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Miami Moving FAQs


How soon should I call a Miami Moving Company?

The earlier, the better. The more lead time you can give, the more likely it is that 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 the estimated date of their 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 the services available.

Do I need a Miami Moving Estimate?

Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There is 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 on a long distance move, an estimate would be required. A pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported is suggested in order to determine the approximate cost of your 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. The estimate is free of charge.
Keep in mind that estimates are only guidelines. For interstate shipments, you must pay the total charges as determined by the actual weight of your shipment, the distance to travel, and the services that you authorize or which become necessary to handle your shipment.

What is a Binding Estimate?

A binding estimate, also known as a 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 where a full-size van cannot operate directly or a “long carry” from the street to the 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 request additional services, such as packing, between the time of the estimate and the time of your move, additional charges will apply. An addendum specifying these additional charges will be prepared for you to sign. If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate, please let us know.

Is Joe’s Moving Company “licensed”?

In Florida, every moving company must be registered with the state in order to perform moving services. When dealing with long distance moves, a moving company must be “licensed”. Indeed, Arpin Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to move household goods from and to any of the 50 states.
A local moving company be registered with the Department of Transportation in order to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.

What is a tariff?

It is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation of household goods. A tariff is published by each household goods motor carrier and includes its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.

What types of payment are available, and when is payment due?

For long distance moves, 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 using one of the following methods: cash. In addition, a Visa or MasterCard can be used to pay for local and interstate moves. Personal checks will not be accepted as a form of payment for a long distance move.
All these 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 not be required to pay over 110% of the estimated cost upon delivery. Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10%, you will be given 30 days after the delivery to pay the excess amount. The above 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 the time of the shipment’s delivery to the warehouse. You will then be assessed storage charges based on the applicable rates set forth in our tariff.

Are my household goods protected against loss and damage while they are in transit?

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 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.

Released Rate Liability

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 in pounds. This is the basic liability level, which is provided free of charge.

Full-Value Coverage

Under this protection plan, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while in transit, the carrier will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the condition in which it was 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 in dollars must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by 5.

What are 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 and which you must complete. An online 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 and may not 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 description of the Full-Value Coverage and Released Rate Liability programs, please ask your sales representative.

Do my appliances need special attention?

Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure a safe transportation. Any moving parts, such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, ice makers and the tonearm 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 to it that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded onto the van.

What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move?