Frequently Asked Questions

The earlier, the better. 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 your sales representative, who can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.

Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There are a minimum number of hours required for any local service performed. These shipments are handled by the local moving company, not the interstate carrier.
Should you decide to move Long Distance, an estimate is required. As and agent for Arpin Van Lines, a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported is suggested. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of space your goods will occupy. We 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.

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 let us know.

Yes; however, we must be advised in writing that they are being included in your shipment. High-value inventory lists are provided by Arpin Van Lines, and you should receive one at the time that the visual survey is done. If for some reason you do not receive it please notify your sales rep and one will be provided for you. You can also find an online version in the forms section of this Web site. This form needs to be filled out "before" the first crew arrival to your residence. Appraisals, at your expense may also be required. For a better understanding of the type of items considered to be "high-value" in nature, please use the link to see a list of items of extraordinary value.

In Florida, every moving company must be registered with the state in order to perform moving services. When dealing with Long Distance moves, it would be safe to say that a moving company is "registered." For example, Arpin 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 Paul Arpin Van Lines may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.

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.

For long distance move, 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 local move 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, Visa or MasterCard can be use to pay for local and interstate move. Personal checks will not be accepted for long distance move.
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.

Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the "valuation" program you choose - Full-Value Coverage or Released Rate Liability (60 cents per pound per article).
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 Arpin Van Lines’ 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.

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.

Under this protection plan, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in transit, it will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by us, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement. An additional charge applies for this option.
Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates.
The deductible options are as follows:

• Option A -- Full-value protection with no deductible.
• Option B -- Full-value protection with a $250 deductible.
• Option C -- Full-value protection with a $500 deductible.

The 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.

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. An on-line copy is also available. 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 valuation program applicable to your shipment. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, the maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article. If you are not shipping any items of high-value, sign the form and print the word "None" in the inventory list.
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.
For a full descriptionof the Full-Value Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please ask your sales representative.

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored in a local Arpin Van Lines agent's warehouse. Arpin Van Lines 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 sales rep for information regarding storage arrangements.

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, ice makers 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.