When your moving crew arrives, the driver (who is in charge of move) will present you with a Bill of Lading which will list the delivery address, transit dates, insurance coverage, cost (if you were given a guaranteed rate), etc. It is important to review the Bill of Lading and make sure everything is in order. If you detect anything out of order, point it out to the driver, who may then call his office to have the problem resolved.

Do not sign the Bill of Lading until all the terms are satisfactory and, if necessary, changes made and initialed by you and the driver. The loading process may then begin.

The driver and crew will begin to disassemble certain items (table legs, dresser mirrors, etc.) while beginning the "tag and list" process. All items moved will have a numbered, color-coded, mover's tag or sticker. The number for each item will correspond with the inventory.

The written Inventory Sheet will list each item, along with the condition of the item at the time it is moved including scratches, chips, dents, etc. As pieces are tagged and listed on the inventory, the crew will begin to wrap moving blankets around the furniture. Some upholstered items may be strech-wrapped with plastic.

Check each page of the inventory as it is completed to ensure you agree with the condition of the pieces as noted and that all items to be moved have been included on the inventory. Your driver will have you sign all pages of the inventory before leaving and will give you a copy for your records.

If you are moving locally, it is most common for the load and delivery to take place on the same day. Therefore, items are not tagged and inventoried, as there is no delay in receiving your goods. In addition, the tagging and inventory process will add to the time taken and will increase the cost of the move. Most people follow the moving truck, once it is loaded, to the destination address for unloading.

When moving long distances, your goods should be tagged and inventoried, as delivery will occur a few days after loading. The delivery time will depend on several things such as distance, the size of your shipment, truck schedules and weather.

Your guaranteed delivery date, or a delivery spread (e.g. March 13 - March 17) should have been agreed upon with your representative and noted on your Bill of Lading. If you have a delivery spread, feel free to ask your driver for an estimated delivery date. Unavoidable delays may occur such as weather conditions, traffic problems and detours.

Ask your driver for their cell phone number to keep in contact regarding the delivery date. If the driver is not equipped with a phone, ask for the dispatcher's phone number. They will be reporting their status and location to the dispatcher.

If you have been given a delivery spread, it is important the driver have all contact numbers for you at your destination. The driver will notify you of the delivery date 24 hours in advance. You or your representative must be present for unloading.

When your shipment arrives for unloading don't be surprised if your driver has a different crew. On long distance moves the driver often hires crews from the local office to assist with unloading.

IT IS STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR THE DRIVER TO REQUEST FULL PAYMENT BEFORE UNLOADING, I.E. CERTIFIED CHECK, CREDIT CARDS OR CASH UNLESS THE SHIPMENT HAS BEEN PREPAID.

As the unloading takes place the crew will place your belongings into your new home according to your instructions. While the truck is being unloaded the driver or a member of his crew will check the contents of the truck against the inventory taken at origin.