1. How can I be sure that the mover I select is professional, honest and will care for my belongings?

The most important step in choosing a mover is to ask the right questions and listen carefully to the answers. Just about everyone knows of someone with a moving day horror story. There have even been entire network news specials on movers. The truth is that by and large most moving companies are very reputable and conscientious organizations. Try to get references – ask if they are members of the Better Business Bureau or the American Moving and Storage Association.


2. When should I call a moving company?

The earlier, the better. Although short notice moves can usually by managed, its wise to give your moving company from four to six week’s notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your sales associate.


3. Do I need an estimate?

A pre-move estimate is needed to determine the cost of a move and the amount of van space your goods will occupy. The estimate can often be based on a telephone survey but keep in mind the accuracy of the estimate is based on the accuracy of the information provided. There is no charge for the estimate. On interstate shipments, the total charges are determined by the size 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.


4. 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, USA Express Moving 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
  • moving 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 will be better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.


5. 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 our state-of-the-art sales and logistics system, pickup and delivery dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the van.


6. Are you a licensed moving company?

Authorized interstate moving companies are issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to move household goods from state to state. As a motor carrier, we must also maintain a certificate of authority with the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Licensing for local moves is maintained as necessary depending on regulations of the state within which the move occurs.


7. How and when should I pay?

Most movers 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 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. Personal checks are not accepted for long distance moves. 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.


8. 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 "valuation" program you choose — Replacement Cost, Actual Cash Value, or Released Rate Liability. The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of USA Express Moving. The liability of USA Express Moving for loss or damage is based upon federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a level of motor carrier liability. The specific cost and terms of available coverage should be discussed with your sales associate prior to the move.


8. 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 "valuation" program you choose — Replacement Cost, Actual Cash Value, or Released Rate Liability. The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of USA Express Moving. The liability of USA Express Moving for loss or damage is based upon federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a level of motor carrier liability. The specific cost and terms of available coverage should be discussed with your sales associate prior to the move.


9. Do you have storage available?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored. However, you are responsible for the storage charges, and final delivery charges from the warehouse. If your goods are placed in storage, there may be an additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment while in storage. Long-term storage services are also available. Please ask your sales associate for information regarding storage arrangements.


10. Will my furnishings remain clean?

USA Express Moving’s air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move. In addition, furniture pads are sanitized regularly and stretch-wrap may be used as an extra precaution.


11. Do my appliances need special attention?

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances may require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Certain moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, ice makers 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, we will perform this service, using either our own qualified personnel or an authorized service company.


12. Can I pack my own fragile items and other personal effects?

Many people prefer to have some or all of 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.


13. Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?

Contents of dresser drawers should be removed and packed separately. Likewise, the contents of file cabinets should also be emptied and packed. Failure to remove the contents of cabinets/chests may cause damage to the furniture or to the contents themselves.


14. Can I move my frozen foods?

Frozen foods can be moved, but only on local moves under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this with your sales associate. We recommend that shipping arrangements be made through local frozen food locker plants for a long-distance move.


15. Can I move jewelry and other valuables?

We strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport. This includes money, jewelry, coin collections, stamp collections, photographs, etc.


16. Can I move my house plants?

USA Express Moving 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. For interstate moves, some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations.


17. 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, check with your veterinary or local kennel club for recommendations of alternate ways to ship your pets safely.