Talking Contracts with your Manassas Movers

So, you’ve found the Manassas moving company that you want to hire to move your belongings. Everything seems fine and you’re thankful that the search has finally ended. But there is just one more thing - the contract! The legalities of a move are as important as that move itself, so it’s important that you know what you’re getting into. We’ve drawn up a guide to what to look for and what to expect in a contact.

Pre-Contract Agreement – the Estimate

Of course, the contract will come after your selection process, which should include a check on the moving company’s insurance policies and receiving their estimate. Be sure to know whether that estimate is binding or not binding. It will make a big difference to you in the end.

Usually, an estimate provided by a moving company is non-binding since they prefer to leave an option open for unforeseen difficulties or events that may extend the number of work hours. However, you can get a binding estimate which means the agreed figure will not change. Make sure that the agreed estimate is in writing and signed. Also be aware that the company should come out to see at first hand what is to be moved. Don’t accept an estimated given to you under any other circumstance.

Contract Details – Bill of Lading

The contract is also known as a ‘Bill of Lading’ and this is the concrete agreement that will bind both you and the Manassas moving company you’ve chosen to particular terms. By law, all moving companies must provide a Bill of Lading to ensure everyone is clear on what services are to be provided, when and where they are to be provided and when and how they are to be paid for by the client.

There are a many things that should be included in the contract, but the most important details are the name, address and phone number of the moving company, your contact details, the addresses of the origin and destination in the move, the time and date of both the pickup and delivery day, a detailed inventory and payment terms.

This list might seem obvious but as with all legal documents, it’s usually the little details that cause the most problems. It’s vital that an agreed time and date for the pickup and delivery is included. This protects you against any delays and protects your Manassas movers against time-wasters. Knowing where to go is another obvious point, but your movers will consult the contract to make sure of the addresses. If they are not there, then there is confusion.

An inventory is important to allow the movers to know what will be required to complete the job, especially if there are special items, like a piano, to move. It also means that nothing should be left behind – if an item is left unchecked on the list, then your movers will probably search high and low for it!

One the most important elements of the contract, however, is the method of payment. Usually, there are three types of payments accepted – cash, money order or certified check. Make sure you asked about credit card payment before the contract is drawn up; some companies do accept it but there are many who don’t and it may come as a shock if you had presumed it would be fine. Most importantly though is to agree on the date payment should be made. No-one likes to be left in the dark about that.

Other factors to keep in mind are that movers are not liable for boxes that you packed yourself, and that any notations on the contract should also be read carefully too. There is also a Dispute Settlement Program that you should ask your movers about before signing anything.

But most of all, take care about signing a contract. Make sure you know the terms before you read the document, and never presume that everything will be fine. It’s for your protection as much as for the Manassas moving company that you’ve hired.