Bill of Lading

Here at Florida Moving Systems, Inc., we are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for your shipment.  The bill of lading is the contract between you and us (The Mover) for the transportation of your shipment.  The information on a bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service.  The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading before or at the time of loading your shipment.  The bill of lading is an important document:  do not lose or misplace your copy.  Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid, and all claims, if any, are settled.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO READ THE BILL OF LADING BEFORE YOU ACCEPT IT

The bill of lading requires us here at Florida Moving Systems, Inc. to provide the service you requested and requires you to pay the charges for the service.  it is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it.  If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied it is correct.

The bill of lading serves to identify the mover and specifies when the transportation is to be performed.  Be sure that the portions of the bill of lading that note the dates when pickup and delivery are to be performed are completed and that you agree with the dates.  It also specifies the terms and conditions of payment of the total charges and the maximum amount required to be paid at the time of delivery for shipments moving under a binding estimate.  In the case of shipments moving under non-binding estimates, the bill of lading will not include a final calculation of charges because that cannot be determined until the shipment is weighed.  However, the bill of lading must contain all relevant shipment information – except the shipment weight that will be determined after the shipment has been weighed and any unforeseen charges that occur in transit.

The bill of lading must include the following 14 elements:

1. Florida Moving Systems, Inc. (Your mover) name and address, or the name and address of the mover issuing the bill of lading.
2. The names and addresses of any other mover, when known, who will participate in the transportation of your shipment.
3. The name, address, and telephone number of the office where you can contact the mover for matters relating to the transportation of the shipment.
4. the form of payment your mover will accept at delivery.  They payment information must be the same as entered on the estimate and order for service.
5. When your mover transports your shipment under a collect-on-delivery basis, your name, address, and telephone number must be listed so the mover can notify you about the charges.
6. For non-guaranteed service, the agreed-upon dates or period of time for pickup and delivery of the shipment.
7. For guaranteed service, the dates for pickup and delivery and any penalty or Per Diem entitlements due you under the agreement.
8. The actual date to pickup
9. the identification number(s) of the vehicles(s) in which your mover loads your shipment.
10. the terms and conditions for payment of the total charges including notice of any minimum charges.
11. The maximum amount your mover will demand from you, based on the mover’s estimate, at the time of delivery for you to obtain possession of your shipment, when your mover transports under a collect-on-delivery basis.
12. Evidence of any insurance coverage sold to or procured for you from an independent insurer, including the amount of the premium for such insurance.
13. Each attachment to the bill of lading.  Each attachment is an integral part of the bill of lading contract.  If not provided to you elsewhere by the mover, the following three items must be added as an attachment:
    1. The binding or non-binding estimate
    2. The order for service
    3. The inventory
14. The two options for liability of which you will select either:  Option 1) Full (Replacement) Value Protection or Option 2) Waiver of full (Replacement) Value Protection.

The copy of the bill of lading must accompany your shipment at all times while in the possession of your mover or its agent(s).  When your mover loads the shipment, the bill of lading must be in the possession of the driver responsible for the shipment.

Packing Prep

When packing yourself, have everything properly packed and ready for loading the evening before moving day.  Leave out only the things you’ll need that night.  the next morning, and immediately at your destination for last-minute packing. Basic guidelines to make packing a snap:

• Make a schedule, allowing enough time leading up to moving day
• Pack items in the basement, garage, or attic first – these items usually aren’t needed right away
• Stay organized by packing room by room
• Designate work areas in each room
• When a room is completed, sort cartons by light, medium and heavy – limit your heaviest cartons to 50 pounds each
• Clearly label cartons or items that you do not want to transport on the van

Pack For Success

It’s recommended that your Florida Moving Systems, Inc. (North American Van Lines) pacer handle the following:

• Marble or glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments and mirrors 40″ x 60″ or larger
• Pool table
• Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statues, chandeliers, etc.
• Major appliances

Your self-packed cartons will need to be inspected by your packer before they can be loaded.  If items are improperly packed or cartons are susceptible to damage, they may need to repack them before thy can be safely transported. Here are a few more suggestions for a successful pack:

• Empty drawers of breakables, spillables, non-transportable items and anything that would puncture or damage other items
• Keep all parts or pairs of things together – for example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts, and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped securely to the article to which they belong
• Pack small, fragile, individually wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper.  Place small boxes in a single large bx, filling in spaces with crushed paper
• Put a special mare (the number 1, or the letter A) on cartons you want to unpack first at your destination

The U.S. Department of Transportation allows plants to be transported if the trip is less than 150 miles and transport time is under 24 hours.  However, some states quarantine plants at all times.  Overall, moving companies can’t ensure proper care for transporting plants and unfortunately, cannot be held responsible for their final condition.  Check with us at Florida Moving Systems, Inc (A North American Van Lines Agent) to see if plants are allowed for your move. If you still wish to attempt transport on your own, keep the following in mind:

• Allow your plants to store extra energy by giving them extra sunlight several weeks prior to moving day
• Prune back overgrown leaves and branches one month prior to moving
• Reduce feeding to minimize growth
• Water thoroughly the day before moving
• Stabilize the plant in a sturdy carton to prevent tipping

Customer’s Responsibilities When Moving

As a customer, you have responsibilities both to your mover and yourself. They include:

• Reading all moving documents issued by the mover or broker.
• Being available at the time of pickup and delivery of your shipment.  If you are not available you should appoint a representative to act on your behalf.
• promptly notifying your mover if something has changed regarding your shipment (ie…move dates, additional items, etc).
• making payment in amount required and id to with your mover.
• promptly filing claims for loss, damage or delays with your mover, if necessary.

 

What’s the best way to help children adjust to all the changes of moving?  While there are many answers to this question, here are some general tips:

• Talk to your children early, openly and often about the move and what changes it will bring.
• Keep to your normal routine as much as possible, and arrange to continue your child’s current activities in the new community.
• Keep favorite items (toys, books, etc.) accessible
• Have children help pack a special box with their most treasured toys – they can even decorate the box!
• If possible, take your children to the new community before the move to introduce them to their new surroundings.
• Let your children get involved with planning and packing if possible, and ask for their input on how they would like to decorate their new rooms.
• Above all, ask for thoughts and opinions, and listen

Happy moving!!!