Frequently asked questions

As you prepare for your move, you may be feeling a little anxious of the prospect of relocating to a new neighborhood. I can guarantee you that you may have “ a million things on your mind”. To help minimize your stressful situation we have put together a list of frequently asked question, (FAQ), along with their answers. If there is something that requires further information, please contact a sale representative.

All questions to be linked to the information listed belowWhen is the best time to contact a mover?

I may need some items packed.

What will I do about my antique items?

When will I call a moving company?

Is the moving company licensed and bonded?

Do I need an estimate?

How much will my move cost?

How long will the move take?

Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?

When will my belongings be delivered?

What is a binding and non-binding estimate?

Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?

What if the truck can’t park up close to the house?

What are these documents for?

What payment options are available?

What is the extra coverage and what does it cover?

Does the moving company offer storage and what type of storage?

My appliances, what will I do with them?

How will All American protect my upholstered furniture?

Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?

Is there anything that I can’t have moved such as plants & pets?

Will they transport my vehicle?

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of moving?

When is the best time to contact a mover?

I may need some items packed.

At All American we understand that you may need some materials for your move.

Please ask your sales representative for a price list and other suggestions.

For packing suggestions and packing supplies, please click here

Can I do some of my own packing?

Yes, you can if you wish pack your own items. If you need any supplies we do offer free box deliveries. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

What will I do about my antique items?

At All American we understand that you may have special items that need extra attention.

For this very reason we have modern moving equipment and team leaders to assist in these special circumstances.

Specialized Services

All American Drivers:

Are trained to handle your relocation, from the pick up to the delivery location.
Have extensive experience in the handling and transportation of specialized property.
Have extensive knowledge in a large variety of moves, e.g. Piano relocation & fine art etc.

Coordinate with drivers to ensure that all shipments arrive on-time and in good condition

Coordinate with the people at each point of the move to ensure that the loading and unloading go smoothly.

Coordinate with drivers to ensure that the utmost care is taken whilst transporting the merchandise to and from the locations

Ready to handle any problem that may arise

All American movers:

Fully trained to assist with many types of relocation and other specialized requirements that may be necessary

Fully trained for using the correct packing equipment for the job at hand

Easily recognizable from their All American uniforms

Courteous and polite

Specialized Equipment

All American Equipment:
State-of-the-art Tractors trucks and Trailers

Air-ride vans with a suspension system that guarantees safe transport

Power lift gates

Wide doors, also located on the side, for heavy and large piece

Climate controlled trucks, (& storage facility, if needed), to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels inside the van to protect sensitive cargo

Specialized packing materials and service

Climate controlled warehousing available

Component consolidation

Uncrating/assembly/debris removal

Whether you're moving high-value electronics, sensitive computer equipment or delicate works of art, All American relocation services have the transportation capabilities you need. Our climate-controlled fleet is specially equipped to control and continuously monitor the climate inside the van. Other features of this service are listed below.
Climate Control Features . . .

Specific temperature and humidity levels can be set.

Periodically throughout the trip, the on-board computer system measures and records these temperature and humidity levels.

A record of these climate readings is available to you when your shipment arrives, so you can verify that the proper environment has existed en route.

How much will my move cost? (Volume & weight calculator)

The cost of the move depends on the type of move you require.

1: For an interstate move, your charges are based on the amount of household goods you wish to ship cross-country. At the time of your estimate, your sales representative will be happy to explain the itemized charges on your estimate If you need information relating to packing, crating, uncrating and coverage, please contact your sales person for more information on moving charges.

How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?Your sales representative usually sets, when you have scheduled a local move, the time frame. They check that the time you prefer is free, if not they will arrange another time that suits you. How long will the move take?
What is a "window" on long distance?
When your move is first booked, it is difficult to estimate exactly when the driver will arrive at your home. We will give you a range of 3-4 days during which the driver will arrive. You will receive notification 48 hours in advance of the day that the driver will arrive at your home to load your belongings.

Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?

Once your goods have been picked up, the first contact department is the Dispatch department, and secondly, the sales person who helped plan your move. Your sales person should have given you the name and telephone number of a contact person in that department. But, at any time during your move you can always contact All American at 1-800-989-6900 or you may also check on the status of your shipment online through our Tracking System

When will my belongings be delivered?

Before your belongings are loaded on the truck, you and your sales representative should have agreed on a delivery date.

In reference to long distance moves, you will receive notification of delivery 48 hours prior to delivery. You, or someone you have designated on your All American Movers paperwork to take your place, must be present to accept delivery and pay all charges. In the event that no one is available, your shipment could be placed in storage at an additional charge. Be sure that you give your sales representative contact numbers where you can be reached throughout the move.

To check on the status of your shipment, go to tracking System.Often these storage areas are forgotten when working up an estimate and remembered only when it is time to load the truck. The cost of moving these additional items would have to be added to the estimate. To avoid this situation, be sure you have highlighted all of these areas to your sales representative at the time of the estimate. For a free online quote, please click here

Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?What are these documents for?

There will be a number of documents that you will be handed. They are as outlined.

Order for ServiceOrder for Service The mover will prepare an order for service which you and the mover must sign before the shipment is picked up. This document must contain the following information:

The shippers name, address and telephone number

Consignee’s name, address and telephone number

The name address and phone numbers of the carrier

Agreed pick and delivery time

A complete description of the special services offered

An order number or job reference number

The amount of probable cost and the method of payment of the total charges

8: Maximum amount to be paid in Cash, Certified check, or money order to relinquish possession of a C.O.D, (Cash on Delivery) shipment.

10: The shipper requests notification of charges and the address at which such communication will be received.

Bill of lading (paperwork)The mover will issue you with a bill of lading at time of pick up. This document is a receipt of your goods and represents a contract between you and your mover. The type of service you require will determine the bill of lading. For example, a local move is an hourly rated service and Long Distance is an estimated cost, based on your total inventory list that has been supplied to your movers etc. Your moving company will explain the contract in further detail.

Inventory List (paperwork)

What is the extra coverage and what does it cover?

(a) What if something is damaged while it is being shipped?

Keep in mind that you are moving Long Distance and occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several options to protect your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your sales representative to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of $0.60 cents per pound per article is provided at no charge, but we recommend that a higher valuation be declared to adequately cover your belongings in the event of damage. As an example, suppose your new television purchased for $500, weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound per article would entitle you to $30. All American does offer additional protection plans with Bakers International Insurance that will adequately fit your needs. Ask your sales representative about Value Protection and Extra Care Protection.

(b) What is Value Protection?
Extra Care Protection (ECP), in the U.S., provides for the full cost of repair, or the full cost of replacement of any household item that may be damaged or lost during your move, up to the amount that you declare to be the total value of your belongings. Replacement, if necessary, is at today’s prices, not at depreciated cost. This full replacement protection includes many matched sets and pairs, such as candlesticks, lamps and chairs. Please ask your sales representative about Bakers International Insurance.

(d) You may check your homeowner's insurance. Some policies cover property in transit.

Consider purchasing short-term insurance that covers the move if your property is very valuable.
Unlike most property insurance, valuation does not automatically pay for any damage. It must be clearly shown that the mover was responsible for the damage.
Items in boxes not packed by the mover are not covered, unless the outside of the carton provides clear evidence that the entire box was damaged during the move.
The mover is responsible for any electronic item that does not function after the move only if there is clear evidence that the item was dropped or mishandled during the move.
The customer has nine months after the move to file an initial claim against the mover.
The mover is legally obligated to acknowledge any claim within 30 days and to resolve it or offer a settlement within 120 days.
The customer is legally responsible to pay for the move, even when claiming extensive damages. The customer must go through the claims process to receive compensation for any damages.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the customer either can sue the mover or seek arbitration.

Does the moving company offer storage and what type of storage?

We at All American moving & storage offer short & long term storage options. Please click on storage icon for more storage info.

My appliances, what will I do with them?

Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your sales representative can refer you to an appropriate professional to perform these services.

(a) How will All American protect my upholstered furniture?
All American use a special moving quilts. They are heavy, wraps that protect your furniture from being soiled. Click on packing supplies and suggestions or packing tips icons.

(b) Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
It is advised that all loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage during transport.

ŠCan my valuables and personal documents go with the moving truck?

It is strongly advised that you keep your valuables and personal paperwork with you at all times during the moving process.

(d) What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?

Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your sales representative can refer you to a professional to perform these services.

Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?

Yes, please be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to last from the load date until the last day of the delivery window. We do suggest that you keep small valuables such as jewelry and family photographs and videos with you during the move.

Is there anything that I can’t have moved such as plants & pets?

Plants & pets,
It is possible to transport your car, please consult your sales representative for more information.

(b) Does All American provide motorcycle transportation?
There are occasions that we do offer uncrated motorcycle transportation. Please consult your sales representative for more information.

Do’s and Don’ts of moving

We at All American Moving recognize ourselves as reputable businessmen and therefore recommend the following do’s and don’ts:

Do…

Please read carefully.

Always make sure that you have a written agreement between you and the mover for the service and billing of lading.

Always make sure that the physical inventory record of your household goods is accurate as to the number of items, condition of furniture etc.

Make sure to understand the coverage that has been allocated to your particular move.

Allow enough adequate time to schedule your move and also for your delivery.

Make sure to provide all the necessary contact numbers and or addresses where you can be reached en route, or at destination or both.

Ensure that everything has been removed from your premises and that everything has been documented on the inventory list.

File a claim if you determine that your shipment has sustained loss or damage.

Don’ts….

Believe that any estimate or statement of probable cost given by an estimator, except a written confirmation letter.

Expect the mover to provide boxes, cartons or other packing materials free of charge.

Expect the mover to provide any clean-up services, disconnection and reinstallation of appliances, fixtures free of charge.

Leave your old residence until the moving company leaves unless a friend, neighbor is available to act on your behalf.

Fail to make arrangements to have in cash, or postal money order, the maximum amount shown on the order for service unless credit has been arranged for in advance.

Sign any receipt for your household goods until you are certain that they are all delivered and there has been no apparent damage that has been not been noted on the shipping papers.