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MOVING
TIPS FOR PORTLAND
 When
you think about it, it makes sense to use a moving company that can
answer any questions about Helena. We know the drugstore in your new neighborhood as
well as every bend in the Montana highways and byways, because we live
here. When you arrive, we'll be right here if you need us.
And, as an agent for
United Van Lines, we have all the national resources necessary to
make your move as pleasant as possible.
Use Mergenthaler, and
you will know:
- the cost of your
move, the schedules and all the details in advance
- how to preplan to
avoid stress and last-minute problems
- we can
professionally pack your possession so they'll arrive in the
same condition as when they left, or we can counsel you on how
to do the packing yourself
- our clean,
sanitized vans will make your pickup and deliver on time, with
safety first at all points in between
- a personal
representative oversees your move from start to finish.
Call
us for a free information packet to make your move easier.
Or, call us for the name of the corner drugstore...
More Moving Tips
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, Mergenthaler 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
- transferring 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 Mergenthaler'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.
When
Should I Call A Moving Company?
The earlier, the better.
Although the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before
your move, it's wise to give your moving company from four to six weeks'
notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we
will be able to meet your delivery schedule.
All moving companies, for
their usual type of service, require alternate pickup and delivery dates.
We'll do our best, of course, to comply with the dates you prefer or the
nearest possible alternative. You will be notified in advance of the
loading date for your goods and of the estimated date of arrival.
If your pickup and delivery
dates are critical, due to such factors as a lease expiration or a
real-estate closing, you may choose an extra-cost service which will
enable us to accommodate a reasonable schedule. You should discuss your
specific pickup and delivery requirements with your Mergenthaler agent, who can
advise you of the types and costs of services available.
Is
A Moving Company "Licensed"?
It would be more accurate
to say that a moving company is "registered." For example, Mergenthaler
has been issued a certificate of authority to move
household goods between any of the 50 states. As a motor carrier that held
a certificate of authority on Dec. 31, 1995, Mergenthaler is
automatically registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
for five years after that date.
A local moving company
affiliated with a national van line such as Mergenthaler may also be registered
with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical
areas.
Do
I Need An Estimate?
A Mergenthaler agent will
make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. A
pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and
the amount of van space your goods will occupy. Your Mergenthaler agent will
compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for
Service. An accurate estimate cannot be given without a visual survey of
the goods to be moved. There is no charge for the estimate. Click here to
get a quote online.
Keep in mind that estimates
(household goods surveys) are only guidelines. On interstate shipments,
you must pay the total charges as determined by the actual weight of your
shipment, the distance it travels, and the services that you authorize or
which become necessary to handle your shipment.
Charges for local shipments
are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number
of hours required. These shipments are handled by the local moving
company, not the interstate carrier.
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 or long carry), 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 providing for these additional charges will be prepared for
your signature.
If you are interested in
obtaining a binding estimate, please discuss it with your Mergenthaler agent.
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 (see "Am I Protected
Against Loss Or Damage"), plus charges for any
"accessorial" services (such as packing and unpacking) performed
by the Mergenthaler agent at your request. These charges are based on
"tariff" rate schedules (see below).
What
Is A Tariff?
This is the list of rules,
regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor
carriers which provide interstate transportation of household goods. The
tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and include
its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon
request.
How
And When Should I Pay?
Tariff provisions require
that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination
(unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).
Payment for your Mergenthaler
shipment can be made by one of the following methods: cash, traveler's
check, money order or cashier's check. In addition, the American Express®
Card, Discoversm Card, Visa® or MasterCard® can be used to pay for
interstate moves only, with advance approval required prior to loading
(unless other billing arrangements have been made). Personal checks are
not accepted.
All payment forms apply to
both binding and non-binding estimates.
If you have received a
non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed the estimate, you
will be required to pay no more than 110% of the estimated cost at
delivery. Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10%,
you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110%.
Payment of estimated
charges plus 10% does not apply if goods are delivered into storage. If
storage at destination (storage-in-transit) is necessary, all
transportation charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment to
the warehouse. You will then be assessed storage charges based on the
applicable rates set forth in our tariff.
Am I
Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are In Transit?
Yes, but how much
protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the Mergenthaler "valuation" program you choose — Full-Value Coverage or
Depreciated Coverage.
The valuation option you
choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the
maximum liability of Mergenthaler. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage
is based upon the carrier's tariffs, as well as federal laws and
regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not
insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.
If you desire protection afforded by an insurance policy, you should see
your insurance company representative about available coverages.
All articles of
"extraordinary value" (items having a value of more than $100
per pound) in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory
form which will be given to you by the salesperson to complete. Articles
of extraordinary value might include jewelry, furs, art and coin
collections, and silverware. In the event of a claim, any settlement
regarding an article of extraordinary value listed on the High-Value
Inventory form is limited to the value of the article, not to exceed the
declared value of the shipment, based upon the Mergenthaler valuation program
applicable to your shipment. If such an article is not listed on the form,
the carrier's liability is limited to $100 per pound per article.
Shipments that move with a released rate liability of 60 cents per pound
per article are excluded from this High-Value Inventory provision.
Full-Value
Coverage
Under this plan, if your
articles are lost or damaged while in Mergenthaler's care, they will be repaired
or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the
current market
replacement value, regardless of the age of the item. Mergenthaler will decide
on the settlement method. Unlike other Mergenthaler valuation programs,
depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value.
Full-Value Coverage and
deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at
very attractive rates. Mergenthaler's total liability for loss or damage will be
the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum
total declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment
multiplied by $3.50.
Depreciated
Coverage
Both of the Depreciated
Coverage options consider depreciation in the settlement of claims. Claims
are settled by repairing damaged articles or by making a cash settlement
at the depreciated value, whichever costs less. The options are as
follows:
- Lump-Sum Value
— The amount you declare as the value of your shipment. The value
declared must be at least $1.25 times the weight of your shipment.
There is a charge for this option.
- Pound-Weight Value
— The maximum value of your shipment is $1.25 times the weight of
the shipment. There is a charge for this option.
In addition to its Full-Value
and Depreciated coverages, Mergenthaler offers Released Rate Liability. With
this type of valuation, the maximum liability for loss or damage to each
article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the
article. This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.
You must select the
valuation program, and you must write your choice in the
"Valuation" box on the Bill of Lading in your own handwriting.
If the box on the Bill of Lading is not completed, your shipment will be
considered released at a declared value based on the total weight of your
shipment multiplied by $1.25 per pound. A charge will be added to your
moving cost, and claims will be settled taking depreciation into account.
For a full description of
the Full-Value and Depreciated Coverage programs, please ask your Mergenthaler
agent.
Can
My Possessions Be Stored Temporarily?
If you are unable to take
immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored
in a local Mergenthaler agent's warehouse. Mergenthaler agents throughout the world
provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you're ready
for them. However, you are responsible for the storage charges, as well as
warehouse handling and final delivery charges from the warehouse.
If your goods are placed in
storage, there will also be an additional charge for the valuation or
insurance coverage provided for your shipment. The type of coverage and
cost will depend upon whether the shipment is held in storage-in-transit
(temporary) or in permanent (long-term) storage. Please ask your Mergenthaler
agent for information regarding storage arrangements.
Will
My Furnishings Remain Clean?
Mergenthaler's exclusive
Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. The
Sanitized® feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, is
an extra measure of hygienic safety for your belongings. In addition to
this service, Mergenthaler protects your upholstered furniture with ClearGuardsm,
a clear plastic material, before they are wrapped with furniture pads.
Do
My Appliances Need Special Attention?
Most refrigerators,
washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require
special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as
motors on major appliances, washer drums, icemakers and the pickup arm on
a phonograph should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need
to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move.
It is the owner's
responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before
they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional charge, a
moving company will perform this service, using either its own qualified
personnel or an authorized service company. For more information on
servicing and cleaning appliances for moving, ask your Mergenthaler agent for
the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."
Can
I Pack My China, Glass and Crystal?
Most people prefer to have
their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally
packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items
yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include
wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making
sure of a firm pack.
Be sure to select a sturdy
container with a lid. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper on
the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a
soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest." Pack
the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in
empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on
rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile," and list
the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.
Cartons, paper and tape may
be purchased from your local Mergenthaler agent for a modest cost. Your agent
should also have a copy of the free booklet "Doing Your Own
Packing."
Can
I Pack My Clothes In A Chest Or Dresser Drawers?
Lightweight clothing —
sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie — may be left in the drawers. Do
not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets,
which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to
leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the
drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.
Can
I Move My Frozen Foods?
Frozen foods can be moved,
but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this with
your Mergenthaler agent. In most instances, we suggest that shipping
arrangements be made through local frozen food locker plants, especially
for a long-distance move.
Can
I Move Jewelry And Other Valuables?
Items of extraordinary
value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be
included in your shipment, provided you notify your Mergenthaler agent of these
items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that
you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other
arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry,
items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of
"extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving
these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the
High-Value Inventory form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value
Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of
extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write
"none" on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.
Can
I Move My Houseplants?
Mergenthaler
cannot
accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because they may
suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature
changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your houseplants in
the family car or ship them by plane.
Some states prohibit the
entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain
conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure to check the
regulations of the state to which you're moving. Ask your Mergenthaler agent for
a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."
Can I
Move My Pet?
Pets cannot be carried on
the moving van. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be
transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, your Mergenthaler
agent
will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Click
here for more information on Moving
With Pets.
Other
Resources
Email
us with your snail mail address and we'll send you your choice of the
following brochures:
- Doing Your Own Packing
- Moving Appliances and
Other Home Furnishings
- Moving with House Plants
- Planning A Garage Sale
- Protecting Your
Belongings
Get
a quote today and make your move easier tomorrow!
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