BLUE RIDGE MOVERS Inc.

 What Moves Are Regulated?

The typical member company of the NCMA would usually like to visit a site to estimate the poundage packing costs of your upcoming move from one town to another. Moves within a city usually do not require a site visit to estimate the hourly charges involved. Each estimator has his own way of conducting an estimate; however the results should be within the same range. After the estimate, a suggestion to the consumer is to ask, "How can I reduce the estimated costs?" The estimator can usually offer helpful hints.

Three are three types of estimates offered by movers:

1. Non-binding estimates - This is a true estimate. Actual charges will be determined after the services have been completed.
2. Binding and guaranteed - This type of estimate is binding on both the mover and the shipper. If the shipper adds any items or services that need to be performed, an addendum will be completed to reflect the new charges.
3. Binding and not-to-exceed - This type of estimate states that the price of the estimate is the maximum price for the move. If the actual services performed are less than the estimate, then the actual charges will apply. If the shipper adds any items or services that need to be performed, an addendum will be completed to reflect the new charges.

Helpful Hints:

License - Make sure your mover is licensed and holds a Certificate of Exemption to perform moves within North Carolina. The simplest way is to check their certificate number. All certificate numbers start with NCUC-C#. If you want to be sure that the license is current, you can call the NC Utilities Commission at (919) 733-4035. All members of the NC Movers Association hold a valid Certificate of Exemption from the NC Utilities Commission.

Valuation - There are three choices for moving valuation:

1. Basic Value Protection - This is available at no charge for the shipper. The mover is only liable for $.60 per pound per article for any lost or damaged article. If you have a 100 lb. TV and it gets damaged, the mover's maximum liability is $.60 x 100 lbs. = $60.
2. Depreciated Value Protection - The mover's maximum liability is the greater of $1.25 times the actual weight in pounds of the shipment or a lump sum value that the shipper declares. The mover has the option of paying the shipper the value (less depreciation) of any lost or damaged goods, repairing any damaged goods to the extent necessary to restore them to the same condition as when received, or paying the shipper the cost of the repair.
3. Full Value Protection - The mover's maximum liability is the greater of $4.00 times the actual weight in pounds of the shipment or a lump sum value that the shipper declares. The mover has the option of paying the shipper the current day value of the items (no deduction for depreciation), replacing the article with like kind and quality if an item is lost. If an item is damaged, the mover has the option of repairing the item to the extent necessary to restore it the same condition as when received or paying the shipper for the cost of the repair.

Having all your possessions in someone else's hands can be frightening. Finding a moving company that is reliable, responsible, "gentle" on belongings, and affordable could be a complicated task. We will give you one less thing to worry about. The following information can help you find the right moving company for you.

Allow 6 to 8 weeks to select a mover

The process of finding the right moving company for you will probably take this much time. You'll request bids from each mover, check references, and make your final decision about which company is the best value for your money. Moving companies will need time to fit your move into their schedules, especially in the summer months, which is their busiest time of year.

Ask around

But unfortunately, that's not enough. Ask each of your prospective movers for references from previous customers and for documents on their history of service. Take advantage of free estimates, and get them from several movers as you have done. Having several free estimates will give you a very good idea of how costly your move will be. Keep in mind that certain movers offer estimates that are outrageously low, and then hand you a large bill when the move is complete. In order to avoid this predicament, always make sure that any estimates you receive from movers are either binding or include a "not to exceed" clause. Use the internet for knowing more about them.

Decisions you need to make in advance

Decide in advance which goods will be shipped and which will be sold or given away. Then consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid from moving. An estimator may come to your home and create a bid, or make an estimate by talking to you over the phone. Moves that are less than 50 miles away are usually priced by the hour. For longer distance moves, estimates are based on weight, usually per 100 pounds.

If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by customer. However, if there is an obvious exterior damage at the delivery, make a note of that on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply.

Try to provide as much information as possible about unusual situations on either end, so your estimates will be more accurate. Make the mover be aware of any problems they may encounter at the delivery, such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restriction or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a "parking space" for the moving van, if your new home is on a congested street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet, from the moving van to your door, you may be charged for excessive distance.

Tips on good Questions to ask any moving company, Coverage & Damages

Make sure the mover is properly insured. Particularly check if the mover has workmen's compensation which is required by law in most places. If this coverage is not in place and a worker gets hurt on your property, you could be liable for his injuries. You could end up losing your home !!

Make sure you understand the coverage for loss or damage of your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods, which they transport. But there are different levels of liability. You must be aware of the amount of protection provided and the additional costs that may apply.

One of the important factors affecting the quality and cost of your move is the selection of a mover. Be extra bit careful in selecting a mover. Ask friends for references of the movers they know and had good experience but mind you- every mover had done good moves and bad moves in the past. So the experience of your friend if it is positive need not be so and same way a bad referral need not be the same with you. You need to dig deeper into the details and verify whether the mover is reliable. Never use a mover whose main source of advertising are signs posted on trees and telephone poles.

Also ask about the number of years of experience

Ask references from the salesperson regarding the moves they already made. You can call them and ask for their experiences.

Make sure you know all the Extra charges that might be incurred
Make sure, if you have called any salesperson for a visual quote, to show him all the things and obtain a "written" quote . This saves you hundreds of dollars.