specialty cartons such as grandfather clock cartons, office file cartons or totes, electronics boxes, TV boxes, and couch boxes.
On the top of the common specialty box list is the Dish Barrel, or Dish Pack. The name barrel refers to the "old" days, when actual wooden barrels were used to transport dishes and such. These cartons are usually cut to 18" x18" x 27" for a total space of 5 cu ft. They are designed to hold china or kitchen glassware -- plates, saucers, platters, coffee cups, stemware, and any other glassware or fragile items you wish to pack in them. They are double walled boxes for extra protection. You may also purchase cell dividers which will allow you to compartmentalize items for greater protection.
Wardrobes are another specialty box. These generally come in two sizes, 20" x 18" x 48" or 24" x 20 x 48, and have a hanger bar for hanging clothes. These are like a portable closet. The can also be for shipping drapes and curtains, and also are great for consolidating hand tools. Lay down wardrobes are occasionally used, especially for international shipments. These wardrobes have no bar, and the clothes are just laid flat in them. This is a space saver.
Mattress cartons generally come in two sizes, single or queen/king. The single is one piece, and the mattresses just slide right in, while the king/queen is two pieces and they slide over each end and are taped together.
And of course let's not forget the picture cartons. Some picture cartons are one piece and sized to fit specific cartons. Others come in adjustable parts that slip down over the picture and then are secured together with tape. These are the most versatile, since they can be adjusted to fit most any picture.
HBAM3Z4F66KY
There are a lot of common specialty mover's boxes such as: dish packs, picture cartons, lamp cartons, wardrobes, and mattress cartons. There are also the more unusual specialty cartons such as grandfather clock cartons, office file cartons or totes, electronics boxes, TV boxes, and couch boxes.
On the top of the common specialty box list is the Dish Barrel, or Dish Pack. The name barrel refers to the "old" days, when actual wooden barrels were used to transport dishes and such. These cartons are usually cut to 18" x18" x 27" for a total space of 5 cu ft. They are designed to hold china or kitchen glassware -- plates, saucers, platters, coffee cups, stemware, and any other glassware or fragile items you wish to pack in them. They are double walled boxes for extra protection. You may also purchase cell dividers which will allow you to compartmentalize items for greater protection.
Wardrobes are another specialty box. These generally come in two sizes, 20" x 18" x 48" or 24" x 20 x 48, and have a hanger bar for hanging clothes. These are like a portable closet. The can also be for shipping drapes and curtains, and also are great for consolidating hand tools. Lay down wardrobes are occasionally used, especially for international shipments. These wardrobes have no bar, and the clothes are just laid flat in them. This is a space saver.
Mattress cartons generally come in two sizes, single or queen/king. The single is one piece, and the mattresses just slide right in, while the king/queen is two pieces and they slide over each end and are taped together.
And of course let's not forget the picture cartons. Some picture cartons are one piece and sized to fit specific cartons. Others come in adjustable parts that slip down over the picture and then are secured together with tape. These are the most versatile, since they can be adjusted to fit most any picture.
HBAM3Z4F66KY
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Mover's Boxes - Why You Should Use Them and Where to Find Them
Most moving companies will encourage you to use mover's boxes. This is not merely a way for the movers to increase sales. When movers pack a truck properly, they load the goods in tiers laterally across the truck. These tiers are usually either 18" or 24" wide, with an occasional double tier being 36" or 48" wide. It just so happens that mover's boxes are cut to fit these dimensions and thus make packing the goods in tightly a breeze. In addition, mover's boxes are built to withstand the weight which they are expected to transport, provided they are packed properly.
Mover's boxes are produced by many different manufacturers, so they are not all cut exactly the same, but they are all very similar.
A small box usually will have dimensions of 16" x 12.75" x 12.75" for a total space of 1.5 cubic feet. This box is best used for books, records, tapes, CDs, canned goods, weights, or other particularly heavy items.
Medium boxes are the real work horse for residential moves. The dimensions for a medium box are usually 18" x 16" x 18" for a total space of 3.0 cu ft. These boxes are generally used for moderately heavy items -- clothes, shoes, non glass kitchenware, packaged foods, bric-a-brac, small pictures, and generally all medium weight items found in a home.
Large boxes are usually 24" x 18" x 18" for a total space of 4.5 cu ft. These cartons are used for larger light items such as light clothes, linens, baskets, toys and games, and other light items.
Extra large boxes are usually cut to 23" x 20" x 23" for a total space of 6.1 cu ft and are used for very light bulky items such as pillows, comforters bulky children's toys and other light items.
Mover's boxes are available from a variety of sources. Moving companies are a great place to obtain them, but they are also available at rental truck facilities, packaging store locations, office supply stores, big box stores, and corrugated outlets. Used movers boxes are acceptable and provide financial savings as well as help us stay green.
Most movers stock used boxes. Some companies, notably the large van lines, will provide free used boxes with the move. Other companies sell used boxes at a discounted rate. Many folks are able to obtain either free or cheap used boxes from sites such as craigslist, or by asking the neighborhood. Often a new resident will have used boxes to discard.
Mover's boxes are produced by many different manufacturers, so they are not all cut exactly the same, but they are all very similar.
A small box usually will have dimensions of 16" x 12.75" x 12.75" for a total space of 1.5 cubic feet. This box is best used for books, records, tapes, CDs, canned goods, weights, or other particularly heavy items.
Medium boxes are the real work horse for residential moves. The dimensions for a medium box are usually 18" x 16" x 18" for a total space of 3.0 cu ft. These boxes are generally used for moderately heavy items -- clothes, shoes, non glass kitchenware, packaged foods, bric-a-brac, small pictures, and generally all medium weight items found in a home.
Large boxes are usually 24" x 18" x 18" for a total space of 4.5 cu ft. These cartons are used for larger light items such as light clothes, linens, baskets, toys and games, and other light items.
Extra large boxes are usually cut to 23" x 20" x 23" for a total space of 6.1 cu ft and are used for very light bulky items such as pillows, comforters bulky children's toys and other light items.
Mover's boxes are available from a variety of sources. Moving companies are a great place to obtain them, but they are also available at rental truck facilities, packaging store locations, office supply stores, big box stores, and corrugated outlets. Used movers boxes are acceptable and provide financial savings as well as help us stay green.
Most movers stock used boxes. Some companies, notably the large van lines, will provide free used boxes with the move. Other companies sell used boxes at a discounted rate. Many folks are able to obtain either free or cheap used boxes from sites such as craigslist, or by asking the neighborhood. Often a new resident will have used boxes to discard.
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