Before you sign the bill of lading
Moving questions, answered.
The questions customers ask most before a move with Earl Farnsworth Express, answered in plain English from the Mayflower program we work under. For the steps from first call to delivery day, see how to plan a move, or browse the moves we handle.
Part one
About your move
If you have a choice, most movers suggest avoiding summer, the end of the month and the end-of-year holidays, because vans, equipment and crews are in the heaviest demand then. Still, Mayflower believes you should move when it suits you. A move that has to happen now, children changing schools mid-term, or a family split while the move is underway can all settle the date for you. When the date is flexible, vans and trained crews are easier to schedule, so we can better meet your preferred delivery schedule.
It depends on the time of year, the weather, the size of your shipment, the time to load and unload, and the direction and distance it travels. An average household does not fill a van, so two or more shipments are often loaded on the same van, each sectioned off from the others. Mayflower's computer-assisted dispatching system sets pickup and delivery dates from each shipment's origin, destination and weight.
The earlier, the better. The more lead time you give, the more likely we can meet your preferred delivery schedule, and every mover asks for alternate pickup and delivery dates for standard service. You will be told the loading date and the estimated arrival date in advance. If your dates are fixed by a lease expiration or a real estate closing, an extra-cost service can accommodate a more precise schedule, so talk it through with your Mayflower agent.
Part two
Estimates and liability
Yes. A Mayflower agent makes a pre-move survey of your household goods to work out the approximate cost and the van space your things will take, then gives you a written Estimate/Order for Service. There is no charge for the estimate. Estimates are only guidelines: on interstate moves you pay the total charges set by the actual weight, the distance and the services you authorize, and local moves are generally charged by the hour, sometimes with a minimum number of hours.
A binding estimate states the exact cost of the move in advance, based on the services requested or judged necessary at the time of the estimate. If you add services at origin or destination, such as a shuttle or a long carry from the street to the residence, the cost goes up. A binding estimate is valid for the period it states, up to 60 days, and added items or services such as packing mean an addendum for your signature. Ask your Mayflower agent if you want one.
Tariff provisions require all charges to be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination, unless later billing was arranged. You can pay with cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard are accepted for interstate moves only, with advance approval before loading, and personal checks are not accepted. If a non-binding estimate runs over, you pay no more than 110% of it at delivery, and if the actual cost is more than 10% over you have 30 days after delivery to pay the remainder.
Any moving company operating in California must be licensed by the state, and our license information is listed at the bottom of every page. Van lines that move shipments between states, such as Mayflower, hold a certificate of authority from the federal government to move household goods among all 50 states. Earl Farnsworth Express has represented Mayflower as an agent since 1982.
A tariff is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by every motor carrier that moves household goods between states. Each carrier publishes its own tariff, including its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection on request.
Yes, and how much protection you have depends on the Mayflower valuation program you choose. Released Rate Liability is the basic level at no charge: Mayflower's maximum liability for an article is 60 cents multiplied by its weight in pounds. Full-Value Coverage costs extra and either repairs the article, replaces it with one of like kind and quality, or pays you the cost of either. Valuation is not insurance, and Mayflower does not offer insurance.
Option A is full-value protection with no deductible, Option B has a $250 deductible, and Option C has a $500 deductible. Mayflower's total liability is the value you declare for your shipment, and the declared value must be at least the weight of your shipment multiplied by $5.00. Your Mayflower agent can give you a full description of both programs.
You must select the valuation program yourself, and you must write your choice in the Valuation box on the bill of lading in your own handwriting.
Yes, but Mayflower must be told in writing that they are in your shipment. Mayflower provides a high-value inventory list, and you should receive one as soon as the visual survey is done. If it does not arrive, tell your coordinator and one will be provided. Appraisals may also be required at your expense.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are articles of extraordinary value, and all of them must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form your salesperson gives you. Jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones, china and silverware are typical examples. An unlisted article of extraordinary value is limited to $100 per pound per article, and if you ship none, sign the form and print "None" in the list.
Part three
Storage and care
Yes. If you cannot take possession of your new residence right away, your belongings can be stored in a local Mayflower agent's warehouse, and Mayflower agents around the world provide safe storage. You are responsible for the storage charges, warehouse handling charges, valuation coverage charges while in storage, and the final delivery charges from the warehouse. Ask your Mayflower representative for the arrangements.
Mayflower's exclusive Sanitized-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The Sanitized feature inhibits mildew growth and controls insects. Mayflower also protects upholstered furniture with a safety seal and a clear plastic material before wrapping it in furniture pads.
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers and other electrical or mechanical appliances need special servicing before they travel. Moving parts such as motors, washer drums and ice makers must be securely fastened, and gas appliances must be serviced and disconnected before your move. Servicing is the owner's responsibility, but on request and for an additional charge a moving company can do it. Ask your Mayflower agent for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."