Pre-Move
The busiest time for moving companies are during the summer months of May 15 to September 15.
When deciding the best time to move, consider all factors. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment. This gives the company more flexibility in scheduling your move. Also, be flexible with your destination timeframe, as you’re most likely not the only shipment on the truck. If you stay flexible, it can make a difference.
For more information, visit our blog; “When is the best time to move?”
To request a quote for our moving services, you can fill out an online rate request form or call us at 1-800-661-3618.
Try to provide us with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season (May 15 – September 15). Six weeks before your move is not too early for an estimator to complete a “visual survey of your household goods shipment.” If your employer requires estimates for approval, allow extra time. Book your move four weeks before the load day, then call Matco to confirm and schedule packing, loading, and delivery dates. This timeline can be shorter during the off-peak season, September to May.
The Moving Consultant will complete a visual survey of your items, calculating the weight, packing cost, and other charges related to your move. Don’t be alarmed if they check cabinets, closets, or under beds—everything that’s going to be moved must be visible, in order to ensure an accurate estimate. Point out any hidden items or those you’re eliminating.
To avoid issues on loading day, get rid of items you don’t plan to move. Otherwise, it is possible that this could violate the integrity of your binding estimate and/or cause the driver to run out of space.
Pricing and Paperwork
A binding estimate is a contract that 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, the total cost will increase.
A non-binding estimate charges based on the actual weight of your shipment and the services performed. You will still go through the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost.
The driver will weigh the trailer before and after loading to determine the actual weight of your shipment. All other charges are calculated at the origin address. If additional charges are incurred during delivery, the driver will provide you with the costs. This is a rare event, but it may occur.
When moving to a new province, charges are based on shipment weight and mileage. These are referred to as the transportation charges. There may be additional charges like packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charge for oversized items, and extra labor. Ask your Moving Consultant to explain each charge so you can accurately compare estimates.
Tariff provisions require all charges to be paid before unloading at destination. Payments can be made by cash, certified check, credit card, or debit. Discuss options with your Moving Consultant or customer service representative. If your employer is paying for the move, they may pre-arrange billing via invoice. Ensure payment methods are decided before packing and loading to avoid issues on delivery day.
All movers must prepare an Order for Service before transporting your shipment. It confirms the services requested, pickup and delivery dates, requested valuation, and contact information.
The order also outlines the charges for your move. If moving under a non-binding estimate, the order will indicate the estimated non-binding charges, payment method, and in case the actual charges exceed the non-binding estimate, the maximum amount required to be paid at delivery. If moving under a binding estimate, the order will show the required charges to be paid at delivery, based on the binding estimate and the payment terms.
Every mover must prepare a bill of lading for each shipment. The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract with Matco Moving Solutions for our transportation. The driver will give you a copy, and it’s your responsibility to read and understand it before signing. The bill of lading identifies the mover, and specifies the transportation dates, payment terms, and the maximum amount due at delivery if moving under a non-binding estimate. It also shows your shipment’s valuation and the amount Matco will be liable for, in the event of loss or damage.
The driver will inventory your shipment during loading, noting the condition of each item. Be sure to verify the inventory for accuracy, especially items marked “PBO” (packed by owner). The contents of this carton can’t and won’t be listed because the driver is not able to see inside each and every box.
The inventory also includes codes for item conditions (ie. SC for scratched, C for chipped). If damage occurs during loading, note it on the inventory. Use the inventory at delivery to check items and their condition. This inventory is crucial for the claims process.
Packing
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.
Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fibre-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date.
Notify your local moving representative about items of extraordinary value like jewelry, money, antiques, or stamp collections before packing. Though it is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or arrange for their transport.
Items worth more than $100 per pound are considered of “extraordinary” value. To ensure full liability coverage, complete a high-value inventory form and sign the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading. Ask your Moving Consultant to explain the high-value items process to ensure you understand the rules before load day.
Appliances, such as washers, dryers and refrigerators, must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Your Moving Consultant can help you understand how these items are serviced. We have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of service. Ask who we will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.
For more information, visit our blog; How to Prepare Appliances for Moving
Matco Moving Solutions uses a special procedure called stretch-wrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.
Valuation of Coverage
The protection you have depends on the valuation coverage you select, which determines the carrier’s liability for loss or damage. Valuation is not coverage – it is the liability of the moving company. Check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if you’re covered for moving.
Released Rate Liability: The carrier’s maximum liability is $0.60 per pound per article, regardless of value, in the event of loss or damages.
Increased Carrier Liability: The Carrier’s maximum liability is the lump-sum value declared on the shipment, only paid in the case of a total loss.
Please see Matco’s Protections Plans for more information.
The Move
“You may be asked to select a range of days for loading, depending on your shipment size and time of year. Be flexible during busy seasons in order to secure a truck and driver.
The Moving Consultant and/or driver will contact you 24 hours before load day with the arrival time. Inform Matco of any changes that may affect loading day, like street construction or packing delays. Prepare your home by clearing walkways and removing obstacles. The driver will protect your home with runners and door jamb protectors to avoid damage during loading.
For more information, visit our blog; Tips to Help You Prepare for Professional Movers
Your driver will contact you 24 hours before delivery. Matco will assign a customer service representative as your primary contact for updates on your delivery date. Provide the driver with all your contact information, including a reachable phone number or email. If you’re unreachable, arrange for a friend or family member to serve as the liaison and share their contact details with the driver.
Claims
Claims are always unpleasant – no one wants to have to deal with the problem but damage does occur and claims are a result. The best advice is to understand the claims settlement procedure prior to moving. It is important that you understand your coverage and how to proceed through the claims process.
Please contact Matco Moving Solutions to file a claim.