Moving Facts

TYPES OF MOVING

Local Moves

In Alabama, there are two standards that qualify a local move:

• Cites and municipalities are contiguous
• Not governed / no tariff

Local movers usually charge by the man-hour or flat-rate. Man-hours are determined by multiplying the number of workers by the number of hours it takes to complete your move.

Intrastate Moves

The transportation of goods within one State that never crosses State lines or includes a segment outside of that same State, not considered local. NOTE: Intrastate moves are NOT regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but in Alabama they are governed by a tariff. Please consult State and Local Resources for assistance with intrastate moves.

Two Types of Intrastate Moves:

• Intrastate Hourly = any move 30 miles or less and not considered local; based on the rates in the tariff
• Intrastate Weight Mileage (per 100lbs) = anything over 30 miles, based on the weight of your goods, combination weight and mileage

Interstate Moves

Interstate move means transportation of goods in the United States which is between a place in a state and a place outside of that state (including a place outside the United States); or between two places in a state through another state or place outside of the United States. Any move across state lines, whether five miles or 500 miles, is considered an interstate move. These moves are very similar to long-distance moves, as the price is also determined by the weight of the shipment and you have the option of full- or self-service moving.

Examples of Interstate Moves:

 

TYPES OF ESTIMATES

Binding (Standard estimate used by Motivated Movers Birmingham)

An agreement made in advance with your mover, which guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on the estimate.

Non-binding estimates have a level of uncertainty, however if you receive a binding estimate, you will know exactly what you will be paying. With a binding estimate, the mover will assess your goods and give you an estimate for the move. This estimate is concrete and will not change depending on the actual weight of the shipment.

The good thing about binding estimates is that the cost of your move will not increase, even if the actual weight is high above what was estimated. However, if the weight of your shipment is below the estimate, you still have to pay the agreed-upon price. While this may be a gamble, binding estimates are helpful because they allow you to know in advance what you will pay.

Non-binding

The first type of moving estimate is a called a nonbinding estimate. After evaluating your goods, the mover will provide you with the estimated cost of the move.

Though they will give you the best estimate possible, the mover won't be able to tell you the actual cost of the move until everything is weighed on your moving day. Once your shipment is weighed, your movers will adjust the price. Depending on whether the shipment is more or less than what was estimated, the cost will either increase or decrease.

This is what your mover believes the cost will be, based upon the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the mover. The final charges will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the tariff provisions in effect. You must be prepared to pay 10 percent more than the estimated charges at delivery (110 Percent Rule).

Binding, Not-To-Exceed

Binding not-to-exceed estimates are the best option for you, so make sure you ask your potential moving company if they can provide it. With a binding not-to-exceed estimate, the cost of your move will never go above the estimated price. At the same time, if the total weight of the shipment is actually lower than what is estimated, the price will be lowered. Since the price will be adjusted only if it is lower, binding not-to-exceed estimates are your best option.

To learn more and view Valuation examples, please click here .

For more information and a glossary of terms, please visit protectyourmove.gov .

MOVING TIPS

When selecting a mover, considering the following questions when interviewing each moving company:

 1.    Are they insured and bonded?
 2.    Are they able to move larger, more expensive items such as pianos, organs, or flat-screen TVs?
 3.    What is their cancellation policy?
 4.    How do they charge? By hour, by weights?
 5.    Can they move nights and weekends and is there and extra charge for this?
 6.    What payment options are available?
 7.    Do they offer free estimates?
 8.    Do they charge for travel time from their location to your home?
 9.    Do they offer packing and unpacking services?
 10.  Do they offer packing supplies and are any included in the price of the move?
 11.  Is there a minimum charge?
 12.  What is the training required for their movers and drivers?
 13.  Will there be a contact person available during the time of my move?