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Long Distance Moves
Nationwide Moving & Storage wants you to know about interstate moving. Below are the details of the three phases of any move:
The Estimate. The Documents., & The Delivery.
Planning (The Estimate). It's always the most important part of every move. So planning has become a specialty of Moving Right Now. From supplying the correct packing materials and labor through loading, safe driving and unpacking, we make sure every possibility is anticipated and every need is met. From start to finish, we handle the details.
It all begins with one of our experienced representatives. They will guide you through the process, and will initiate the services of our customer service coordinators, operations personnel, and others whose special training or unique capabilities are needed.
Purpose
The purpose of the estimate is to furnish you with an approximate cost of your move. We will discuss packing services, valuation, your move schedule and all special services required.
Cost On Interstate Moves
The cost will be calculated by taking the weight of your shipment and applying the appropriate tariff rate for the number of miles it will be traveling. Any materials or services requested, in addition to those of loading your goods, transporting and unloading them, will be itemized and charged accordingly. Services needed at destination will be included when communicated to your sales representative.
If you are paying for your own move, the move representative will furnish you with an Estimate/Order for Service form showing the breakdown of charges. If your employer is paying for the move, the estimate may be forwarded directly to your company.
When your moving schedule has been set, notify your sales representative immediately to schedule your desired pick-up and delivery dates. The last week of a month and the period from May through September are extremely busy, and advance notice is requested.
How is the Customer Charged?
For interstate moves, most companies price their services using a standard set of rates based on weight and distance (per pounds). Then they offer "discounts" - usually 10% - 40% off the standard rates - or special tariffs to encourage business in slower seasons or to certain destinations (for example, a move from Florida to New York).
To calculate your cost, the customer's goods are loaded and weighed. The truck is weighed empty either before your goods are loaded or after your goods are unloaded. Your cost will be the difference between the "empty" weight (the tare) and the combined weight (the gross). You also have the right to see the weight ticket from the station. If you believe the weight of your belongings is too much, you can ask for a second weighing. This is done at no cost to you, unless the second weight is more: in this case you will be responsible for paying the higher rate.
You have to be prepared for the possibility of extra (or additional) charges, which include:
- Stair charges for each flight.
- Elevator charges: Higher than the stair charge, because elevators take longer.
- Transportation fee: For driving in the city.
- Excessive distance fees: When your driveway is too small to accommodate the van, the movers have to push your goods the extra distance.
- Piano fee: Both for moving the piano and for the number of flights it has to be carried.
- Packing/unpacking charge, etc.
The Documents
Your driver will present you with the Bill of Lading. This authorizes the carrier to transport your goods. Your driver is also required to complete a Household Goods Descriptive Inventory of items included in the shipment with a brief note of their condition. You will be then asked to sign the Inventory. If any additional services are necessary, the Additional Services Performed Origin/Destination Service and Delivery Report must also be completed by the driver and signed by you.
The Delivery
Payment is due at time of delivery by cash, certified check or postal money order. The driver begins unloading when the payment is received. Check with your sales representative prior to moving day to determine if credit card payment is accepted and what restrictions may apply.
Unloading
As unloading begins, check off items received from your copy of the Inventory. The crew unloading your moving van is only required to place furniture once, so have a placement plan in mind. Be aware that unpacking services include taking packed items out of cartons and placing them on a table or counter. If the moving crew does your unpacking, you may request that they dispose of the used materials and containers when they have finished.
Claims
Although every effort will be made to see that your belongings arrive intact, there may be incidents when loss or damage occurs. In that event, completely unpack all your goods. Compile a list of any damaged or missing items. Locate the registration number from your Bill of Lading and call the Customer Service Department. Claim forms will be mailed promptly. You have two months from date of delivery to file your claim. However, it is suggested that you file as soon as possible.
If you are being relocated at your company's request, find out what portion of our moving expenses the company will pay. If your company has a written moving policy, ask for a copy.
Deducting moving expenses
Regardless of whether or not they file an itemized return, all taxpayers meeting the following conditions qualify to deduct certain moving expenses:
- You are moving to a new principle residence to work as an employee or as a self-employed individual at a new principle place of work and your new job is at least 50 miles farther from your former residence than your old job location.
- You must remain a full-time employee in the general vicinity of the new job location for 39 weeks within the first 12 months following the move.
- If you are self-employed, you must remain in the new location, as self-employed or as an employee, for 78 weeks during the first 24 months following your move, and 39 weeks must be in the first 12 months.
When determining your federal adjusted gross income, you can deduct the following expenses if they are not reimbursed by your employer:
- Transportation costs from old to new residence.
- Packing, crating and unpacking charges.
- Storage-in-transit charges and valuation for 30 consecutive days.
- Cost of moving your car and your household pets.
Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, and aerosol cans. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, bleach or any substance that may leak. Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron.
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