One of the most critical parts of any relocation is the contract with your moving services provider. This document outlines the responsibilities of both you and your movers. It covers what they’ll pack, load, transport, and unload. It also details the price you’ll pay for your move and any additional services or benefits you require, like extended insurance coverage.
Local and long-distance moving service contracts are similar, but there are a few distinguishing details for the latter that are important to know about. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the contract for your long-distance relocation:
Key Takeaways
- Moving contracts ensure everyone is on the same page regarding responsibilities, pricing, and potential issues during your move.
- Moving contracts include details on what items will be moved, dates and times for pickup and delivery, agreed-upon rates, and more.
- Red flags in moving contracts include vague language, incomplete inventories, and confusing terms.
What is a Moving Contract?
Moving contract agreements are critical. They outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities between you and the moving company and ensure a smooth transition. They also spell out the included services, costs, delivery windows, and more. These contracts provide guidance about damages or delays, too.
Contracts can be either physical or digital, with many companies offering electronic contracts for convenience. And while not every move needs formal contracts, professional ones do. Moving contracts may also be called “moving agreements.” Both terms refer to the same legal document and protect the involved parties.
Why Are Contracts for Moving Services Important?
Contracts for moving services are critical because they outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities between you and the moving company and ensure a smooth transition. In addition to spelling out offered services, costs, delivery windows, and more, they also provide guidance on damages or delays.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that movers provide their customers with written estimates and moving contracts, especially for long-distance moving services. This safeguards consumer rights and prevents fraud.
What to Look for in a Moving Company Contract
What goes into a good moving company contract? Consider the following details. If it appears the moving company doesn’t address any of the items below, contact them immediately for clarification before you sign.
1. A Complete List of Services Provided
Comprehensive moving contracts clearly dictate both your and the moving company’s responsibilities. For movers, this usually includes services like packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking belongings. Many movers will also handle the disassembly and reassembly of some furniture, provide additional packing materials, and offer temporary storage.
Customer responsibilities usually include prepping items for packing, ensuring the movers have clear walkways and access to all parts of the home, and securing any necessary permits or parking arrangements.
2. The Agreed-Upon Rate Per Cube or Pound
The most detailed portion of the estimate is typically the agreed-upon rate per cubic foot or pound. This usually has the biggest impact on the total cost of your move. Movers can calculate rates based on the volume (cubic feet) or weight of your belongings in pounds.
A studio apartment, for example, might hold about 1,800 pounds or 250 cubic feet of items. Two-to-three-bedroom homes may contain 5,000 to 9,000 pounds or 400 to 900 cubic feet.
For this reason, it’s imperative that your estimate accurately reflects the contents of your home. This helps avoid unexpected expenses and can provide a safeguard against potential overcharges.
3. A Clear Delivery Timeframe
Well-defined delivery timeframes in your moving contract help ensure a smooth relocation process. This schedule typically includes benchmarks for:
- Packing: Specify when your movers will arrive and begin packing your belongings.
- Pickup and loading: Clearly state when movers will arrive to load items on the truck (if different from the packing phase).
- Travel: Provide an estimated duration for transit that considers factors like distance and potential delays. This is particularly important for long-distance moves.
- Unloading: Indicate when you can expect your items to be unloaded at your new residence.
These details help prevent misunderstandings. They also ensure both parties have the same expectations. Moving company delivery windows can range from three to 14 days, depending on your move’s distance and complexity.
4. Necessary Liability and Insurance Information
Your moving contract should clearly state liability and insurance coverage details during your move. This key element ensures you’re not liable for any injuries to movers as a part of your move. More importantly, it will offer details about reimbursement for damaged or lost items should these unfortunate instances occur during your move.
5. Information on Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
You may not want to reschedule or cancel your move, but it is a possibility. Your moving contract should detail what happens when either you or your mover needs to reschedule or cancel your move, including potential financial stipulations like additional fees for last-minute changes to your move’s schedule.
What to Avoid in a Long-Distance Moving Contract
While there are definite inclusions for every long-distance moving contract, the following details are red flags that you should be vigilant and watch out for:
- Unclear payment terms and expectations: Ensure your moving contract specifies the total cost for your move, payment schedule, and acceptable payment methods. Any ambiguous details can lead to unexpected charges.
- Vague schedules or timelines: The contract needs to detail precise dates and times for packing, pickup, transit, and delivery. Lack of specificity can result in delays and inconvenience.
- Excessive fine print: Some fine print is normal. Overly complex or abundant fine print might conceal unfavorable terms. Read and understand all clauses before signing.
- Incomplete estimates: An estimate must encompass all services and potential fees. Missing details might lead to unexpected costs.
- Contradictory or incomplete information: Discrepancies within the contract can cause disputes or confusion. Ensure this information is consistent with verbal agreements.
Dealing with multiple contracts could expose you to any of these red flags. One way to avoid confusing moving agreements is to work with a moving broker to find your residential moving services. Moving brokers have already vetted different moving companies (and their contract practices) to ensure fairness and transparency in agreements.
Additional Moving Contract Details
Outside of the basics of moving contracts and why they’re important, the following details might be handy as you look for a moving company or work with a broker to finalize your move.
Moving Contract Terms to Know
The following key terms and definitions are typical inclusions for a moving contract:
- Bill of lading: The bill of lading is the receipt stating the moving company has taken possession of your household goods. It also contains the contract and defines where and how the company transports those goods.
- Binding estimate: A fixed price for the move, regardless of weight or services provided.
- Accessorial charges: Additional fees for services like packing, unpacking, or long carries.
- Full-value protection: Insurance coverage where the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items.
- Released value protection: Basic coverage where the mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item.
- Order for service: The document authorizing the mover to transport your belongings.
- Inventory: A detailed list of items to be moved, including their condition.
- Weight ticket: The weight ticket (or scale ticket) shows the total weight of the moving van before and after loading it. This is the final weight of your household goods.
This is by far not an exhaustive list. Ask your broker or moving team for more details if you have questions!
Contracts for Long-Distance Moving Services Are Unique
As noted, moving contracts are common for professional moves. Long-distance moving contracts specifically have several unique elements. For example, longer transit times often necessitate specific delivery periods spanning several days. It’s not unlikely that your items will arrive well after you do.
You may also have to pay for line-haul charges, which are fees based on the distance between origin and destination and reflect fuel and labor charges. Finally, these extended distances might require that you buy additional valuation coverage.
Additional Considerations for Corporate Moving Contracts
Planning a business relocation is different from a residential move. That includes additional considerations for long-distance relocations for businesses. As you negotiate your delivery period, think about office closure times and security needs. You may or may not have access to a freight elevator as part of your move.
Ensure your moving company knows these details before signing the contract. Otherwise, you might run into trouble.
Finding a Moving Contract You Can Trust
Even if you’ve moved before, moving contracts can be confusing. The best way to avoid an unfavorable contract is to work with a moving broker like Safe Ship Moving Services.
Moving brokers partner with several moving companies and know how to review contracts for red flags before they even end up in your hands. Before you sign a long-distance moving contract, get a quote from a moving broker to find competitive rates from movers who won’t take advantage of you.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a binding estimate from a moving company?
A moving company’s binding estimate is a written agreement that guarantees the total cost of your move based on listed services and items. Even if your belongings’ actual weight or volume differs, the price remains fixed. This provides cost certainty.
Is a local contract different than a long-distance moving contract?
Local and long-distance contracts often differ. Local move contracts often charge by the hour and cover shorter distances. Long-distance moving contracts are usually based on weight and mileage.
What do movers consider long-distance?
Most movers consider a move long-distance if it exceeds 100 miles or crosses state lines. These moves involve more federal regulations and different pricing structures than local moves.
How do you read a moving contract?
To read your moving contract, focus on critical details. Ensure all agreed-upon services are listed in the services provided section. Verify the total cost and make sure you understand any potential extra fees. Review the moving company’s responsibility for lost or damaged items. Finally, confirm pickup and delivery schedules.
