Small shipments and minimum weights

Van lines typically have minimum weight requirements for interstate shipments, and minimum hourly rates for local moves. During the busy summer season these minimums are typically higher than during the slower periods.

Minimum weight requirements for interstate shipments set the weight which the mover will charge. This means that you can ship your belongings if the weight of them is less than the minimum weight, but you will be charged for the minimum weight price. Minimum weights range from 1000 lb to 2500 lb depending on the moving company. Your shipment will be weighed after it is loaded on the truck to determine the amount of charge. If your initial moving estimate is higher than the minimum weight, and the actual weight is lower than the minimum weight, you will be charge for the minimum weight.

Local moves will normally have a minimum hourly requirement for a set number of men and a truck. This varies widely depending on the local movers.

Also for smaller shipments, claims for delays of the shipment may have a minimum weight requirement as well. The most typical minimum weight for the payment of a delay claim is 3500 lb. Our contracts with the van lines typically call for a per diem payment or actual expenses for each day a shipment is delayed. If the ACTUAL weight of the shipment is less than the 3500 lb example, the van line will not usually make a delay payment. Even if the original estimate is for more, the actual weight of the shipment will be used to determine the eligibility for a delay claim.

If you have small shipment, we do have other alternatives to use. We do work with some small shipment specialist companies that will move a piano or items that are far below the van lines minimum weights.

If just boxes are involved in a shipment, it is sometimes much less expensive to shipment them through UPS or another similar shipping company.

For any shipment please be sure to call Consumers Relocation and ask to speak to a
Consultant. They will assist you in making the right choice.

Call 800-839-6683 or visit our website at www.consumersrelocation.com and fill out an online initiation form.