Binding not to exceed moving estimates

If you are getting ready to move this season, you will most likely see different pricing estimates from movers.  One of the common pricing formats is a binding or binding not to exceed estimate.  If the representative from the moving company has confidence that they surveyed everything the customer is planning to move, they may "bind" their estimate with a "binding not to exceed" price. 

"Binding not to exceed" normally means that if the weight of the household goods is greater than the representative estimated, then the customer will only pay the price based on the estimated weight.  If the weight is less than estimated, the customer will pay the lesser amount based on the weight. 

If the customer adds items to their shipment that the representative did not see, then the "binding not to exceed" is null and void since the shipment has changed.  If at the time of loading, the driver feels that the shipment was added to, the driver can contest the weight; requiring the representative to come out to the loading and either agree or disagree with the driver.  The cube sheet (list of items to be shipped) prepared by the representative at the time of the estimate is usually the guide for the "not to exceed" estimate and pricing. 

Adding to the shipment can sometimes be subtle or very dramatic.  But none the less, adding to the shipment without first checking directly with the moving company and representative can automatically void the "not to exceed".

Early Summer Moving Restrictions

Many of the van lines are thinking ahead  to what is normally the busiest and craziest time in the moving season; June 15 to July 15.  As a result minimum weights, discounts and transit times during this period may differ than before or after it. 

Many companies will enforce a 2000 to 3000 lb minimum weight.  This means that if you are moving one room that would normally weight 1,000 to 1,500 lb, you will be charged for the minimum weight.  We have seen some agents of van lines increase the minimum weight higher if they will be "self hauling" the shipment in June and July.

Discounts on interstate shipments may decrease during this time as well.  Since the demand is expected to spike, many van lines will price their shipments for the period with a lesser discount; therefore costing the customer a little more during the busiest times; much like any other industry,

Transit times may increase as well as van lines try to realistically set their delivery dates.

So, if you plan to move during the busiest of times this summer, then you need to expect some modifications to the logistics normally in place the rest of the year.  The best advise, is to always try to avoid the second half of June and the beginning of July for either loading or delivering your shipment.

Auto Shipping- quotes fluxuate like airfares

Consumers Relocation coordinates the shipments of hundreds of vehicles every year.  Sometimes the shipment is part of a move, but just as often the shipment is only the vehicle.  Shipping vehicles to kids going to college, new purchases, snow birds, or many other individual reasons may create the need to ship a vehicle. 

While there is usually some consistency in the range of cost, it can fluctuate up to a couple hundred dollars.  Its like airline fares.  Vehicle shipping companies adjust their rates to meet their business demand as well as to remain competitive.  Often times if you are shipping an auto in the future, you should check back with us to see if the rates have changed.  The terms of delivery times,  the amount of insurance/valuation offered and the terms of storage(if you can't take delivery right away) vary between the vehicle shipping companies we use. 

Call
us and ask to speak with a Consultant the next time you ship a vehicle.  Ask what differences their may be between companies we use.

Busy Moving Season Fast Approaching

Those that work in the relocation industry and those that moved last summer, will remember the issues with capacity.  The moving industry downsized over the past several years due to the severe recession.  As a result, the number of trucks, drivers, and crews available last summer to handle a large spike in moving activity were inadequate.  Blacked out dates for loading and moving became the norm.  Relocation companies like Consumers Relocation scrambled to find moving partners to accommodate the higher volume of moves. 

Over this past year, many of the van lines have been working to increase their capacity by training new drivers and adding new equipment.  In a meeting with the executives of one of the largest van lines they indicated that their were trying to increase their capacity to handle last summers spike of volume.

None the less, when planning for a move between May and September, as much lead time as possible should be taken in starting the move process.  If at all possible try to move either before or after June; the very busiest month.  Call Consumers Relocation and speak with a Consultant to gain more insight into planning your move and the critical timing.

Phone- 802-824-3496
www.consumersrelocation.com

Crazy weather may hamper moves

Moving this winter?  Just think if you were moving from Connecticut this past week!  Just heard that in Madison, CT; schools may be open today for the first time all week.  If the school bus' can't get through to pick children up, then a moving van surely will not arrive.  If weather forecasts call for bad weather; heavy snow, ice, or some other form of bad winter weather, plan to have delays on loading.

If you are moving to an area where bad weather is predicted; or poor weather en-route, the same possibilities exist for delays.  Plan to rearrange travel schedules, and other plans if it looks like poor weather will hamper the logistics of your move.



Picture taken near the top of Magic Mountain, Vermont

CRS Celebrates 20th Year of Great Customer Service

Another View of our new home; Weston,VT

The Vermont Country Store!  A destination to visit for  sure!  Good food and great shopping.

Our  offices are right down Main Street from the Vermont  Country Store- dangerous penny candy department!