Q's & A's:

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, United Van Lines believes you should move when it is most convenient for you. Factors involved in the decision may include:
· Whether the move must be made immediately
· Moving children during the school term
· Separation of the family while the move is under way
If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are more readily available, we'll be better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
 

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.
 

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. A local moving company ("agency") affiliated with a national van line such as United may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.
 

How Much Will My Move Cost?
Unless you have been given a binding estimate, the exact cost of your move cannot be determined until after your shipment has been loaded on the van and weighed. If additional services are requested or become necessary after loading and weighing, additional charges will be incurred. Basic transportation charges depend on the actual weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for Full-Value Coverage or Depreciated Coverage, plus charges for any "accessorial" services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by the United agent at your request.

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. 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.