Answers From The Experts

When Is The Best Time To Move?
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer, the end of the month or the end of year holidays. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during these periods. However, we believe you should move when it is most convenient for you.

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. Local moving and moving within California are dispatched through our local office and are handled differently then long distance moves. Most of these moves can be completed within a day or two.

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 Locatelli Moving & Storage 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. 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. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with our sales representative, who can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.

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. Locatelli Moving And Storage, Inc is also licensed through he Public Utilities Commission for all move within California (Cal.T-188949).

Do I Need An Estimate?
Locatelli Moving & Storage, Inc. 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. 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. 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.

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. All moves within California are of the “not to exceed” nature. This means that we will give an estimate that will document the maximum that your move will cost. 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.

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 and by the Public Utilities Commission. The tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and include its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.

How And When Should I Pay?
Long distance moves 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 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. Payment on local moves is due at the end of your move unless prior arrangements are made with the estimator. Personal check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash are all acceptable forms of payment for local moves. When a shipment is moving in to our warehouse for storage, you will receive an itemized statement, payment is due within 30 days. Office and industrial moves will be invoiced and are also due within 30 days. 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.

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 coverage, because United does not offer insurance.

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 Locatelli Moving & Storage for information regarding storage arrangements and how we can help save you money by providing several storage options.

Will My Furnishings Remain Clean?
United's exclusive Sanitized, treated, air ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The Sanitized feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, 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.

Do My Appliances Need Special Attention?
Refrigerators will need to have any ice makers disconnected before your move. Gas appliances also 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.

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 Locatelli Moving & Storage, Inc. for a modest cost. Also ask us for a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own Packing."

Can I Pack My Clothes In A Chest Or Dresser Drawers?
Lightweight clothing such as 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. Large dressers that are coming from or going to a second floor must be empty.

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.

Other questions?
If you have other questions please call our office and speak with our office personal or estimators.