Guide to understanding moving contract details

Hiring moving companies NYC means signing a contract with them. This contract will be a document listing all the terms and conditions that you both agree to in relation to the services provided and received. You sign, the company signs, and everyone are happy. Right? Well ... usually. It's easy to agree to the terms without reading and understanding moving contract details in full. Even if the company you work with has no ill will, signing documents you don't understand can still cause problems. Don't worry, we will explain some of the most common moving contract terms for you.

Why is understanding moving contract details so important?

A moving contract is a statement that outlines the terms of your move. By writing it all down on paper and demanding signatures, both parties agree on some specifics that determine the moving service that will be provided. All reputable moving companies provide their clients with a moving contract.

And if the company doesn't offer you a relocation contract, that's a good sign that you should hire someone elseA moving contract, like any other contract, is a legally binding document. Before signing a document, it's important to understand what you are looking at and what it all means. In this article, we'll go over all the different parts of a moving contract so you know what to expect. The contract you are asked to sign may vary slightly in scope depending on who you work with and the state or states where you are moving, but it should always include the features described below.The easiest way not to sign incomprehensible papers is to learn understanding moving contract details. Fortunately, moving contracts is not as difficult as it might seem. These are general sections contained in these agreements and their meaning point by point. Find each of the following sections in your next contract:

Description of services

This is usually the first section that you see in a moving contract. In it, your movers will list all the services they will provide you, as well as what you have agreed on as the starting and final destinations. Make sure this section includes all the services you expect. You can change it if you would like to receive additional services, such as storage. However, unless the company offers free storage NYC, note that this will likely increase your rate.

Scope of services

This can be organized in a number of ways, but the goal is to tell you what they will do for you and when. Most companies list this section as a timeline, broken down into numbered stages. Each of these steps will have their own individual directions and subplots. Interesting points are usually listed: when they will load and unload the truck, how they will manage and organize your boxes, how long they estimate it will take to move in, and much more.

Terms of payment

This section tells you how much you pay and for what. It will also tell you when you will need to make payments and what will happen if you don't. Depending on how you negotiated with the movers, they may indicate a flat rate or an hourly rate.One important rule to consider when entering into any contract is the 110 percent rule. The 110 percent rule was set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and states that movers can only charge 110 percent of a non-binding estimate when they move home supplies. Your final offer cannot exceed 110 percent of your initial offer, or the company may lose accreditation.

But, it is always a better option to hire the company that offers a binding estimate, which will explain later in this guide to understanding moving contract details

Term

This short section simply states that the relocation contract is valid until the completion of the services stipulated in it. There is nothing to worry about here, but read it to make sure you fully understand the terms of the contract and that you have no questions about it.

Confidentiality

This is the standard for all contracts, not just moving contracts. This part of the agreement states in writing that the moving company cannot and will not share any of your personal information. This may include your name, address, and any other related records, documents, and notes. Protect your personal information by including a confidentiality agreement in all contractual negotiations!

Additional useful terms

Each contract will include each of the sections discussed so far, but the way they are included will differ from contract to contract. There are no two relocation companies that negotiate their contracts in the same way, and sometimes differences can be important. Some local moving companies NYC use specific terminology that you might want to familiarize yourself with before signing. Some of the most commonly used industry terms used in moving contracts include:

• Additional expenses. You may see a section or subsection in your moving contract that lists additional costs you may face, also sometimes called surcharges. These fees represent additional fees for certain variables associated with your move, for example, if your movers have to drive their truck through areas not suitable for large vehicles, or if you are not ready when they arrive and they need to pack some of your things.
• Bill of lading. The bill of lading is a physical copy of your moving contract. Your movers will present your bill of lading to you on the day you move. In most cases, this also serves as a proof of service or receipt.
• Binding estimate. If the estimate is “binding”, it means that the moving company cannot change the amount you will pay for their services. If they want to, they will need to formally amend and have both parties sign the agreement.
• Line haul. Line-haul charges are an important numerical characteristic of your move. This will include the number of miles the movers will transport your items and the total weight of all moving cargo.

Make sure you understand all moving contract details before you sign anything

Conclusion

This guide will help you with understanding moving contract details. Therefore, you will feel more prepared the next time you read and sign a moving contract. If you want to make sure your next contract comes from a quality and reputable company, contact us. Our moving and packing services, local and long-distance, are thorough, efficient, and guaranteed.