The duties and responsibilities of a moving company include several tasks. These tasks include providing a written estimate of services based on either a binding or non-binding estimate, logging inventory throughout the day, and requesting payment.
Other duties include operating a U-haul truck and loading it with residential or commercial furniture and office items. Also, they must follow business regulations regarding insurance and dispute settlement.
Customer Service
A moving company is a service that aids individuals, families, or businesses to move their physical goods from one location to another. A moving business can offer local or long-distance services and specialize in commercial and residential moves. Regardless of the type of move, every moving company must establish and maintain procedures for handling consumer complaints and inquiries. In addition, each interstate mover must offer neutral arbitration to resolve disputes involving loss or damage to collect on delivery (COD) shipments.
Astoria movers must prepare an order for service on every shipment they transport. If you request it, the mover must provide you with a copy of this document. For assistance, the mover must advise you of its minimum charge for the shipment based on weight or volume. The final costs must be determined depending on the shipment’s weight if the minimum weight is not reached.
The order for service also provides the dates for the transportation and delivery. If you cannot take delivery on the scheduled date(s), the mover may store your package at your expense. Most movers require payment of the transportation charges in cash or certified check, traveler’s check, or bank check (one drawn on itself and signed by an officer of the bank). Some movers will allow you to pay the transportation charges with a nationally recognized charge or credit card.
Dispatch
Dispatch is assigning employees (workers) or vehicles to customers. Dispatchers spend virtually their entire shift answering telephone calls from potential and actual customers and often receive up to a thousand calls in one shift.
On interstate moves, your mover must furnish you with a pamphlet explaining your rights and responsibilities and the different levels of liability protection available to you. You can request this pamphlet from the representative who made arrangements for your move, the driver who transports your shipment, or the mover’s principal office.
The mover must prepare an order for service that specifies the transportation charges to be paid by you for your household goods shipment. It also must describe any accessorial services you have requested, such as packing, appliance servicing, disassembly or reassembly, and storage-in-transit (SIT). The charge for these services is in addition to the basic transportation charges. If your shipment is still being prepared for delivery on the dates mentioned in the order for service, the mover shall contact you by phone, telegraph, or in person and tell you when it may be picked up or delivered.
Packing
The business will pack your goods and safely transfer them to your new house. This includes creating an inventory list and ensuring all boxes are appropriately labeled for delivery. The company will also generate a bill of lading and ask you to sign it. This legal document covers the terms and conditions of the service. It will inform you of the amount required upon shipping and the responsibility conditions. You should always read the document carefully to ensure it is complete and accurate. You also have the right to be present when your shipment is weighed, and you can request a re-weighing if necessary.
Full-service movers will pack your items and wrap them securely for shipping. They will also disassemble furniture as needed and reassemble it at your destination. In addition, a full-service moving company will provide a truck or trailer for your use and help you load it up. They will also give you tips on preparing your home for a move and offer insurance options.
The services provided will differ based on the type of service you need, but generally, movers will cover at least these essential responsibilities. They will also inform you of their liability policies and provide 24/7 customer support.
Loading
Loading is moving items into a truck or another vehicle for transportation to a new location. This physically demanding job requires strong hands and backs to lift heavy items and stand for long periods. Some movers also drive trucks or vans, which involves additional duties such as keeping track of mileage and fuel purchases. This position typically earns overtime during the summer when demand is high.
The scope of service section is an integral part of any moving company contract. It contains a list of the tasks that will be performed and should be carefully reviewed. It should also include a description of the responsibilities the mover agrees to take on, including their liability for damage to your goods. The scope of service should also state a clear price structure, whether a set fee or hourly rate.
Other moving company responsibilities include finding or buying materials to pack boxable items and protect fragile household goods for transport. The movers may also have to disassemble and reassemble furniture pieces to move them into the truck. This can include using special machinery like forklifts to load or unload heavy items. Some movers also have to take inventory throughout the day and keep records of the shipment’s weight, which is required by law.
