FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Moving Questions

Do I need an estimate?

Yes. A visual survey is important because it allows your mover to properly assess all the items you are planning to relocate. Your Estimator will use this survey to rate out your move based on the number of items you are moving and their weight. This will give you the most accurate estimate possible.

What is a binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a guarantee that the customer will only pay the original estimated cost of the move, based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If the scope of work is changed after the estimate is issued, additional charges may apply.

How long does it take to move?

Moving an average 3-bedroom house locally is typically an 8-10-hour day. We will only load and deliver a maximum of 10,000 pounds per day.

When moving interstate, there are several factors that impact how long it takes to move. These factors include the time of year, weather conditions, the weight of your shipment, and the distance of your move. From origin to destination you will be given a delivery window, which is the designated amount of time for transit.

What is a delivery spread?

The delivery spread is a transportation term meaning the moving company’s window of opportunity to deliver your items to your new residence. You or a designee will need to be available for the possible delivery of your items on each day of the delivery spread. Your delivery window is based on the weight of your shipment and miles to the destination.

Will my items be the only ones on the truck?

Typically, your items will NOT be the only ones on the truck. Because the average size move will not fill a truck, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same truck. However, the Driver will carefully inventory and section off each shipment to delineate your items from those of others on the truck. This ensures nothing gets lost or misplaced during each delivery.

Do I need to be here all day while the movers are here?

Yes. Either you personally or someone you trust that is 18 years or older that can serve as a representative in your absence must always be present while the movers are at your residence.

My move date changed. What should I do?

Contact your Move Coordinator or your Estimator immediately to let them know, so we can adjust our schedules accordingly.

Can my belongings be stored temporarily?

Yes, Fry-Wagner has over 500,000 sq. ft of warehouse space available to store items for short-term or long-term. As an agent for United Van Lines, we also have storage partners with capabilities around the world.

What are third party services?

If you have certain unique or specialty items, we may decide it is best to bring in a moving partner with the expertise necessary to prepare those items safely for transit. Some common third-party services include: Crating large pieces of artwork, crating and mounting flat screen tv’s, disconnecting and reconnecting appliances, disassembly and reassembly of pool tables, pin ball machines, trampolines, etc.

Do you disconnect appliances?

Yes, we work directly with third-party service companies that can disconnect and reconnect appliances.

How much does it cost to move?

If you are moving locally, you will be charged an hourly rate based on the number of movers needed for your move. The cost of your move will be determined on how many movers worked and how many hours of work was performed. Local moves are also subject to other fees for packing services, third-party services, purchase of new boxes and packing materials, shuttles, holding on the truck overnight, storage costs, and a one-time fuel surcharge.

If you are moving long-distance, the cost of your move will be determined by the weight of your shipment and the mileage from origin to destination. Long-distance moves are also subject to other fees for packing services, third-party services, shuttles, purchase of new boxes and packing materials, and storage costs.

When do I pay for my move?

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at your destination unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards or cashier’s checks.

Packing Questions

What type of packing/unpacking services do you offer?

We can pack the entire shipment, pack a portion of your items, or you can pack the entire shipment yourself. If you are interested in packing services, please discuss it with your Estimator during your in-home estimate.

I’m doing my own packing. Are there any items I shouldn’t pack?

Yes, these items are referred to as “Non-Allowables”.  Since not everything is safe to move, we cannot take hazardous or perishable materials of any kind. If something like this was in your shipment and got loose or punctured, it would not only damage your other things, but it could harm you and our crews! Download a complete list of prohibited items here.

Coverage Questions

Do you offer any coverage for my move?

Yes. All domestic customers are guaranteed valuation coverage for their move. There are two types of coverage.

Basic Valuation Coverage
This valuation option is offered to every customer free of charge. It is the minimum liability coverage for any move. If damage were to occur to one of your items, the carrier’s maximum liability would be $.60 per pound per article, if deemed transit damage.

Full-Value Protection
If any item is lost, destroyed or damaged during the move process, your moving company will have the option to either repair, replace with articles of like, kind, and quality or offer a cash settlement for repairs or replacement of the articles at their current market value, as long as it is deemed transit damage. An additional charge applies for this option and will be included in your move estimate from Fry-Wagner.

What is Valuation?

Valuation is defined as the customer’s declaration of the value of his or her household goods in the event of loss or damage during the move process. Check out this article to better understand valuation and the options available for your move.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?

Yes, if the damage is deemed transit-related, you are protected under what is called valuation. However, how much protection you have depends on your selection of coverage. Learn more about the valuation options available, here.

What should I put on the High-Value form?

The High-Value Form is for items that you believe are valued at more than $100.00 per pound, also known as “articles of extraordinary value”. Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, some typical household goods that might fall under this category are as follows: some televisions, antiques, valuable memorabilia, crystal, figurines, china and silverware sets.

Failure to identify such articles will result in limited mover liability.

How much time do I have to file a claim?

Please contact your Move Coordinator to determine how long you have to file a claim after delivery since various Federal and State rules may apply.

Safety is our #1 Priority!

We now offer virtual surveys to our customers so you can receive a quote while practicing social distancing.

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Fry-Wagner's team of specialists are excited to assist you with all your relocation or logistics needs.