We have received a number of inquiries lately about the shipping website uShip.com, which is an online marketplace for shipping services. Service providers bid against one another for customers’ shipments. While you might be able to get your items shipped for dirt cheap using uShip, you should be aware that uShip is simply an online marketplace for helping parties connect. They provide a venue where a shipper and a service provider can agree on a price for service, but uShip is not actually involved in the transaction. Most importantly, you should be aware that uShip “does not prequalify or validate the claims of transportation service providers with respect to their license, insurance, or other operating authority.” And this is the main problem with this website. Many of the service providers you find on uShip.com are not licensed, bonded and insured moving companies. They are either unlicensed moving companies operating illegally (the US Dept of Transportation has very strict regulations about licensing and insurance and any company performing moves without a USDOT operating authority is breaking the law) or they are just a guy or a couple of guys with a truck, trailer or van. Even if they say they are licensed they may not be, so be sure to do your homework just like you would when researching movers you find anywhere else. Check out the USDOT website (http://www.safersys.org/) to check the status of their license number. Read online reviews wherever you can find them to get an idea how other peoples’ experiences with them went. Make sure they provide a proposal in writing as well as a contract for service. Pay using a credit card or Paypal account. And, of course, remember if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.

We have heard horror stories from a couple of customers about hiring movers they found on uShip. And we have heard some positive experiences as well. It seems like a decent service that can save you money if you are shipping just one or a few items - most moving companies have minimum charges that even single item moves are subject to but uShip service providers may charge less. For larger shipments we have received some negative feedback, mostly due to the fact that the customer chose an unlicensed service provider and his insurance was not adequate. If the mover you choose does not have a valid license (USDOT operating authority) then the mover is likely not insured and is not following all of the safety requirements and regulations that a licensed carrier must adhere to. Without the proper insurance policies you could be out of luck in the event of a major disaster on the road or even in case of relatively minor small damages. If the vehicle being used to transport your items is not properly registered then a state trooper could stop the driver and impound the vehicle, which is certainly a headache that no customer should have to handle.

We think it is always better to go with a licensed and insured professional moving services company for an interstate move. There are so many moving companies out there that offer wonderful service while managing to follow all DOT regulations and requirements. There’s no reason to risk your wordly possessions to save a few dollars by going with an unlicensed company or some guy with a truck. There’s a reason the moving industry is heavily regulated; going outside that regulated zone is not a risk worth taking when it comes to relocating your entire life.

Hopefully the days of brokers misleading customers and hiding behind unclear regulations have come to an end. Few, if any, consumers seem to understand the distinction between brokers and carriers, with the result being frustrated consumers who often feel cheated of their rights. As we discussed in our previous post, a broker is not a mover. The new FMCSA requirements compel interstate household goods brokers to comply with a number of rules and consumer protection regulations – in the past some of them have been similar to those required for household goods carriers. Under the new regulations, brokers will be subject to the same consumer protection requirements as licensed interstate movers. 

Brokers must include their USDOT number in their advertisements and on their websites; they must provide the same consumer information brochures as required of interstate household goods carriers; they must make clear their policies on deposits, cancellations, and refunds; and by January 1, 2012, must provide an increased $25,000 surety bond (currently it stands at $10,000). Brokers can now only provide estimates performed by authorized carriers with whom the broker has a current agreement, and then only based on the carrier’s tariff. Physical surveys are required for shipments located with 50 miles of the authorized carrier’s place of business. An electronic waiver of the physical survey is permitted only if agreed to by both the carrier and the shipper. Broker advertisements and internet sites may now only include names and logos of FMCSA authorized carriers with whom the broker has a current agreement. The American Moving and Storage Assoc (AMSA) also recommend that broker fees or charges should be separately identified on estimates, and clearly distinguishable from transportation charges. These changes mean that consumers should have a much easier time figuring out if the company they are dealing with is a broker or an actual moving company.

Did you know the Western region is the most popular destination to move to in the United States, and the Great Lakes region sees the most outward bound migration? According to a recent van line migration study Michigan, Illinois and Indiana are 3 of the top 5 states that experienced the most outward bound moving. Washington DC was the most popular destination to move to, just ahead of Oregon which has had a high rate of inbound migration for 21 years! Nevada and Wyoming also experienced high rates of inbound moving.

Tip #11:
Keep important papers with you
Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, moving estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with your Austin moving company. Keep them with you! This way, you will have immediate access to them without having to dig through a dozen boxes or hunt all over your new house for the box you need. You may think you labeled your box of important papers well enough, but quite often it can be difficult to locate one particular box when you have your entire house packed into 100+ boxes spread all around. Keep in mind that although it is rare, occasionally boxes or small items are misplaced during a move. Your Austin mover will make every effort to get your mis-delivered item back to you as quickly as possible, but in the interim it could be frustrating to be without some of those essential documents. Better safe than sorry!

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Tip #9:
Use your luggage
Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local Austin moves you will be able to quickly spot your green suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas “Box #97″ might remain elusive for days. Avoid packing books or heavy items in large suitcases, as these can be extremely difficult to move and may damage the luggage. Also avoid packing dishes or fragile items in suitcases or duffel bags, as luggage generally does not offer the same protection as boxes specifically designed for china and other delicate items. Be sure your Austin moving company knows that your inventory list will include suitcases and/or duffel bags. For local moves this may add to the time your move takes, and for interstate moves it will increase the weight or volume of your shipment. Either way, you want to be sure your estimate is as accurate as possible by providing your mover with the best information prior to your move.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Tip #6:
Keep things together
Insist on keeping things together when you or your Austin moving company are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small bags or envelopes (to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit, etc). Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord or remotes) in ziplock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. Alternatively, keep a “Parts Box” open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. It is a good idea to label the pieces so you remember what hardware goes with which item. Keep this parts box with you or label and mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day!

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Your friends at Elephant Moving & Storage know that moving may not be the most fun you’ve ever had, but planning ahead will go a long way toward making the process bearable. Leaving everything until the last minute will only stress you out. A little preparation will help make you feel better about your local Austin move or interstate move. Nothing is worse than the feeling of helplessness that will overcome you if you schedule a move and are completely unprepared when the movers show up. Following are some simple tips and tricks to help you make the most of your moving experience, whether your move is a local Austin move or a cross country long distance move. And of course you can always contact our friendly office staff for additional suggestions or to ask specific questions about your move. We’re here to help!

Tip #1:
Make a list
Write everything down! Trust us, you will thank yourself later (like when your 8 year old is inconsolable and wants only his spiderman jammies…). Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. Place a number on EVERY box you pack and specify the contents on your list. Don’t put the list down unless it is in a place you will call Packing Central. This is where you can find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific — “A-D files” is better than “files”, and “flower dishes” better than “misc. kitchen”. The more specific you are, the less you will have to dig for necessary items later on.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

At Elephant Moving and Storage we strive to maintain the highest quality services. Our movers work hard to get your valued possessions moved safely across town or across the country. Ocassionally, however, despite all efforts and precautions, small damages may occur. It is important to remember that all claims must be submitted in writing. A phone call will not be sufficient to process your claim! If you have a damage claim the best way to begin the claims process is to submit your claim to our claims department by emailing claims@elephantmovingaustin.com. Please include your name, the date of your move, a description of the item and the damage that occurred, the value of the item, and what you are asking for as compensation. If you have photographs of the damage please send those along with your claim.

Be advised that damage claims will be limited to $.60 per pound per article as noted on our local and long-distance moving contracts. This is the basic level of liability that is included in the rates for moving. If you purchased additional moving insurance coverage through MovingInsurance.com then you must submit your claim directly to them online at http://www.movinginsurance.com/claim/login.asp. For any damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces, Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $50.00.

Also, please note that pressed wood and particle board furniture are exempt from any insurance or valuation coverage (this includes the basic $.60 per pound and also any additional coverage from www.movinginsurance.com). This furniture is not stable, and is not meant to travel fully assembled. For further discussion on this topic please visit the pressed wood section of our blog. If you have questions about the claims process or insurance for your move please feel free to call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

At Elephant Moving & Storage we strive to maintain the highest quality moving services. And how do we do that? First and foremost, our experienced crews wrap all furniture in heavy duty quilted moving blankets before it is even moved in order to prevent damages. We don’t take items to the truck first then throw blankets over them as we load. This offers very little protection, since most of the damage will occur in doorways, tight spaces such as hallways and on stairs.

When purchasing moving insurance for your local or long-distance move you should be sure to read the fine print carefully! There are some things that are not covered by any moving insurance policy. Boxes, containers and items that are packed by owner (PBO) are excluded from full coverage – the maximum amount that will be paid for these items is $250. If there are items that need to be boxed or otherwise packaged that you would like insured for above this amount then you will need to order packing services from your Austin mover in order to get full replacement coverage.

Delicate and fragile items - including glass tables/tops, marble tables/tops, slates, paintings, framed pictures, chandeliers, display cases – must be professionally packed and/or crated in wooden or other protective containers to be covered. Wrapping such items in moving pads only does not constitute professional packing and are not covered. All lamps, including floor or pole lamps not professionally packed in cartons specifically made for this item will be excluded from coverage. Loss and/or damage to articles not professionally wrapped with special moving pads, bubble wrap, and/or shrink-wrap will also be excluded from coverage. Mattresses and boxsprings are specifically excluded from coverage unless packed by the mover in mattress cartons specifically designed for this purpose. Shrink-wrap alone does not constitute proper protection.

The following items are excluded from coverage regardless of how they are packaged:
jewelry, watches, gem stones, cash, currency or bank notes, deeds, travelers cheques, coin or stamp collections,
sports memorabilia, alcoholic beverages, negotiable items, furs or garments trimmed with fur, plasma televisions, firearms and
ammunition, or contraband. Loss or damage to motorcycles is not covered. Wrinkled or soiled clothing, linens, drapes, or rugs are also excluded.

*** Moving insurance excludes damage to any furniture constructed of veneered chipboard, particle board, composite board, pressed wood or similar. Any reduction in quality arising as the result of dismantling or reassembling of any such items of furniture is also excluded. Click here for other posts on this subject. ***

And perhaps the most important exclusion to remember: Items not listed on the movers’ inventory prepared at origin are not covered. Items not shipped are not insured. Be sure to double check the inventory your Austin movers have prepared for your shipment!

As with any insurance policy, it is important to read through your moving insurance policy information so that you are aware of all exclusions and exceptions to the coverage. If you have any questions or concerns talk to your move coordinator.

The insurance offered on your move covers only the items that the movers are transporting. Please be advised that our liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!