FAQ

If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays.  The heaviest demands are placed on trucks, equipment and personnel during these periods.  However, we believe you should move when it is most convenient for you.  Factors involved in this decision may include:

• Closing date on home sale or purchase
• Apartment lease terms
• School schedules
• New job requirements
• Transit time and travel plans

If the move can be scheduled for a time when trucks and trained personnel are more readily available, we’ll be better able to meet your preferred schedule.

This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, size of your move, time required to load and unload, the direction and distance your shipment is traveling, and weather conditions. Local moves can often be done in a day or less, while long-distance moves may require several days in transit.  With Mayflower’s nationwide dispatching system, interstate pickup and delivery dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the truck, as well as shipment weight.  You can also track your long-distance move here.

The earlier, the better.  The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred schedule.  Two to three months in advance is certainly not too early to start planning a move.  Of course, we will do our best to accommodate last-minute moves, too.

Yes!  No matter what size move, it is always best to get an in-home estimate when possible.  No two homes are alike, and factors such as the amount of furnishings, the number of boxes, and truck access may all affect the cost of the move.  A Metcalf Moving & Storage consultant can perform a visual survey of your household goods to be transported.  There is no charge for an estimate.  Contact us to begin this process now.

A binding estimate specifies in advance the precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate.  If additional services are requested or required at either origin or destination, such as a “shuttle” to or from a location to which a full-size truck cannot operate directly, the total cost may increase.  Binding estimates are valid for the time period specified.  If you add items to be moved or require additional services, such as packing, between the time of the estimate and the time of your move, there may be additional charges.  An addendum specifying these additional charges will be prepared for your signature.  If you are interested in obtaining a binding estimate, please discuss it with your Metcalf relocation consultant.

Yes, however, Mayflower must be advised in writing that they are being included in your shipment.  A High Value Inventory Form will be provided to you at the time your in-home estimate is done.  If for some reason you do not receive it please notify your move coordinator and one will be provided for you.  Appraisals, at your expense, may also be required.

It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is “registered”.  For example, Mayflower has been issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to move household goods among any of the 50 states.  As a motor carrier, Mayflower has maintained a certificate of authority with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) since September 27, 1988.  Metcalf Moving & Storage is a local moving company (“agency”) affiliated with Mayflower and is also registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to perform moves in Minnesota.

A tariff is the list of rules, regulations, available services, and resulting charges used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation of household goods.  All movers in Minnesota are also required to have state tariffs on file.  Tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and include its various services. These tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).  Payment for your Mayflower shipment can be made by one of the following methods: cash, traveler’s check, money order, or cashier’s check.  Credit card payment may be used as well, with advance approval required prior to loading (unless other billing arrangements have been made).  Personal checks are not accepted for interstate moves.

All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding estimates.  If you have received a non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed the estimate, you will be required to pay no more than 110% of the estimated cost at delivery.  Should your actual costs exceed the estimate by more than 10%, you will be given 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110%.  Payment of estimated charges plus 10% does not apply if goods are delivered into storage.  If storage at destination (storage-in-transit) is necessary, all transportation charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse.  You will then be assessed storage charges based on the applicable rates set forth in our tariff.

Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the “valuation” program you choose – Full-Value Coverage or Released Rate Liability (60 cents per pound per article).  The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability of Mayflower and Metcalf Moving & Storage.  The liability of Mayflower for loss or damage is based upon Mayflower’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions.  Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.  If you desire insurance, you should consult your insurance company representative about available insurance coverages, because Mayflower does not offer insurance.

With this type of valuation, Mayflower’s maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article.  This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.

Under this protection plan, if any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while under Mayflower’s Interstate authority, it will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by Mayflower, or pay you for the cost of such repairs; or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of such a replacement.  An additional charge applies for this option.  Mayflower will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.  Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates.  Mayflower’s total liability for loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment, subject to a minimum based on your shipment size.

In the moving industry, items having a value of more than $100 per pound are known as “articles of extraordinary value”. All “articles of extraordinary value” in your shipment must be listed on the High Value Inventory Form which will be given to you by your relocation consultant to complete.  Although you might have other articles of extraordinary value, the following list are examples of the most common items: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware.

In the event of a claim, any settlement involving an article of extraordinary value listed on the High Value Inventory Form is limited to the value of the article, not to exceed the declared value of the shipment, based upon the Mayflower valuation program applicable to your shipment.  If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Mayflower’s maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article.  If you are not shipping any items of high value, sign the form and print the word “None” in the inventory list.  This form does not apply for shipment with released rate liability of 60 cents per pound.

Absolutely!  We offer a couple types of storage service: warehouse storage and portable storage containers.  Mayflower agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you’re ready for them.  Portable storage containers can be a good option, especially for do-it-yourself and local moves, as well as for temporary weltering or remodeling.

Mayflower’s exclusive Sanitized®-treated, air-ride vans provide a clean, safe move.  The Sanitized® feature, which inhibits mildew growth and controls insects, is an extra measure of hygienic safety for your belongings.  In addition to this service, Mayflower protects your upholstered furniture with Safety Seal, a clear plastic material, before they are wrapped with furniture pads.

Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation.  Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, and ice makers should be securely fastened for shipment.  Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move.  It is the owner’s responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the truck.  Upon request and for an additional charge, a moving company will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company.  For more information on servicing and cleaning appliances for moving, ask your relocation consultant.