FAQ

  FAQ's for  General Questions

How much will the move cost?

Will the estimated cost be guaranteed?

What method of payment is required?

Can I pack some items myself?

Does the pack crew remove curtain rods and paintings from the walls?

Are there items I can’t have moved on the van?

Do my appliances require special servicing?

How long will it take to move my goods?

Can my delivery date be guaranteed?

How does the driver keep track of my goods?

What if for some reason I can’t take delivery of my goods as scheduled?

What can I expect on delivery?


How much will the move cost?

The cost of your long distance move (in excess of 150 miles) is based on the weight of the items that are to be moved and the distance they will be traveling. The estimate outlines all the services needed for your move and their costs. Local moves are based on the time it will take to pack, load and deliver your shipment and the amount of labor required.


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Will the estimated cost be guaranteed?

Consultants guarantee their estimates when they have all the necessary information to do so. For this reason, and to avoid complications at a later date, please be sure to point out everything that is to be moved. This includes all items in storage areas inside and outside of the house or anything being picked up from other locations, such as cottages or storage areas away from home.


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What method of payment is required?

If your employer is to be billed for the move, make arrangements well in advance with both your company and your United Member. This will help to avoid delays when your shipment is delivered. If you are paying for the move, United offers many payment options: Cash, Certified cheque, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, bank draft/money order. Credit card payments must be made in advance of delivery. As well, the driver cannot deliver a COD shipment until payment has been received.


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Can I pack some items myself?

Yes. It is recommended that you pack only unbreakable items, such as linens and books. Remember, all owner packed items travel at owner’s risk. Professional packing is the best way to safeguard against breakage.


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Does the pack crew remove curtain rods and paintings from the walls?

Your pack crew will bring special cartons to protect your paintings and wall hangings. United crews, however, do not remove any item that is secured to your walls including paintings. It is your responsibility to remove any “ fixed” items from walls.


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Are there items I can’t have moved on the van?

Yes. As a matter of public safety, governments at all levels have passed legislation restricting the transportation of dangerous goods. Some commodities may be included in your shipment under controlled conditions while law prohibits transport of others. In either case, you must disclose to the van operator every item you intend to include with your shipment that poses a hazard. A few prohibited items include: gasoline, propane tanks, oxygen, fire extinguishers, ammunition and fireworks. Ask your United Moving Consultant for our pamphlet “ Handling Dangerous Goods” for further information.


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Do my appliances require special servicing?

Most machines and mechanical equipment do need to be prepared by a licensed professional before being moved. Your Moving Consultant can make these arrangements for you. It is important to remember that articles not serviced travel at owner risk for internal damage.


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How long will it take to move my goods?

There are many factors affecting the length of time it takes for a shipment to travel from origin to destination: the distance, weight of the shipment, government regulations in the National Safety Code, Customs, weather, road conditions, and the need for ferries during transit. Allow extra time and be flexible when planning your moving schedule.


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Can my delivery date be guaranteed?

Yes. A “delivery spread” is calculated based on the weight of your shipment and the distance traveled. Wherever possible, your Moving Consultant strives to arrange delivery on the date you request. If delivery is delayed for any reason, beyond the date guaranteed to you, United will reimburse you reasonable expenses for food and accommodations until we deliver your shipment. Ninety-nine point four (99.4%) of United shipments are delivered on the date requested by our customer.


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How does the driver keep track of my goods?

All items in your home will be inventoried on load day. Items are numbered and a brief description of the condition is listed on the inventory sheet. On delivery, you will check off each number as the corresponding item enters your home.


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What if for some reason I can’t take delivery of my goods as scheduled?

In the event your shipment can’t travel directly from origin to your new residence, United can arrange to place your belongings into storage until you are ready to receive them. All United Member companies are equipped with completely secure, clean warehouses. Storage is at an additional charge.


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What can I expect on delivery?

Upon arrival at destination, the driver will provide you with an “Inventory Check-Off Listing.” Each item is checked off as it is delivered. Any loss or damage is noted on the driver’s copy of the inventory in the section called “Exceptions on Delivery.” These observations will serve to substantiate a claim should you have reason to submit one.


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