Planning a move out of state can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have never moved before. There are many essential factors that go into preparing for a long-distance move, and one of the most important elements in this move process is the delivery. The long-distance delivery process is often difficult to coordinate, so it is important that customers know and understand every aspect of the delivery process. Check out some of our tips below to help you better understand the long-distance delivery process.

Delivery Dates:

No matter what moving company you choose, any major van line in the country will provide a delivery spread or sometimes called a delivery window. A delivery spread is the range of agreed-upon delivery dates in which your goods can be delivered to you. Your move coordinator will provide you with a spread of dates, and your belongings can arrive at your destination on any of these dates.

It is a common misconception when moving cross country that an exact delivery date can be selected. However, a moving truck can often times be transporting multiple shipments, and the driver will have several stops to coordinate along the way. For this reason, a driver is allowed the above-mentioned delivery spread to efficiently plan his route in order to safely deliver your belongings to your new home.

A delivery window is based off the shipment’s weight and distance, and your sales representative will include the range of dates assigned to your move on your estimate. However, during peak season, delivery windows can be longer, so it is important to plan accordingly if moving during May through September. Your move coordinator will keep you updated once they have received confirmation of delivery from your driver, and he or she will provide an exact date of delivery once the driver has planned his route.

Rights & Responsibilities:

For your protection, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates all long distance moves. As an agent for United Van Lines, we provide a Rights and Responsibilities booklet with information regarding your rights and responsibilities as our customer moving your household good belongings, as well as the moving company’s obligations to you during the move. Most importantly, your responsibility is make sure you have an understanding of the terms and conditions of your agreement and the remedies that are available to you in the event an issue arises during the move. If you have any questions while reviewing the information presented, please do not hesitate to contact a Fry-Wagner representative.

Take all Important Items with you:

Keeping your delivery spread in mind, we recommend packing an “essentials” bag to bring with you on your move. You will be without your furniture and belongings for the allotted time of your delivery spread, so it is important to take any important items you may have with you to your new home. These items might include medications, important papers/files, work computers, checkbooks/financial information, jewelry, toiletries/personal care items, etc. Always keep your important items and basics with you!

If you are currently in the process of planning a long-distance move, it is important to know all the important details regarding the process. Be sure to ask any questions you may have, and keep an open line of communication with your move coordinator. For more details on long-distance moves, or to plan a move reach out to one of our move experts today!