Moving often means a great stress due to all that that implies. The fear of missing any time to pack, and fear of damaging furniture during transport are just some of the concerns that many people feel when the big day arrives. And this is without counting the risk of injury linked to excess weight, like a stove or refrigerator to be raised,
sometimes awkward, especially when individuals are not equipped to do so. That is why many people assign the responsibility for their move to specialist firms. However, the number of complaints about movers is somewhat worrying. The Office of Consumer Industry removal has formed a working group with experts of the move, consumers and government officials to develop a checklist that consumers can consult.
The moving companies should therefore conform to very specific guidelines that will make them honest movers. First, they must give their customers a pamphlet outlining the responsibilities of both parties, either the customer or the mover.
They must also submit a written estimate of costs on paper bearing the letterhead of the company, and the estimate must be signed by both parties. The terms included in the estimates need to be respected at all time. In the case of a move long-haul, companies must label all items and an inventory to be signed by the client instead of the original shipment and at destination, after the goods have been unloaded. In addition, at load time, the company is required to give the client a bill which will be listed in detail, the service rendered, as well as the amount and method of payment and the date of delivery.
If transport costs are calculated according to weight, it must be determined before moving, and the company is obliged to hand over evidence of weight, normally done with a scale approved. The mover is required to make reasonable efforts to comply with various provisions dealing with his client, and in case of delay, he shall notify his client. At the time of delivery, a copy of the invoice or bill of lading must be delivered to the customer, and include a clear description of services provided and total cost. In doing so, the company ensures that all will comply, and this will avoid potential legal problems. We strongly recommend to people who are considering moving to call more than one company and compare costs and services of each.
