Working With the Mover

• Be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to remain or be present while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do, and which valuation program and amount you have selected. Remember - the person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.


• Accompany the van operator through the house as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a good description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.


• It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the van operator and keep it.


• Approve and sign the combination Bill of Lading and Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure you have completed and signed the declared valuation statement in the space provided on the Bill of Lading.


• Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading, if applicable to your shipment.


• Check to see that the van operator has the exact destination address. Be specific about where and how you can be reached, including telephone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.


• If you want to know the exact cost of your move before leaving town or prior to the arrival of your household goods at destination, tell the van operator. Provide a telephone number where you can be reached and the van operator will see that you are notified.


• Advise the van operator of any elevators, parking restrictions or necessary long carries (see definitions in "Glossary of Moving Terms" section) at destination.


• If applicable, provide the van operator with the telephone number of your apartment or condominium manager.


• Make sure you have the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.