*using a major van line vs smaller company for move

debbis · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Hi, so I'm new. I'm planning a move from NYC to Tallahassee Florida. I'll have to put my stuff in storage for three weeks. My employer will reimburse me after I give three binding estimates. I read the articles about moving and researching companies. I was wondering
1) is it better in general to pick an agent of a major van line rather than go w/ more local companies (the two locally recommended are Scanio which is a very small company but they estimate by footage not poundage, so they smell kind of scammy to me) and TLC (used to be Four Seasons). Flatrate also was recommended to me.
2) If I go with a major van line, how do I know who are the best agents in my area? I saw on this site that Collins Bros and University Van Lines in NY are good agents for Atlas. Is there another agent for Mayflower, or United you'd recommend? Thanks

moverjim · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 217 Location: LOS ANGELES

CONTACT A COLONIAL ( MAYFLOWER TRANSIT AGENT )IN HACKENSACK, NJ FOR A QUOTE
http://www.movingservices.com/colonialmoving/

debbis · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks moverjim, I'll call them. Is that a better agent than Dahill (just read about Dahill on this website). Also, does anyone have any gripes with the storge facilities used by any of these movers?
thanks so much

moverjim · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 217 Location: LOS ANGELES

I WOULD STICK TO THE MAJORS, BEING THAT YOU NEED STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT.
YOU COULD GET ESTIMATES FROM TWO DIFFERENT AGENTS OF THE SAME VAN LINE AND SEE WHAT EACH HAS TO SAY.
BE SURE TO INSIST THAT YOUR GOODS BE PLACED INTO STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT, NOT PERMANENT STORAGE.
THAT WAY THE COVERAGE YOU PLACE ON YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS WILL BE COVERED BY THE VAN LINE FROM THE TIME THEY PICK-UP UNTIL DELIVERY IN FLORIDA.

tibbetts · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 2

What is the difference between storage in transit and permanent storage? Just the insurance implicatoins? Or is it a physically different facility?

If cost is no object (my employer is picking up the tab) and storage in the middle is required, would people suggest a PODS-like system or a traditional van move? The PODS seem more suitable to storage, but it also means going with someone other than the majors.

moverjim · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 217 Location: LOS ANGELES

What is the difference between storage in transit and permanent storage? Just the insurance implicatoins? Or is it a physically different facility?
WITH STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT, THE SHIPMENT IS AN INTERSTATE SHIPMENT AND THE VAN LINE'S COVERAGE WILL PROTECT THE GOODS FROM INITIAL PICK-UP TO FINAL DELIVERY.
WITH PERMANENT STORAGE THE LOCAL AGENT IS RESPONISBLE FOR THE PICK-UP AND HANDLING OF THE GOODS IN AND OUT OF THEIR WAREHOUSE. THE VAN LINE IS ONLY RESPONSIBLE FROM THE AGENT'S WAREHOUSE TO FINAL DESTINATION.
WITH PERMANENT STORAGE YOU HAVE A SPLIT LIABILITY ISSUE. WHEN DID THE DAMAGE OCCUR? ON THE MOVE INTO STORAGE, IN THE WAREHOUSE HANDLING OR ON THE MOVE TO DESTINATION. YOU POTENTIALLY HAVE TWO CLAIMS. ONE AGAINST THE ORIGIN AGENT AND ONE AGAINST THE VAN LINE. ALSO THE PROBLEM OF EITHER PARTY NOT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGES.
WITH STORAGE -IN TRANSIT THE VAN LINE ACCEPTS LIABILITY FOR THE LOCAL AGENT, THE WAREHOUSE AND THE MOVE TO DESTINATION AND WILL CHARGE BACK THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY FOR THE DAMAGES.[/i]

debbis · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

thanks for that explanation of the two storage types. I note that on this website, that Broadway Express, Delancey, and Moovers Inc are consistently touted as great for long distance moves b/c they drive the stuff themselves. Would these be better for me than a reputable agent of a national van line? I need a place that will also give me good storage for about a month. Diane, if you are reading this, would greatly appreciate input.

moverjim · Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 217 Location: LOS ANGELES

If cost is no object (my employer is picking up the tab) and storage in the middle is required, would people suggest a PODS-like system or a traditional van move?
FINDING A QUALITY AGENT FOR A MAJOR VAN LINE IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE . FOR GOOD MOVERS THE EXTRA HANDLING IS NOT A PROBLEM.
AS FAR A PODS IS CONCERNED. AS WITH ANY OTHER CONTAINERIZED TYPE OF SHIPPING. HOW THE CONTAINER IS LOADED IS MOST IMPORTANT. IF THE GOODS AREN'T SECURED PROPERLY THERE IS A GREAT POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE. ALSO HOW THE CONTAINERS ARE HANDLED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPANY AND BY THE HANDLERS AT STORAGE YARDS. TYPICALLY THE CONTAINERS ARE SHIPPED ON NON-AIRRIDE TRAILERS WHICH IS ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE IN REGARDS TO DAMAGE.

Diane · Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 15834 Location: Los Angeles