Moving FAQs: Your Local, Long Distance & International Moving Questions Answered

During your in-home survey, your Move Consultant will estimate the size of your shipment based on the items in your home. A weight challenge occurs when the driver believes there is more in the shipment, than what the sales person originally estimated.

On loading day, the driver will either confirm that nothing has been added to inventory or the number of items included has increased since the original survey. If additional items have been added by the customer, the Driver will contact the Sales person for a “weight challenge” to make changes to the paperwork before loading the shipment onto the truck. Since the Driver has to transport the added weight, a new estimate must be made and new paperwork must be signed by all parties involved. In short, it is better to let the sales person know several days prior to loading if additional items have been added to your move.

You should take the following steps to file a claim with your moving company for lost or damaged goods. Upon delivery, double check that you’ve received every item listed on the inventory sheet. Notify the driver of any damages to the boxes, or stand-alone items, before he leaves. When you are certain that you’re missing an item or an item has been damaged in transit, immediately contact your mover. If you need to file a claim for lost or damaged goods, you should understand that the faster you file a claim with your moving company, the quicker the claims are processed.

Here’s how to expedite the claims process:

1. Alert your Driver and Move Consultant of any lost or damaged goods immediately.
2. Collect evidence of the damage by taking photos of the broken items and boxes.
3. Do not attempt to fix or toss away damaged goods, for a Claims Adjuster may ask to examine them.
4. Specify the estimated retail costs or value of the damaged goods.
5. Check the terms and conditions set forth by the moving company on the Bill of Lading (the receipt you received from the mover) and Inventory sheet.

Note: Time limitations governing when you can file a claim are based on the move contract. For interstate moves, you have up to 9 months to file a claim. For intrastate moves, you have up to 90 days to file a claim.  Please ask your coordinator about your specific filing time frame.

Full service containers are recommended to customers who are moving 5,000 pound shipments or less. They are affordable alternatives for apartment dwellers and small home owners. It’s a convenient option for customers who are remodeling, de-cluttering or require flexibility in moving.

We can offer more flexibility in delivery dates of containers as we work with freight delivery schedules for pickup and delivery. Full service containers are loaded and delivered by your local moving company at origin and destination. Containers can be stored in one of our warehouse facilities in Dallas, Houston or Austin, Texas if needed. Ask your Move Consultant if a full service container is a viable option for your shipment size during the in-home survey.

With a professional moving company, you have the option of doing some or all of the packing yourself. You can choose between hiring a Full Packing service or Partial Packing service. It is strongly recommended, that you let a professional packing crew handle your fragile and more valuable items. Furniture and major appliances will be wrapped and padded by the moving company. Larger items like pool tables, grandfather clocks, chandeliers, glass table tops may need additional dis-assembly and crating services. Here are the major differences between the two packing options:

Partial Packing
Partial packing is the best option for price-sensitive customers, looking for a money-saving option. The moving company’s professional packing crews will pack the breakable items. In which case, these items will be covered under the moving company’s default valuation policy. Owner packed cartons containing high-value items must be left open for our Drivers to inspect and seal. It’s important to note that if you packed these items on your own, the moving company is not held liable for damages or loss.

Full Packing
Full packing is the best option for corporate relocation and larger shipments. Full packing services are priced to pack everything in your home. During your in-home survey, your Moving Consultant will provide you with a moving estimate based on the size and number of items in your home. If you choose the full packing service but in turn choose to pack items yourself, please let your Moving Consultant know in advance. In turn, if you made the decision to pack yourself and you are not completely packed several days prior to loading, please contact your move coordinator right away so we schedule a pack team to help finish the job.

In all cases, the best way to save money on packing services is to de-clutter! Hold a yard sale or donate any unwanted items before Moving Day.

Included in your Move Packet is a high value inventory form. You must use this form to list any items in your possession that are valued greater than $100 per pound. Family heirlooms and collectibles such as currency, jewelry, serving sets, and antiques are considered high-value. All items of high value must be detailed on the high value inventory sheet for the driver to identify on Moving Day. Failure to list items of high-value on this sheet will result in limited carrier liability.

Examples of High Value Household Goods

• Coin Collections
• China
• Computers
• Crystal
• Currency
• Firearms
• Flat Screen TVs
• Furs
• Glass Figurines
• Manuscripts
• Musical Instruments
• Oriental Rugs
• Paintings & Wall Art
• Precious Stones & Gems
• Silver
• Tapestries
• Home Theater systems
• Video Cameras

By signing the inventory form, you agree that any claim your submit for lost or damaged goods must be accompanied by proof of value. Settlement will be based upon the information contained on the high-value inventory form, the declared value specified on the Bill of Lading, tariffs at time of shipment, the household goods descriptive inventory and any other supporting documents obtained by the moving company before Moving Day.

In short, if you fail to list items of high-value on the inventory sheet, you agree that the moving company’s liability for loss of damage to those items will be limited to no more than $100 per pound per article (based upon actual weight of item claimed).

Your moving company will order a shuttle service when the moving van does not have direct access to your home. A shuttle is a smaller vehicle, such as a bobtail or straight truck. Your moving company will hire a “shuttle” to transport your goods a short distance to the larger moving van. Shuttle services are often recommended in the following situations: tight turns, narrow driveways, low hanging trees, and when parking the moving van at residence is impossible. Shuttle services are priced in advance.

For interstate moves, your Move Consultant will include it in your initial moving estimate. If the driver determines that the shuttle service used at origin for an interstate move, is also needed at destination, there is no additional cost to the customer. However, on local or intrastate moves, an extra shuttle at destination is an additional cost to the customer.

Your delivery date will depend on the time of year, the size of your shipment, and the distance your shipment is traveling. Your Moving Consultant will give you a delivery “window” or “spread” based on the drivers’ loading and unloading schedule. Our drivers’ loading and unloading schedules are set according to the origin and destination of each shipment on the van.

A moving van travels approximately 450 miles per day. However, the driver may load and unload other shipments in route to your destination. This means, that unless your belongings fill up the entire moving van, there will be other customer’s goods loaded onto the van with yours. Which is why, we can seldom guarantee a delivery date with a specific time, on a specific day. Rest assured, each shipment is inventoried separately and sectioned off within the van to make sure there is no co-mingling of shipments.

Ask your Moving Consultant about shipment tracking procedures.

Most moving companies require payment up front by credit card or upon delivery in certified funds – cash, cashier’s check or money order. If you pay for your move by credit card, your card will be charged 3 days prior to Moving Day. Please note, a professional mover will not ask for a deposit to secure your move date. If you are asked to provide cash in advance, take caution. You should discuss payment options with your move consultant to decide which one is best for you. If your employer is paying for your move, arrangements can be made to directly invoice the company.

Extra charges may be applied to the total cost of your local or intrastate move, after your in-home survey is completed and moving estimate is calculated. If you fail to show your moving consultant a certain area of the home (i.e. crawl space, shed, basement or attic) or if you anticipated a garage sale that never happened, then moving these items would be an added cost. Extra charges are also possible if you’re moving in to or out of a multi-level apartment building or high-rise condominium. The driver can charge for “stair carries” or the added distance from the truck to your front door.

A Binding estimate is a guaranteed price that cannot be exceeded, unless additional services are ordered or performed that are not listed on your original paperwork. A Non-binding estimate requires you to pay individual fees based on the actual weight of your shipment and the services performed.

We accept payment via cash, credit card, certified funds (cashier’s check or money order) and wire transfer. Unfortunately, we cannot accept personal checks. Our policy states that self-paid customers must submit payment following packing day at origin and prior to the release of their shipment from the destination warehouse.

If your employer is paying for your international move, we will require a purchase order or letter of intent for payment sent to us on company letterhead with address, contact information and authorizing signature. We will run a standard credit check to establish the billing account and issue a full invoice to the company directly.

Daryl flood international is part of the Harmony Relocation Network which is comprised of more than 140 members serving 180 countries. In addition, Daryl flood works with over 500 agents in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. We are also member of FIDI which is the global standard for excellence in international moving. This certification is audited by Ersnt & Young (E&Y) and is held by less than 10% of moving companies around the world. Lastly, we are affiliate members of the Latin American & Caribbean Movers Association (LACMA). All of this ensures standardized processes and service levels regardless of destination country.

Your Daryl Flood Move Coordinator will provide you with general guidelines regarding duties and taxes. Used household goods and personal assets are allowed to enter most countries without significant taxes or penalties.

You must notify your designated move coordinator of the intent to file a claim within 30 days of delivery. A formal claim form must be submitted within 90 days of delivery. Once a formal claim has been filed, our underwriter will work closely with you to get repair or replacement items for lost or damaged items. Most claims are settled within 14 working days from date of receipt.

We offer a global property protection plan through Pac Global Insurance Brokerage. You may choose to itemize your belongings or cover them with a lump sum valuation methoed. With the itemized plan, we will ask you to declare the value on all of your goods and this method ensures the most accurate coverage for your shipment. Alternatively, you may choose the lump sum valuation method. This approach takes the final weight of your shipment and applies a value of  $15 per pound. Any items in excess of $1,000 will still need to be itemized. Please note that you must cover 100% of your shipment. Partial coverage only for fragile items or high value electronics is not an option.

Our coverage is an all-risk, non-deductible, full-replacement global property protection plan and it is available for $27 per $1,000 valuation. this rate includes pairs and sets (full coverage on dining sets, patio sets, side tables, etc.), electrical & mechanical derangement, and mold & mildew coverage.

An itemized valuation form or confirmation of lump sum coverage needs to be submitted to us prior to packing day for coverage to commence. If the valuation form is not completed prior to packing, the coverage will default to lump sum valuation and is based on a $15 per pound valuation of the shipment. Vehicle valuation is determined by the particular model, make and year of the vehicle at destination.

Use the following points as a guideline for the costs that may be included in or excluded from your international moving estimate:

• Included costs (at door to door service level): packing and loading from residence with door to door transportation. terminal handling charges (THC) including delivery to residence, unpacking and loading, basic furniture set-up, and removal of debris at time of delivery. THC & customs clearance procedures are included unless not allowed by local government.
• Excluded costs: moving estimates do not include valuation, potential customs duties, taxes, storage, specialized packing, crating services, fees for shuttles, long carries, hoisting, or any container detention or demurrage charges due to circumstances beyond our control.

It is important to note that all cost inclusions and exclusions for your international moving estimate vary from situation to situation, depending on the countries involved. Your move consultant will walk you the estimation process during your in-home survey.

Shipping restrictions on what items can be imported or exported vary between countries. You should contact your local consulate or embassy for complete details. The most commonly restricted items are:

• firearms
• ivory products
• liquor
• drugs & medications
• religious statues or ornaments
• weapons
• articles on endangered species list
• pornography

Potentially hazardous or flammable items should not be included in an overseas shipment. Such prohibited items are:

• aerosol spray cans
• ammunition
• bleaches, paints, thinners
• fire extinguishers
• gasoline, oil, lighter fluid, kerosene
• matches
• open containers and bottles
• perishables
• propane tanks (unless purged and certified)
• weed killer, insecticides, poisons

We strongly suggest that you do not put the following high-value items in the steamship container, rather keep them with you while traveling:

• cash
• coin collections
• stamp collections
• furs
• jewelry
• legal documents

Your furniture items are wrapped in a durable, seven-ply paper pad. This pad is removed upon delivery and disposed of by the delivery crew. Fine finish items and/or antiques requiring additional support are covered with a protective layer of foam pad prior to wrapping.

The standard overseas transport container we use to ship your belongings is a steamship container. These steel containers come in two sizes: 20 ft. (20x8x8 ft., holding approximately 1,100 cubic feet and 7,000 lbs. of household goods) and 40 ft (40x8x8 ft., holding approximately 2,300 cubic feet and 15,000 lbs. of household goods).

If your shipment size is significantly below the capacity of a steamship container, it may be more cost-effective to transport your belongings in a lift van. Lift vans are large, wooden crates generally measuring 7x4x7 feet (LxWxH). Lift vans typically hold around 1000 lbs. of household goods.

Corrugated Air Vans (or CAY’s) are utilized for air shipments only. Also known as tri-walls (three-layer cardboard walls), CAY’s are available in multiple sizes and are designed to be protective, yet size and weight efficient for airline travel.

Once your move is scheduled, you will be assigned a personal Move Coordinator, who will provide you with general guidelines regarding country customs regulations and will be able to answer any questions you may have about your destination. You can also contact your local Consulate or Embassy to verify the requirements needed.