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What does an
"estimate" mean?
When a consumer requests
an estimate from a mover
or warehouseman (after
verifying that the
company is licensed),
the mover must then send
an estimator to your
home to: (a) perform a
physical survey of the
goods you are planning
to move; (b) give you a
copy of the estimate,
filled out legibly; and
(c) present you with a
copy of a brochure
entitled
"Important
Notice to Consumers
Using Public Movers"
(which is a
state-approved
brochure). These three
elements are MANDATORY
and intended for your
protection. The
calculation of the
estimate itself is based
upon the mover's tariff,
which is a formal
schedule of rates and
charges, copies of which
are kept on file in the
mover's main office and
with the Division of
Consumer Affairs. To
insure the accuracy of
an estimate, you must
show the estimator
everything you are
planning to move and
consider the costs of
insurance, packing, and
other charges, i.e.,
special services or
rigging which might be
needed.
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What is a
"binding estimate?"
A binding estimate
stipulates a fixed cost,
agreed upon by both the
mover and the consumer.
Binding estimates (also
known as a flat rate, a
fixed rate, or a Not to
Exceed Estimate) have
been legal in New Jersey
since September 1998. A
binding estimate may be
requested of a mover,
but the movers is not
legally obliged to offer
one unlike an estimate,
in a binding estimate.
The mover may charge
more than his tariff
prices. This advantage
is that he cannot charge
you more than the total
cost of the binding
estimate, unless
you ask him to perform
additional moving or
accessorial services not
covered by the binding
estimate.
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What comes
next?
After selecting a mover,
a copy of the Order for
Service must be
issued to you at
least 24 hours in
advance of the scheduled
move date, so that
you have an opportunity
to acquaint yourself
with its terms. It
becomes valid only after
it has been signed by
both the mover and the
consumer. Read it
carefully. A copy of
the Bill of Lading must
also be issued to you
(this serves primarily
as an itemized final
bill). If you are
planning storage as
well, then a copy of the
Warehouse Receipt also
must be issued to you
(this lists the items to
be warehoused, as well
as the terms, conditions
and location of such a
service).
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What about
payment?
The method of payment
should be discussed and
confirmed at the time of
the estimate. Many
movers in New Jersey
require payment in cash
or certified check.
Other arrangements
should be clearly
verified before the
move.
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What about
tipping?
Tipping is a matter left
solely to the discretion
of the consumer. There
is no policy or
regulation regarding it,
and no mover has the
right to demand a
tip.
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What about
packing?
If you pack your own
goods, you are
responsible for
their condition upon
arrival. The mover
retains the right to
refuse transport of such
goods if, in his
opinion, the goods may
be damaged during the
move (e.g. unpacked
mirrors, china or other
fragile items). If the
mover does the packing,
the mover is liable, but
only up to reimbursement
of $.60 per pound, per
article, unless
you have purchased
insurance. For your own
protection, you are
strongly advised to
move any money, jewelry
and personal papers, as
well as items of
extraordinary value,
yourself. Such items are
specifically not
covered under the
terms of the Order for
Service and most types
of insurance.
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What about
insurance?
The mover's mandated
minimum liability is
$.60 per pound, per
article. This is
automatically in effect
for all intrastate moves
and applies in most
cases, unless the goods
have been packed by the
consumer. For example,
if a vase weighing six
pounds is damaged, the
consumer is legally
entitled to $3.60 (6
lbs. X $.60) worth of
liability. If you wish
to insure your goods,
you can: (a) select an
independent broker of
your own choice; (b)
purchase insurance
through the mover, if
the mover offers it; or
(c) you may already be
covered if you have a
homeowner's policy. If
the mover sells the
consumer insurance, the
mover must issue a
Certificate of Insurance
(also known as Advice of
Coverage), which
stipulates the terms of
the policy. You are
advised to discuss with
your insurance agent the
amount and type of
insurance you should
purchase and the amount
of the deductible, if
any.
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What about
punctuality?
Punctuality is an
important goal to any
mover, but the variables
of weather, traffic,
highway construction and
detours, as well as
mechanical failure,
should always be taken
into consideration. If a
mover is delayed, for
whatever reason, the
mover's only obligation
is to contact the
consumer no later than
12 noon on the date of
the move, or if the move
is scheduled later, at
the earliest possible
time thereafter.
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What about
out-of-state moves?
The State of New Jersey
has no jurisdiction over
interstate moves.
Therefore, for
information or to file a
complaint, contact the
Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration of
the Federal Highway
Administration. The New
Jersey regional office
is located at 840 Bear
Tavern Road, Suite 310,
West Trenton, NJ,
08628-1019 (609)
637-4200 /4222/4229. If
you are unsure as to
jurisdiction, you may
call (973) 504-6442 or
6512.
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What about self-storage
facilities and PODS
(Portable On Demand)?
The self-storage
industry and PODS
(Portable On Demand
Storage) are not state
regulated industries.
Contracting for these
services usually only
involves a simple
contract. Nevertheless,
as with any contract,
you are urged to read it
carefully before
signing. Particular
attention should be paid
to terms regarding fees,
fee increases, and
disposal of goods for
over payment.
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Updated by the Division of
Consumer Affairs on Wednesday,
January 23, 2008
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