From Nat Ross
What you should look for when engaging a moving company.
It is important to ensure that when you engage a Moving Company - you are choosing the right mover. We have outlined the following list of questions which can assist you we hope, in choosing the right mover.
How long has the company been in business?
How long has the salesperson or estimator your speaking with been in the industry?
Does the company hold a Freight Carriers License?
What Trade Associations if the company affiliated to?
Does the company hold an independent quality Certification?
Will the company engage any third party contractors for your move? i.e. Electricians, Cleaning Companies. If so, who are they?
If possible make an appointment to visit the companies' premises?
Moving Terminology:
Bill of Lading
This is the document issued by the shipping company once your goods have been loaded onto the Ocean vessel. The document is confirmation of shipment and must be produced at destination to retrieve the shipment from the destination port.
Airway Bill
This is the document issued by the Airline once your goods have been booked onto a flight. The number attached this document will allow you trace the status of the arrival of the shipment.
Binding Estimate
A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated volume / weight of the shipment. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual volume / weight once the consignment has been collected.
Blanket Wrapping
Cotton blanket wrapping, usually used for local and some European Moves.
Cartons
These are cardboard boxes of different sizes used for various items i.e., books, china, linen. Dolly - A device on wheels used to carry stacks of boxes or other heavy items to a moving truck.
Domestic Move
Move within Ireland
Exclusions
Items or cause of damage specifically excluded from the insurance policy. For example money, jewellry, mechanical derangement, check the insurance information provided by your mover.
Fire Insurance Cover
Specifically to cover the risk of fire whilst your goods are in store, sometimes this risk is included within a policy, other instances it is specified separately.
Owner Packed Goods
All items that maybe packed by the owner of the property.
Lump Sum
A rate given based on the information supplied by you to the mover, this is the price charged as long as the information supplied is accurate.
Carrier
The mover providing transportation of your household goods.
C.O.D.
Transportation for a private shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).
High Value Article
Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than ECU 500.00 . These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly.
Inventory
The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
Long Carry
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence.
Shuttle Service
Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal vehicles.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation, for example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 180 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.
Warehouse Handling
An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.
Terminal handling Charges
Issued by the shipping line for loading and offloading the container from the vessel onto the quay side
Demurrage
Charge issued by the shipping line as a result of holding the container on the quay or warehouse longer than the agreed time at destination normally five working days
Moving FAQs (again from Nat Ross)
How do I find out the cost to move my household goods?
The cost to move your household goods by a professional mover is determined by the type of move - local or international, the volume to be moved and the mode of transport you wish to use.
I only have a small amount that needs to be moved, what do you suggest?
Typically, professional movers have a minimum weight that they require to book a move. Although it varies from company to company, it is generally 100 cubic feet / 3 cubic meters.
How do I find out the cost of living difference between two cities?
As part of the Homestore.com family of websites, we are pleased to be able to recommend visiting our affiliate
www.homefair.com. This Web site provides a wealth of information on regional cost of living differences
What does the terminology of estimates mean?
We would suggest that you discuss in details with your surveyor the content of the estimate to ensure that when comparing with other movers you are looking at the same type of move being quoted.
How do I find out if a mover is reputable?
We would suggest that you check with Trade Associations and also the Department of Transport to check both Registration of Transportation Certification and also Trade Affiliation.
Will I save money if I pack myself?
If you're looking to economize, packing yourself is a good place to start, provided you have the time and energy to achieve professional results. If you decide to do your packing yourself, consider your responsibilities. It takes time and energy to get the job done right, but doing it yourself can be a real money saver. It is important to note that we will be unable to insure your owner packed items whilst in transit.
Where do I go to buy boxes and cartons for packing?
Within our quotation we will provide for the cost of packing materials and can arrange to deliver various cartons in advance of your move.
How much should I tip my moving crew?
As with any industry, tipping is a personal decision. Many individuals do tip the driver and let the driver disperse the portion to the crew that they think is appropriate.
Finally the Nat Ross terms and conditions are well laid out and interesting
www.natross.com/terms.html I wont replicate them here.