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Moving Frequently Asked Questions - Mover FAQs

We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), to help you with any general questions you may have.  We also have a Glossary available to clarify any moving terms that you may need to know more about .  

Corporate Relocation We are planning a one-time group move for a portion of our staff that is being relocated to another office.  How can we get a quote for this group move? Our company is expanding to other locations. What services does Suddath offer to help coordinate the staffing of these new facilities? Is Suddath an agent for a national van line? How is this relationship beneficial during the relocation process? How many household goods shipments does Suddath complete in an average year? How financially stable is Suddath Relocation Systems? What are Suddath’s warehousing capabilities? What is the size of Suddath’s fleet? Who owns the equipment Suddath uses for relocation shipments? What are Suddath’s quality management procedures? What training programs does Suddath have for its drivers, movers and packers? How does Suddath maintain contact with drivers during a move?

Residential Moving I know Suddath offers household goods moving services; but, are there other services available to help me with all the other tasks that come with moving to a new location? My company is paying for my move, but asked me to get quotes from a couple of movers.  How do I schedule an appointment for a quote? Do you offer free moving tips or a moving guide to help me plan my move? When is the best time to move? How long does it take to move? When should I call a moving company? Is a moving company "licensed"? Do I need an estimate? What is a binding estimate? How much will my move cost? What is a tariff? How and when should I pay? Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit? Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage Depreciated coverage Full-Value coverage Items of "Extraordinary Value" 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 my frozen foods? Can I move jewelry and other valuables? Can I move my house plants? Can I move my pet?

Facility Moving We are relocating our entire facility, offices, systems furniture, computer, network systems, and equipment. Can Suddath help us with our move? Our move involves sensitive electronics and medical lab equipment that requires special handling, can Suddath handle this type of move? We are a large equipment manufacturer and need a transportation service to help us deliver product to our end customers' locations, can you provide specialized transportation and installation?

Warehousing and Logistics We need a storage facility to help us handle our overflow inventory for six months, do you offer such services? Our inventory management needs are complex. What infrastructure does Suddath have to accommodate my logistics requirements? What service options are available for short term kitting and distribution projects?

Corporate Relocation

1. We are planning a one-time group move for a portion of our staff that is being relocated to another office.  How can we get a quote for this group move?
   
   Getting a quote is as simple as making a phone call or sending an e-mail to us. Suddath has knowledgeable relocation representatives located throughout the U.S. that can assist you in understanding the costs involved in moving groups of employees regardless of size.
    
2. Our company is expanding to other locations. What services does Suddath offer to help coordinate the staffing of these new facilities?
   
   Suddath has significant experience in helping companies relocate their employees. We not only provide household goods moving, but also all the relocation services required to ensure all your transferees are moved smoothly and cost-effectively -- whether within the U.S. or overseas.
    
3. Is Suddath an agent for a national van line?
   
   Yes. Suddath Relocation Systems is one of largest agents of United Van Lines. United Van Lines is the nation's No. 1 household goods mover.
    
4. How is this relationship beneficial during the relocation process?
   
   You will not only receive Suddath’s commitment to quality, but also that of United Van Lines. United requires each of its 502 agents to meet or exceed its standards of quality and customer service standards that are among the most stringent in the industry.
   
   United’s requirement guarantees you will receive outstanding service every time you move with Suddath Relocation Systems. Our staff will do whatever necessary, no matter how great the challenge, to provide you with superior relocation services.
    
5. How many household goods shipments does Suddath complete in an average year?
   
   Over the past few years, Suddath Relocation Systems has handled an average of 30,000 moves per year.
    
6. How financially stable is Suddath Relocation Systems?
   
   Suddath Relocation Systems is part of The Suddath Companies, one of the largest relocation companies in the country. In addition, the company consistently ranks among the industry’s top 7 in operating revenue with annual revenues in excess of $200 million.
    

7. What are Suddath’s warehousing capabilities? 
   
   Suddath Relocation Systems own and manages more than two million square feet of warehouse space in sixteen U.S. cities and has access to additional warehouse space throughout the United States as result of its affiliation with the United Van Lines network of more than 500 agents.
   
   In addition, the Suddath Military Group represents an additional 600 agents with facilities that are accessible by Suddath Relocation Systems.
    

8. What is the size of Suddath’s fleet?  
   
   Suddath Relocation Systems operates 600 units of equipment nationwide and is regarded as having one of the largest and most modern hauling fleets in the United Vans Lines’ network of 500 agents.
   
   As an agent for United Van Lines, Suddath Relocation Systems also has access to an additional 10,000 units of equipment through the United network.
    

9. Who owns the equipment Suddath uses for relocation shipments? 
   
   Suddath Relocation Systems owns all of its local fleet (i.e., vans, tractors and trailers) and the trailers of the long distance fleet.
   
   Suddath Relocation Systems assists its long distance van operators in the ownership of their tractors. This program enables each van operator to build equity in his or her business.
    

10. What are Suddath’s quality management procedures?
    
    The primary goal of the Suddath Quality Management Program is to continually improve the level of service we provide. Based on transferee feedback that is retrieved through written survey, as well as telephone contact, the Quality Management Department rates the performance of members of the Suddath Relocation Systems move team and the move process overall.
    
    In essence, the Quality Management Process safeguards the work of the national account move coordinators. Information gathered from the transferees, as well as a description of any resolution process, is tabulated and distributed to an internal action committee where follow-up action is prescribed and implemented on a company-wide basis.
     

11. What training programs does Suddath have for its drivers, movers and packers?
    
    At Suddath Relocation Systems, training is an essential part of day-to-day operation. On an annual basis, our van operators attend an intensive two-day workshop that focuses on safety issues, customer suggestions, industry changes and Suddath Relocation Systems’ innovative move techniques.
    
    In addition, Suddath Relocation Systems operates a Mobile Training Center, which visits locations throughout the United States in an effort to provide advanced training for the company’s movers, van operators and packers. This innovative training tool enhances on-going training that is provided by on site trainers at each location.
    
    Suddath Relocation Systems also offers an exclusive training certification program exclusively for movers and packers, one of the first such programs in the industry.
     

12. How does Suddath maintain contact with drivers during a move?  
    
    Both the Suddath Relocation Systems and United have the ability to track and update the status of a shipment through the use of the Advanced Satellite Communications System (ASCS). This pro-active management tool allows the customer to make last minute changes or relay instructions to the van operator while he or she is in route to the move destination. All of Suddath Relocation Systems’ vehicles have been equipped with this system.
    
    In addition to ASCS, Suddath Relocation Systems’ experienced dispatch team is able to reach van operators via cellular telephones and digital paging systems during operating hours.

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Residential Moving

1. I know Suddath offers household goods moving services; but, are there other services available to help me with all the other tasks that come with moving to a new location?
   
   Yes. Moving is much more than getting your personal belongings from point A to point B. You have to sell your existing home, buy a new home at your new destination, find a job for your spouse, enroll your children in their new school -- the list of move-related tasks can be overwhelming. To help you successfully manage these tasks, Suddath offers a host of relocation and real estate-related services to further smooth the transition to your new location. These services include settling in, home finding and mortgage assistance and home selling support.
    
2. My company is paying for my move, but asked me to get quotes from a couple of movers.  How do I schedule an appointment for a quote?
   
   Suddath offers free quotes to potential customers. Simply complete and submit our Free Move Estimate form on our web site and a Suddath representative will contact you to schedule an estimate at your convenience.
    
3. Do you offer free moving tips or a moving guide to help me plan my move?
   
   Suddath offers a variety of tools to assist our customers in completing what is a significant event in their lives. The Helpful Resources section of our web site provides both a move checklist and our "Passport for Your Move" moving guide.
    
4. When Is The Best Time To Move?
   
   If it's possible, Suddath suggests you avoid the summer months, the end of the month or the end-of-year when scheduling your move. However, we believe you should move when it is most convenient for you. You should consider the following factors when making your decision:

• whether the move must be made immediately
• moving children during the school term
• separation of the family while the move is under way

If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are more readily available, we'll be better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.

5. 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 United'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.
    
6. 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 your moving company 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 us and we can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.
    
7. 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. As a motor carrier that held a certificate of authority on Dec. 31, 1995, United Van Lines is automatically registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for five years after that date.
   
   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.
    
8. Do I Need An Estimate?
   
   A United 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. Your United agent 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 the local moving company, not the interstate carrier.
    
9. 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.
    
10. 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 or Depreciated Coverage (see "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 the United agent at your request. These charges are based on "tariff" rate schedules (see below).
     
11. 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.
     
12. 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 United 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 _sm 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.
     
13. 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 United "valuation" program you choose — Full-Value Coverage or Depreciated Coverage.
    
    The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of United. The liability of United for loss or damage is based upon United's 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 United does not offer insurance.
     
14. Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
    
    With this type of valuation, United's 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.
     
15. Depreciated Coverage
    
    Depreciated Coverage considers depreciation in the settlement of a claim. With this coverage, a claim settlement for loss or damage to an item will be the cost to repair an item or a cash payment of the depreciated value of an item, whichever is less.
    
    Pound-Weight Value — The maximum value of your shipment is $1.25 times the weight of the shipment. There is a charge for this option. Any claim will be settled based on the depreciated value of your lost or damaged items up to a maximum liability value that has been calculated on the actual weight of your shipment.
     
16. Full-Value Coverage
    
    Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in United'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. United will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used. Unlike other United "valuation programs," depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value.
    
    Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates. United'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 $4.00.
     
17. 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 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 United valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, United'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.
    
    For a full description of the Full-Value Coverage, Depreciated Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please ask your United Van Lines agent.
     
18. 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 local United agent's 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 your United agent for information regarding storage arrangements.
     
19. Will My Furnishings Remain Clean?
    
    United's exclusive Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The Sanitized® feature 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.
     
20. 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 moving company 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 your United agent for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other home Furnishings."
     
21. Can I Pack My China, Glass and Crystal?
    
    Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. 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.
    
    Cartons, paper and tape may be purchased from your local United agent for a modest cost. Also ask your agent for a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."
     
22. Can I Pack My Clothes In A Chest Or Dresser Drawers?
    
    Unless your shipment is going into storage-in-transit, 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.
     
23. Can I Move My Frozen Foods?
    
    Frozen foods can be moved, but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this with your United agent. In most instances, we suggest that shipping arrangements be made through local frozen food locker plants, especially for a long-distance move.
     
24. 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 your United agent 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.
     
25. Can I Move My House Plants?
    
    United Van Lines 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 United agent for a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."
     
26. Can I Move My Pet?
    
    Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, your United agent will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask for a copy of the helpful United booklet "Moving With Pets."

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Facility Moving

1. We are relocating our entire facility, offices, systems furniture, computer, network systems, and equipment. Can Suddath help us with our move?
   
   Yes. Through Suddath's Commercial Move Division, we have the capability to handle virtually any type of  facility move. Our office and industrial relocation experts work with you from initial planning to the post-move evaluation. Services include, consulting, CAD design of the new work space, employee move orientation, disassembly and assembly of workstations and computer networks and blanket wrap/air ride transport of assets to the new location.
    
2. Our move involves sensitive electronics and medical lab equipment that requires special handling, can Suddath handle this type of move?
   
   Suddath has access to owned equipment and to moving vans through relationships with third parties that specialize in the handling of sensitive or unusual assets. These vans are equipped with lift gates, on-board generators, air-ride suspension and blanket wrap packing. Our Commercial Move team is dedicated to office and industrial moving projects only and have significant experience in planning and executing these types of moves.
    
3. We are a large equipment manufacturer and need a transportation service to help us deliver product to our end customers' locations, can you provide specialized transportation and installation?
   
   Yes. Suddath has a specialized transportation and site logistics division that serves this type of need. We provide consulting, storage, blanket wrap/air ride transportation and onsite installation services for a variety of industries. Specific types of projects include storing, delivering and installing fixtures and equipment for restaurants and retail stores; moving, setting up and packing priceless artifacts exhibitions to museums around the country; and medical laboratory and biotech facility relocations.

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Warehousing and Logistics

1. We need a storage facility to help us handle our overflow inventory for six months, do you offer such services?
   
   With numerous locations throughout the U.S., Suddath has significant warehouse storage space available. We offer flexible options based on your storage needs -- whether short or long term. We also offer transportation services to pick up and deliver your inventory one time or on a scheduled basis.
    
2. Our inventory management needs are complex. What infrastructure does Suddath have to accommodate my logistics requirements?
   
   All our warehouse facilities are outfitted with the latest in inventory management technology. When assets are received at any of our locations, it is barcoded and entered into our tracking system. Our customers have online access to check the status of their inventory. Detailed reports can also be generated on demand and customized to your specifications.
    
3. What service options are available for short term kitting and distribution projects?
   
   Our logistics operation offers a full range of product fulfillment and distribution services. For short term jobs, Suddath offers "pick and pack" kitting services that can include customizing each packet based on the recipient's profile. The end product is shipped via the service of your choice (i.e., FedEx, UPS, Postal Service). Detailed management reports are also available.