There are two types of estimates when it comes to long-distance moving. There will be an option for a binding or non-binding estimate. A binding estimate binds the mover to the price they’ve quoted you. However, it’s very important to understand that a binding estimate only pertains to the services and articles listed on the quote. To be clear, a binding estimate is not a price guarantee. The word binding means that as long as everything remains the same you will not be charged additional. Whether you’re getting a quote based on cubic feet or weight you will end up paying more if your article list exceeds what’s listed on the quote (cube sheet).
Possible Additional Charges when moving
When getting a quote from a moving company it’s important to be as detailed as possible. Some of the questions we will ask are as follows. What are you moving? Will you have easy access for a semi at both locations? Will you need packing supplies? Will there be any flights of stairs or elevators? Can we park the truck by the front door of either residence? These questions will help us determine how to price your move accurately. Please understand that we’re a business just like any other and these additional services come with expenses to us, therefore we will have to charge them. Most people are not to happy or feel as if they got scammed when having to pay additional charges, but please understand that if we don’t have the proper information we can’t be 100% effective in arranging your move.
Your item list/additional charges
So to recap: What is a binding estimate? A binding estimate is only as good as the accuracy of your quote. One of our reps will go over a detailed article list with you. The article list can be changed at any point and time before the pick up date. On moving day the movers will pay very close attention to reconciling what you show the movers you want them to move and the articles on the quote (table of measurements). The only articles allowed on the truck on those on the table of measurements, however if you want to bring more items you have that option at an additional cost.
How to get an accurate quote
There are a couple of ways you can chose to get a binding estimate from a moving company. The first is by placing a simple phone call and the second is an in-home estimate. Either way it’s important to provide your rep with as much information as possible. Example; If you chose to self pack your good make sure you can handle the task. If the movers show up and packing is required you will pay additional for that. If you go out and buy furniture without letting us know you will be charged for that. Also check both locations for truck access. Our reps will walk you through the details and ask the right questions.
Thank you for visiting Starline Van Lines and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Understanding Your Moving Estimate
What’s included in a standard long distance move?
- Disassembly & Reassembly of BASIC Furniture – This will not include Ikea furniture or any complicated pieces unless specified in the quote.
- Loading & Unloading
- Blankets/ protective pads: Free Use Of blankets & Padding, Belts, Ties, and Straps For added protection of your furniture. (This does not include: Mattress, Glass, Mirrors or electronics etc. unless otherwise specified.)
- Stairs (First Flight)
- Tolls, Mileage, and Fuel and Taxes (unless otherwise noted)
- Basic Liability Coverage up to $10,000 ($0.60/lb per article) for any additional coverage please advice your sales rep.
What’s not included in the estimate?
The following services and rates ARE NOT included in your move: (please read)
- Elevator fee $75.00 per each stop or origin/destination location.
- Stairs (first flight (7 steps) free, inside flights in single-family home no charge). Each additional flight $75.00
- Long Carry for example: From where our truck is parked to your door if it’s 75 feet or more, an additional charge of $75 per every 75 feet will apply.
- Additional Packing: IF the “FULL pack” was not selected, packing materials like bubble wrap, boxes, tape, shrink wrap, mattress covers, glass crates, TV crates, etc. are an extra cost. packing materials will be charged solely based on what will be used for your move and according to the packing material order form. On the Full Professional Packing service, packing materials, and labor for the weight/cu. ft. over the estimate will be charged according to the carrier Tariff.
- Shuttle service (varies): A shuttle is required at destination points that cannot accept an 18 wheel semi-trailer. Most situations don’t require a shuttle, however, if it is required, it will be charged at $1/cubic foot to transfer your items, with a minimum of 300.00.
- Bulky item ($150.00): denotes any items that cannot be stacked on top of or beneath. It’s a special, awkwardly shaped item and typically extra-large in size. (i.e. treadmill, canoe, extra fragile floor based* items etc.)
- Piano handling fees:
- upright – $150;
- baby grand – $350;
- grand and over-size – please advise the sales rep. (these do not include packing or the weight of the item)
- Motorcycle handling fee – $150-$350 (these do not include packing or the weight of the item)
- Storage: Time in storage will be charged at a monthly rate of $0.65 per cu ft. A storage fee will be calculated from the day of the pickup. To stop storage fees please notify the office 10 days before the storage expires, or next month storage fee will apply. Storage fees are not pro-rated. IF not noted otherwise on the contract.
Cancellation Policy
SHOULD YOU ELECT TO CANCEL YOUR MOVE WITH STARLINE VAN LINES LLC, WRITTEN NOTIFICATION MUST BE SENT TO INFO@STARLINE VANLINES. WRITTEN NOTIFICATION MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 72 HOURS AFTER SIGNING THE STARLINE VAN LINES LLC AGREEMENT. CANCELLATION REQUESTS RECEIVED WITHIN 72 HOURS OF SIGNING THE AGREEMENT WITH STARLINE VAN LINES LLC WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND, MINUS 10% DUE TO INCURRED MERCHANT FEES. CANCELLATION REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER THE 72 HOUR GRACE PERIOD ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, HOWEVER; THE DEPOSIT MAY BE APPLIED TO A FUTURE MOVE WITH STARLINE VAN LINES LLC WITHIN 24 MONTHS (2 YEARS) FROM THE DATE OF THE ORIGINAL SIGNED AGREEMENT. IF YOUR FIRST AVAILABLE PICKUP DATE IS WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS OF ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING THE STARLINE VAN LINES LLC AGREEMENT, YOUR DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
Long Distance Services
