Moving Policies and Hints

The following information is provided to better acquaint you with our moving service.  Your knowledge of this information will better assist us in completing the moving process in a safe, efficient, and timely manner.

 

PRE-MOVE SURVEYS

Pre-move surveys are recommended for all moves and are performed free of charge (Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).  Our moving consultants will assist you in planning a safe, efficient, and economical moving process. They will answer any questions you may have regarding the process.  A written estimated cost of services will be provided as a courtesy outlining the various charges.

 

This estimate is NEITHER A CONTRACT NOR A GUARANTEE that the actual charges will not exceed the amount of the estimate. Charges for all services performed on the day of the move will be computed on a time and materials basis subject to the terms of the carrier’s tariff and bill of lading.

 

A successful relocation is the result of a cooperative effort between the shipper and the carrier with each party responsible for performing various tasks. A great deal of time, energy, and cost are involved in preparing your household goods for transportation. This process includes packing, disassembly, appliance/electronics servicing, etc.

 

At the shipper’s request, estimates routinely include but a fraction of the required services to complete an entire household relocation. Therefore, any services not indicated on the estimate are to be performed by the customer prior to the scheduled move date and time.

 

Following the estimate, customers frequently request the carrier to perform additional services (packing, disassembly, appliance/electronic servicing, unpacking, extra stops, moving extra items or boxes, etc.) which they had originally planned on performing. Since all services are provided on a time & materials cost basis, these services would be invoiced accordingly. However, for scheduling purposes we request that you notify us in advance of any substantial changes in service requirements.  Any items or cartons required to be moved in addition to those listed on the estimate will result in additional transportation charges.

 

PAYMENT POLICY

Price quotes are based on the cash rate.  Payment must be made at destination in cash, cashiers check, or money order.  A personal check may be approved & accepted with proper identification.  Visa, Master, and Discover Cards are also accepted subject to credit rates.  *NO CREDIT IS EXTENDED WITHOUT MANAGEMENT APPROVAL.

 

BILLING INFORMATION

A signed Purchase Order needs to be faxed to our office @ 920-923-7930 with adequate billing information before the packing or moving date.  If a signed Purchase Order is not received, the shipper will be responsible for providing payment at the time of the move.  If you should have any questions regarding the billing process please contact our office @ 920-923-7920 or 1-800-425-6683.

 

RATE

Transportation rates are computed on an hourly basis subject to the number of men, trucks utilized, and a minimum. Minimums are for the following cities:  Fond du Lac 1-hour, Oshkosh 4-hours, Green Lake 4-hours, Sheboygan/ Plymouth 4-hours, Fox Cities 4-hours, Green Bay 6-hours, Manitowoc 6-hours (unless we are in the Sheboygan area), West Bend 4-hours, Beaver Dam 4-hours, and Milwaukee 6-hours.  Accessorial services such as cartons, packing, unpacking, and appliance servicing are charged in addition to the hourly rate.

 Transportation rates are computed on a weight an miles basis subject to the tarrif for intra and interstate moves.

Additional fees will apply for work performed during the evening, weekend, or holiday hours which are subject to a 4-hour minimum. Please consult our office for specific rates.

 

*Rates are guaranteed for 30 days following the date of the pre-move survey and rate quotations. All orders completed after 30 days will be invoiced based on prevailing rates.

 

The company reserves the right to substitute the quantity of men employed on the order to accommodate the daily schedule. Hourly rates will vary accordingly; however, the overall cost of the move will remain comparable for like services.

 

PACKING & SUPPLIES

All non-furniture items must be packed for safe transportation.  This includes dishes, books, knic-nacs, lamps, mirrors, glass tops, clothing, stereos, etc.  Our expert packers can usually perform this service in a day.   If you wish to do this yourself, all cartons must be sturdy and completely sealed.  Large portable TVs and microwave ovens (pack the glass tray separately) may be moved as is unless they are going into storage.  Dresser drawers may remain full; however, heavy books, breakable items, and valuables should be removed. Cabinets with doors must be emptied.  Mattress and box springs are required to be boxed for their protection.  Cartons can be rented for a nominal fee or purchased.  Wardrobe cartons (for hanging clothing) are available on moving day for a low rental rate.  The cartons are easy to pack and allow wrinkle free transportation.

Cartons, wrapping paper, tape, bubble pack, paper padding, shrink wrap, cell packs, carpet runner, etc. are competitively priced and available for pick-up or delivery ($100.00 min. for delivery).  We also carry a supply of cartons on the moving van for last minute packing.

 

TRAVEL TIME for local moves

Travel time to and from the warehouse (approximately 15 minutes each way) and between residences is subject to the hourly transportation rate.  The travel time may be more if you reside outside the city. Travel time is computed from the closest of the following cities: Appleton, Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Ripon, Oshkosh, Plymouth, Sheboygan and West Bend.

 

PARKING

Pre-move surveys assume that our truck is able to park within 50’ of the door of your residence. If truck parking is a problem, check with your consultant as to the best loading area and make arrangements to reserve the necessary space with the city, apartment manager, etc. Walking distances required in excess of 50’ will result in additional labor costs.

 

ELEVATOR

If an elevator is on the premises, make certain it will be available to us at the time and day of your scheduled move. Please consult the manager to obtain an elevator key and elevator wall pads.

 

QUESTIONS

If at any time you have questions regarding our services, feel free to consult our office staff, moving consultant, packers or moving technicians.

 

ITEMS NOT TO BE MOVED

Any items, which are not to be packed or moved (cleaning supplies, prescriptions, clothing, toiletries, etc.), should be set aside in one location.  Advise our crew of the location as well as any refuse which is not intended for transportation.

 

EXTRA STOP

Please advise our office and driver if an extra pick-up or delivery is necessary so the truck can be loaded in the proper order.  Colored labels are available for distinguishing one lot from the other if more than a few items are involved. An extra stop fee will apply.

 

FOOD

Perishable foods may be transported at the owner’s risk; however, we suggest taking them on your own or eliminating them to prevent spoilage.

 

FLAMMABLE ARTICLES

No flammable articles (matches, aerosol cans, lighter fluid, gas tanks, etc.) may be packed or transported.  Please move or dispose all articles of this nature.

 

PLANTS

Plants may be transported at the owner’s risk; however, climate and road conditions may not be suitable for survival.  All plants must be placed in cartons to prevent spillage and to allow secure placement in the van.

 

WATERBEDS

We can drain, disassemble, reassemble, and fill your waterbed subject to our regular hourly rate; however, it is necessary to notify us in advance if we are to perform the draining operation so that we may bring the required equipment.

 

DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY

We perform standard disassembly/reassemble of beds, mirrors, tables, & residence doors.

Additional labor will be required for disassembly/assembly of pool tables, ping pong tables, exercise equipment, outdoor play equipment, waterbeds, metal shelving, pressed wood furniture, satellite dishes, etc.

 

Labor for this service can be substantial and is not included in the time allowed for transportation unless specifically itemized on the pre-move survey or rate quotation.

 

Note: pressed wood furniture is designed to be moved disassembled. Moving these items (bookshelves, tables, desks, entertainment centers, wardrobes, pool tables, etc.) assembled may result in damage to the joints and will be performed at the owner’s risk.

 

APPLIANCE/ELECTRONIC SERVICING

*Top-load washers:  To prevent damage to the internal components and body of the washer, the driver will insert a Styrofoam block in the tub for a nominal fee.  (Washers should not be run for 24 hours if the washer was transported in cold temps)

*Front-load washers:  The shipper must make separate arrangements for servicing this type of washer as, we are not equipped to provide this service.

*Gas appliances:  If you are unable to properly disconnect your gas appliances, please notify our office so

suitable arrangements can be made.  DuFrane will not reconnect gas appliances.

*Appliance connections:  We will disconnect and reconnect appliances at the owner’s direction and risk when suitable parts are provided. For liability reasons, we are unable to reconnect gas appliances.

*Electronic equipment:  Stereos, televisions, computers, etc. requires servicing and packaging for safe transportation. We can reconnect most equipment; however, we recommend for complicated systems that you contact a vendor specializing in this service.

 

FINAL CHECK BEFORE DEPARTURE

Before leaving, it is the customer’s responsibility to make a thorough inspection of the premises (including the yard, basement, attic, and storage areas) to ensure that all the desired items have been loaded.  Don’t forget to check cupboards, built-in-cabinets, and rafters.

 

PLACEMENT OF FURNITURE

An integral part of our service is to set-up & arrange your furniture to your liking.  We recommend that you plan the location of the major items before we arrive at destination to avoid unnecessary movement.  We also request that you be available to direct the location of each item as it enters the residence.

 

GRATUITY

Customers often ask whether it is appropriate to “tip” movers. Over the years, tipping movers has become more & more common and is now considered customary. We recommend that any tips provided be based on your level of satisfaction for the services provided.

 

DAMAGED ARTICLES

If anything is damaged during the course of the move, please notify the driver and/or office staff as soon as possible.  If you discover a damaged item while unpacking, stop unpacking the carton, as our representative will inspect the carton for the cause of breakage.

 

CARRIER LIABLILITY

The moving industry bases its transportation rates on a limitation of liability.  All claims will be settled subject to the valuation plan you select.  The standard released valuation provided on a local move is $.10 per pound per article.  If you wish to increase the carrier’s liability, please contact our moving consultants, office staff, or the driver for details. 

 

A written inventory must be provided for any articles being packed or moved in excess of one hundred dollars per pound of the article (example: 5 LBS painting valued at $1000.00). Refer to the attached inventory form for conditions & instructions.

 

In the event of damage to the residence or premises, the carrier is liable for damages subject to a $500.00 deductible. In the event of damage to wall or floor coverings, the carrier will be responsible for repair or replacement of only the damaged area. Under no situation will the carrier be responsible for soiling of walls or floors or for damage due to normal wear and tear.

 

The carrier may provide various forms of floor protection (fabric runners, poly-runners, plywood, masonite, and etc.) at the shipper's request. On occasion, these materials may have an adverse reaction with the floor covering possibly resulting in some damage to the flooring. It is understood that the shipper assumes all risk associated with the application of these protective materials.

 

Post Move Follow-Up

Following your move, you will receive our “Customer Service Report” in the mail for completion.  Your comments are reviewed and appreciated by every member of the organization.