Our goal at A-Mrazek Moving, Storage and Transportation is to assist you every step of the move. We realize you will have questions, and our customer service representatives will be more then happy to answer them. In addition to that we have also provided answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions for your convenience. Alternately you may find our move planning page helpful
When is the best time to move?
How long does it take to move?
When should I call a moving company?
Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Can my possessions be stored temporarily?
Will my furnishings remain clean?
Do my appliances need special attention?
Can I pack my china, glass and crystal?
Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
When is the best time to
move?
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than
summer, the end-of-the-month or the end-of-year holidays. The heaviest demands
are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during these periods.
However, A-Mrazek believes you should move when it is most convenient for you.
Factors involved in the decision may include:
• Whether the move must be made immediately
• Moving children during the school term
• Separation of the family while the move is under way
How long does it take to move?
This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, size
of your shipment, time required to load and unload, and the direction and
distance your shipment is traveling.
Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill a van, it is
often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. Each
shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others. With the help of A-Mrazek's
computer-assisted dispatching system, pickup and delivery dates are scheduled
according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the van, as
well as shipment weight.
When should I call a
moving company?
The earlier, the better. Although the actual van assignment may not be made
until a few days before your move, it's wise to give A-Mrazek from four to six
week's notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we
will be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
All moving companies, for their standard type of service, require alternate
pickup and delivery dates. We'll do our best, of course, to comply with the
dates you prefer or the nearest possible alternatives. You will be notified in
advance of the loading date for your goods and of the estimated date of arrival.
If your pickup and delivery dates are critical due to such factors as a lease
expiration or a real estate closing, you may choose an extra-cost service which
will enable us to accommodate a more precise, reasonable schedule. You should
discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with A-Mrazek, so that we
can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.
Is a moving company "Licensed"?
It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." For
example, United Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority by the
federal government to move household goods among any of the 50 states. A local moving company ("agency")
affiliated with a national van line such as United may also be registered with
the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.
Do I need an estimate?
An A-Mrazek agent will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be
transported. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a
move and the amount of van space your goods will occupy. A-Mrazek will compute
the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. An
accurate estimate cannot be calculated without a visual survey of the goods to
be moved. There is no charge for the estimate.
Keep in mind that estimates (household goods surveys) are only guidelines. On
interstate shipments, you must pay the total charges as determined by the actual
weight of your shipment, the distance it travels, and the services that you
authorize or which become necessary to handle your shipment.
Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There
may be a minimum number of hours required. These shipments are handled by
A-Mrazek, not the interstate carrier.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate or binding cost of service specifies in advance the precise
cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time
of the estimate. If additional services are requested or required at either
origin or destination (such as a "shuttle" to or from a location to which a
full-size van cannot operate directly or a "long carry" from the street to
residence), the total cost will increase. Binding estimates are valid for the
time period specified, up to 60 days.
If you add items to be moved or require additional services, such as packing,
between the time of the estimate and the time of your move, there will be
additional charges. An addendum specifying these additional charges will be
prepared for your signature.
If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate, please discuss it with
A-Mrazek Moving Systems personnel at the time you call for an appointment.
How much will my move cost?
Unless you have been given a binding estimate, the exact cost of your move
cannot be determined until after your shipment has been loaded on the van and
weighed. If additional services are requested or become necessary after loading
and weighing, additional charges will be incurred. Basic transportation charges
depend on the actual weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The
total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for Full-Value
Coverage (see the question "Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods
Are In Transit?"), plus charges for any "accessorial" services (such as packing
and unpacking) performed by A-Mrazek at your request. These charges are based on
"tariff" rate schedules (see below as to what a tariff is).
What is a tariff?
This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges
used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation of household
goods. The tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and
include its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon
request.
How and when should I pay?
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is
unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later
billing).
Payment for your shipment can be made by one of the following methods: cash,
traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. In addition, the American
Express® Card, Discover™ Card, Visa® or MasterCard® can be used to pay for
interstate moves ONLY, with advance approval required prior to loading (unless
other billing arrangements have been made). Personal checks are not accepted.
All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding estimates.
If you have received a non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed
the estimate, you will be required to pay no more than 110% of the estimated
cost at delivery. Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10%,
you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110%. Payment of
estimated charges plus 10% does not apply if goods are delivered into storage.
If storage at destination (storage-in-transit) is necessary, all transportation
charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse. You
will then be assessed storage charges based on the applicable rates set forth in
our tariff.
Am
I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the
"valuation" program.
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will
be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability. The liability for loss or
damage is based upon tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has
certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a
tariff-based level of motor carrier liability. If you desire insurance, you
should consult your insurance company representative about available insurance
coverages, because A-Mrazek does not offer insurance.
Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, the maximum liability for loss or damage to any
article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article.
This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.
Full-Value Coverage
Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in
A-Mrazek’s care, either they will be repaired or replaced with like items, or a
cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value,
regardless of the age of the item. A-Mrazek will determine the appropriate
settlement method to be used.
Full-Value Coverage is available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very
attractive rates. A-Mrazek's total liability for loss or damage will be the
amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum total
declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied
by $5.00.
Items of "Extraordinary Value"
In the moving industry, items having a value of more than $100 per pound are
known as "articles of extraordinary value." All "articles of extraordinary
value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form which
will be given to you by the salesperson at the time of the estimate for you to
complete. Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, the
following list should help you identify items that might fall under this
classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines,
antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware. In the
event of a claim, any settlement involving an article of extraordinary value
listed on the High-Value Inventory form is limited to the value of the article,
not to exceed the declared value of the shipment, based upon the A-Mrazek
valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary
value is not listed on the form, A-Mrazek's maximum liability is limited to $100
per pound per article. Shipments that move under the Released Rate Liability
program, in which the declared value of the shipment would be 60 cents per pound
per article, would not be covered by the provisions applicable to articles of
extraordinary value.
You must select the valuation program, and you must write your choice in the
"Valuation" box on the Bill of Lading in your own handwriting. If the box on the
Bill of Lading is not completed, your shipment will be considered released at a
declared value based on the total weight of your shipment multiplied by $1.25
per pound. A charge will be added to your moving cost, and claims will be
settled taking depreciation into account.
For a full description of the Full-Value Coverage, Depreciated Coverage and
Released Rate Liability programs, please ask your A-Mrazek representative or
read the booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" which
you will receive in your packet of information during the estimating process.
Can my possessions be
stored temporarily?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your
belongings can be stored in a warehouse.
United agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding
your goods until you're ready for them. However, you are responsible for the
storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage and final delivery charges from
the warehouse.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will be an additional charge for the
valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment, as mentioned
previously. The type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether the shipment
is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or in permanent (long-term) storage.
Please ask A-Mrazek for information regarding storage arrangements.
Will my furnishings remain
clean?
United's exclusive Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move.
The Sanitized® feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, is an
extra measure of hygienic safety for your belongings. In addition to this
service, United protects your upholstered furniture with ClearGuardSM, a clear
plastic material, before they are wrapped with furniture pads.
Do my appliances need
special attention?
Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical
appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving
parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, icemakers and the pickup
arm on a phonograph should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances
need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move.
It is the owner's responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for
shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional
charge, A-Mrazek will perform this service, using either its own qualified
personnel or an authorized service company. For more information on servicing
and cleaning appliances for moving, ask A-Mrazek for the booklet "Moving
Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."
Can I pack my china,
glass and crystal?
Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile
items, professionally packed by A-Mrazek. However, if you decide to pack these
items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include
wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure
of a firm pack.
Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two or three inch layer
of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item
individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest."
Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in
empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for
maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile," and list the contents on the
outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape. The pack crew or driver will
reserve the right to inspect pack by owner cartons to ensure that the cartons
are safe for travel in the van.
Cartons, paper and tape may be purchased from A-Mrazek for a modest cost. Also
ask A-Mrazek for a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."
Can I pack
my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie - may be left in
the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or
sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT
to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the
drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.
Can I move jewelry and
other valuables?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and
stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify A-Mrazek
of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that
you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other
arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to
be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these
articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value
Inventory form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration"
box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of extraordinary value are included in
your shipment, simply write "none" on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.
Can I move my house plants?
A-Mrazek cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because
they may suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature
changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your house plants in the
family car or ship them by plane.
Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit
plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure
to check the regulations of the state to which you're moving. Ask your agent for
a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."
Can I move my pet?
Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Dogs, cats, birds, and other pets can
usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, A-Mrazek
will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask for a copy
of the helpful booklet "Moving With Pets."