When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, May 15 - September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional moving companies. Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five day window for loading your shipment. This

When should I contact TCM Global for an estimate?
Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a "visual survey of your household goods shipment." Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to decide which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season.

What happens when a relocation consultant comes to my home?
The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the relocation consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move. Remember that the relocation consultant must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives.
Don't be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out.

What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional services are requested or required at either origin or destination, the total cost will increase.

What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment and the actual cost of the services that are performed. You will still go though the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost.

How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
The charges are based on the weight of your shipment and mileage or ocean/air freight. These are referred to as the transportation charges. There are a variety of different charges that could appear on your estimate, so be sure to ask your relocation consultant to explain each item charge for you. Some of the additional charges that may appear include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charge for oversized items and extra labor. Again, be certain you understand these charges so that you can accurately compare the estimates you receive.

What about my vehicle?
TCM GLOBAL can transport your vehicle basically to anywhere around the world and most of the time we can take your car(s), truck or SUV with the rest of your belongings in the trailer or container. If this is not possible, we will arrange for an alternate method.

How should I pay and what are the payment methods?
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination. Payments can be made using cash, certified check, money order, or wire transfer. Discuss these options with the relocation consultant assigned to your shipment. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever works for you is great. Just be sure to have this all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to load day, it can cause you problems.

What is an order for service?
All movers are required to prepare an Order for Service before they transport your shipment. The order for service provides you with written confirmation of the services that you requested to be performed in conjunction with your shipment. It lists the agreed upon dates for the pickup and delivery of your shipment and the amount of valuation that you requested, along with any special services that you ordered and a place and telephone number where the mover can contact you during the move.

What is a Bill of Lading?
Every mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment transported. The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for their transportation. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading.
It is your responsibility to read and understand the information on the bill of lading before you sign it.

What is an Inventory?
The driver will usually inventory your shipment as he or she loads it (but it's not required by law). When completed, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover.
Be sure that everything listed on the inventory is correct. This is not always the easiest task, as you will find things written on the inventory like PBO, which means packed by owner. The contents of this carton can't and won't be listed because the driver is not able to see inside each and every box. You will also find CP on a line item in the inventory. This means Carrier Packed container. These are two important listings.
You will also notice that in the middle column on the inventory form a line that has many letters and numbers associated with a specific item but it may make no sense to you. This is where the driver uses inventory code to make note of the condition of that particular piece. To understand this code, look at the top of the inventory sheet for the legend that explains what that code means. SC - scratched, C - chipped, 3 - right side if piece and 8 for the top of the piece. This is a simplified way for the driver to make note of any irregularity or existing damage.
TCM Global drivers are very careful about the way they handle your items and the inventory is their safeguard against felonious damage claims. Use this inventory as a positive tool to make sure that you are protected just as the driver will use it to protect him or her.

Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?
Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.

How should I pack my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date.

Can I pack and move my plants?
Most moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being inside of the moving trailer usually causes them to die. Many states do not allow the entry of plants while other states will admit plants under certain conditions. There are some states that have no regulations at all. Be sure to understand your state's regulations prior to moving the plants in your own vehicle.

What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided that you notify your local moving representative of these items before packing and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign your mover's version of a high value inventory form.

How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your estimator can help you understand how to these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of service. Be sure you know who your mover will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.

How will I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
Our “Track My Shipment” page allows you to trace the whereabouts of your shipment many times over the internet.

How will I know when my shipment is going to be delivered?
Our assigned agent will contact you prior to delivery to coordinate all aspects of your shipment customs clearance and/ or delivery. The moving company will assign a customer service representative as your primary contact and they will be able to provide you with any information and an update as to the date your goods will arrive. If you will be impossible to reach, make arrangements with a friend or family member to serve as the liaison between you and the agent.

How do I file and receive my settlement on my claim?
Claims are always unpleasant - no one wants to have to deal with the problem but damage does occur and claims are a result. The best advice is to understand the claims settlement procedure prior to moving. It is important that you understand your coverage and how to proceed through the claims process.  Understand you coverage and be certain to have the proper documentation in the form of an inventory with the damage noted.
Did we answer all your moving questions through our FAQ moving checklist? If not, feel free to contact us regarding any further moving questions you may have about your upcoming relocation.