Welcome and thank you for visiting 1st Choice Moving & Storage’s web page.
We understand that most people have worked long and hard to purchase their household
belongings. As such it is very important that customers choose a reputable carrier.
At 1st Choice Moving & Storage, our most important goal is your satisfaction.
Our concern is for you, helping to make your move as smooth and pleasurable as
possible by handling your belongings with the utmost care. Please feel free to
browse through our Web Site.
We offer free estimates for your moving needs.
All of our moves are discounted. In most cases we can factor in your travel
arrangements with our pick up and delivery schedules to best accommodate your
requirements. Our customers may choose to work with us on scheduling so they
can reap substantial financial savings.
We urge you to make an informed decision. Understand the parameters of your
move and consider how much flexibility you can afford, then get other estimates.
Compare the pros and cons of our moving
services and rates to our competitors.
Normally, we can beat 90% of our competitors' prices because of our Network
operation.
1st Choice Moving & Storage can move you anywhere in the continental
United States and Hawaii!
Interstate/Long Distance Moves
1st Choice Moving & Storage wants you to know about interstate moving.
Below are the details of the three phases of any move:
Estimate, Documents, and Delivery
Planning (The Estimate) It's the most important part of every move. So planning
has become a specialty of 1st Choice Moving & Storage. 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 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 coast to coast).
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 may want to prepare for the possibility of additional or extra fees, which
include:
packaging and unpackaging
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.
|