FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Hello my name is Dr. Chattel, lets chat and I'll tell you what you need to know about your upcoming move.
 


When is the best time to move?
For a moving company you will find that the middle of the month and the middle of the week are generally the most available.  However, CHEROKEE Van Lines believes you should move when it is most convenient for you.

If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are more readily available, we'll be better able to meet your preferred moving date.

How long does it take to move?
This depends on many factors, but we narrow it down to the following major issues that have the most effect on how your estimate compares to your final bill:

1. The customer has submitted the correct assessment of all their chattels. 

2. The readiness of the customer on the day of the move is such as been estimated by the company from information obtained either by phone or in person.

3. The traffic between the two homes can have a factor depending on roads conditions and traffic delays such as but not limited to "rush hour" conditions. 

4. The weather.  One should assume no liability for any addition in time because of the weather where extreme conditions cannot be estimated (i.e. rain, snow, sleet, etc.).  In rare instances the workers might have to remain "on the clock" while "unsafe conditions" exist, such as but not limited to sleet and lightning.

To sum it up;  the time of year, weather conditions, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload, how ready the customer is on the day of the move and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.

When should I call a moving company?
The earlier, the better.  It's wise to contact the companies your considering four to six weeks in advance, if possible. This will give you the chance to ask general questions that will help you decide which companies you will want to consider when actually estimating your move.  

Do I need an estimate?
An estimate will give you an idea of what you may budget for your move.  It will give you knowledge about how each company will do your move and the products and services they provide.  An estimate will help you in determining from the companies that you have considered, the company that you would like to handle your relocation.

How much will my move cost?
Locally your move is based on an hourly rate plus any packing materials, crating, valuation coverage's and discounts.

Long-Distance moves will be based on the Tariff and charged by weight and mileage.

How and when should I pay?
Payment for your move can be made by one of the following methods: cash, money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are accepted only when pre-approved by our office.  Major Credit Cards are welcomed as well.  Payment is due on completion of job.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the CHEROKEE Van Lines "valuation" program you choose.

Valuation Coverage
The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of CHEROKEE Van Lines. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a level of motor carrier liability. If you desire protection afforded by an insurance policy, you should see your insurance company representative about available coverage's.

Full-value coverage
Under this plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in CHEROKEE Van Lines care, they will be repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the item. CHEROKEE Van Lines will decide on the settlement method. Unlike other CHEROKEE Van Lines valuation programs, depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value.

Full-Value Coverage and deductible options are available in $1,000 dollar increments to fit your needs at very attractive rates. CHEROKEE Van Lines, total liability for loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. The minimum total declared value will be the limit of liability for the entire shipment, even where a
total loss has occurred.

Depreciated coverage

Depreciated Coverage option considers depreciation in the settlement of claims. Claims are settled by repairing damaged articles or by making a cash settlement at the depreciated value, whichever costs less. 

In addition to its Full-Value and Depreciated coverage's, CHEROKEE Van Lines offers:

Released rate liability

With this type of valuation, the maximum liability for loss or damage to each 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.

You must select the valuation program, and you must write your choice in the "Valuation" box on the estimate form in your own handwriting. If the box on the estimate form is not completed, your shipment will be considered Released Rate Liability.  

For a full description of the Full-Value and Depreciated Coverage programs, please contact your CHEROKEE Van Lines salesperson.

Can my possessions be stored?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored.  However, you are responsible for the storage charges, as well as handling and final delivery charges from storage. 

We have a first class storage facility which we are proud to say is second to none.  Call today and ask why our storage has the standard you need to insure the quality of your chattels remain as they are.  We'll also provide you with a Digital Inventory.

If your goods are placed in storage, there will also be an additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment.  Please ask your CHEROKEE Van Lines salesperson for information regarding storage arrangements.

Will my furnishings remain clean?
CHEROKEE Van Lines exclusive vans provide a clean, safe move.  We provide Premium Pads and for light fabrics and we offer Shrink Wrap, a clear plastic material that we wrap the furniture in before they are wrapped with furniture pads (there is a separate charge for Shrink Wrapping). 

Do my appliances need special attention?
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, icemakers and the pickup arm on a phonograph 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 van. 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 CHEROKEE Van Lines salesperson for more info on Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings.

Can I buy packing materials?
CHEROKEE Van Lines sells packing materials.  If you have selected our company as your mover we will deliver any materials that you purchase at no charge (note: a minimum of $50.00 must be purchased for this offer).

Can I pack my china, glass and crystal?
Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack.

Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two or three-inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest." Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile," and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.

Cartons, paper and tape may be purchased from CHEROKEE Van Lines for a modest cost. 

Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?

You may leave lightweight fabric in anything with a drawer or hope chests, lockers and etc.  Anything that has a door must be completely empty.

Lightweight clothing  sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie  may be left in the drawers.  Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit.  Be careful NOT to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak.

Can I move my frozen foods?
Frozen foods can be moved, but only under specific, limited conditions.  It is important you discuss the need to move the frozen articles with the driver/loader on the day of your move.  Generally speaking you should keep the frozen articles in the freezer till a time that the driver/loader indicates he will be needing to load the freezer or refrigerator at which point these frozen items should be stored in a cooler or other container appropriate for frozen foods then loaded last and taken off first.

Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify CHEROKEE Van Lines of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.

Can I move my houseplants?
CHEROKEE Van Lines cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because they may suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your houseplants in the family car or rent a van that can keep the cargo area at fair temperatures for the plant.

 


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