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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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1 What should I consider when choosing a mover?
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A. You should make sure that your mover is well established and experienced in long distance moves. Additionally, you also want to make sure that the moving company has the mandated licenses and insurance.
When moving interstate, a U.S. Department of Transportation number is issued. A mover’s license can be checked for free by going to www.protectyourmove.gov. When moving in-state, you can check with the consumer affairs agency, or the State Attorney General’s office.
The phone number should be available on your State’s website.
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2 How can I check out the mover before making a decision?
- If you can, you should check references with people or companies who have used the mover before. Additionally, there is a pamphlet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” published by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation. The moving company is required to give you a copy of this pamphlet. You can also obtain a copy online by going to www.protectyourmove.gov.
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3 What are some ways to spot dishonest moving company so that I do not make a mistake?
- A. Honest businesses in general tend to have the same characteristics.
Some of these include:
• When you call, the full name of the business is given by the employee answering the phone, for example, Freeway Moving & Transportation, not “movers”.
• Stationary, business cards, and the website have a physical street address, not simply a post office box.
• You visit the premises of the mover and there are no company owned and marked trucks; “fly by night” movers tend to use rented vehicles.
• The mover “forgets” to give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”
• A substantial upfront payment is demanded.
• The mover gives an “estimate” over the phone without having done an on-site inspection of your property. It is impossible to give an accurate estimate based upon “a four bedroom house with a living room and den.”
• Questions are answered fully, forthrightly, and clearly – there is no “doubletalk”.
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4 What about the mover’s charges?
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5 What about insurance?
- A. There are two things to consider: insurance and valuation coverage. When you sign the bill of lading, valuation coverage is provided automatically; valuation coverage is based upon weight, and covers 60 cents per pound for interstate moves.
It is generally not full coverage since the value of your household goods will usually have no relationship to their weight.
Thus, for example, if your 500 pound baby grand piano was lost or destroyed, you would receive compensation of $500, when actual replacement cost may be in the thousands. Alternatively, with real insurance you are paying an outside third party, (the insurance company) to assume the full risk of your loss, less any deductible stipulated in the policy.
The mover may offer to sell an insurance policy underwritten by a third party insurance carrier.
If you buy this insurance, the mover is required by law to issue a policy, or written proof of the purchase. Insurance issues are explained in detail at www.protectyourmove.gov. We strongly recommend that you view this website, and read the material in its entirety.
6 What do I do if I believe that I have been taken advantage of by a moving company?
- Your first recourse is to complain directly to the mover. If you do not receive satisfaction, please refer to the section of our website entitled RESOURCES FOR THOSE PLANNING A MOVE TO BRAZIL – GOVERNMENT ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
In this section, you will find the addresses, telephone numbers and web addresses for the State of New Jersey, the State of New York, and the Federal enforcement agencies.
You should be aware that trade associations and the Better Business Bureau have no law enforcement authority, although you may want to register a complaint with them so that other prospective customers -7- of the moving company can be forewarned.
Trade groups can also discontinue the membership of moving businesses that the public consistently complains about.
Finally, you may want to consult private legal counsel; your local bar association can recommend attorneys who have expertise in the area of transportation law.
7 The moving business is competitive. Assuming all movers are price competitive, why should I hire Freeway Moving & Transportation for my move
- • Our top management is involved in the day-to-day operations of the business at the customer level. This means that your move receives the attention of people who have a strong and vested interest in the business.
• We specialize in the Latin American market, and Brazil in particular; this means that we can answer highly specific questions in detail that most other movers cannot. If there is a question that one of our trained staff members cannot answer, we can locate the correct answer the same day.
• We believe that we offer our staff the best training in the industry; for the customer this means that time is not wasted, work gets done efficiently, and your move goes smoothly.
• We are a mid-sized company experiencing high growth. For the customer, this means that we are large enough to service his or her needs, and yet at the same time small enough to provide the personal touch.
SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON SHIPPING TO BRAZIL:
With respect to moving to Brazil, there are a number of laws, rules, and regulations that one must be aware of. These laws, rules and regulations may differ for other Latin American countries; if you are in doubt, please be sure to check with the consulate of the country that you are moving to, or with U.S. customs.The section of our website entitled RESOURCES FOR THOSE PLANNING A MOVE TO BRAZIL OR THE U.S. contains the addresses and telephone numbers of the Brazilian Consular Offices in New York City, Miami, FL and Toronto, Canada.
Below are some of the rules and regulations that apply to moving to Brazil. The list is by no means comprehensive, and is simply meant to serve as a guide with respect to what you need to be aware of. One of our trained staff people will be happy to discuss custom requirements with you, and to provide you with written instructions. If you are in doubt about any rules and regulations, please contact the consular office since we cannot provide legal advice.
Some Important Brazilian Customs Rules and Import Regulations:
All persons have the right to ship their personal belongings to Brazil. A number of documents are required by Brazil; these include, but are not necessarily limited to, passport, stamped visa, residence visa, Brazilian identification card, inventory of household goods and personal effect in Portuguese.
Household goods and personal effects may be imported duty and tax free provided they have been owned and used for at least six months, and are not for resale. Brazil has 100% inspection of household goods and personal effects.
All documents must be received prior to clearance.
Immigrants must register with Brazil Federal police within 30 days of arrival.
You cannot bring motor vehicles into Brazil unless you are a member of the diplomatic corp.
You may not bring in firearms or weapons without a special license.
Plants are prohibited.
Many household goods and personal effect items are subject to high import duties; be aware of these rules before you move.
