Moving FAQ’s

Ideally, four to six weeks in advance. Although the truck and movers may not be assigned until a few days before the move, the earlier you book your move, the more likely we will be to meet your preferred pickup and delivery dates.

Chipman aspires to meet your preferred dates. But if this is not possible we will try for the nearest alternatives. For this reason we require flexibility with alternate pickup and delivery dates. You will be notified in advance with a loading date and an estimated arrival date.

If your pickup and delivery dates are critical, for an extra fee, you may choose a more precise delivery date. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your move coordinator, who can advise you regarding the types and costs of services available.

Yes, before we schedule your move we need an estimate of how many items you plan to move and their weight. A moving consultant will need to visit your home and conduct a visual survey to determine the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service.

Keep in mind that this is an estimate of your total cost. On delivery of your goods, you must pay the total charges as determined by the actual weight of your shipment, the distance it travels and the services that you authorize or which become necessary to handle your shipment.

A binding estimate specifies in advance the 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 during the moving process, the total cost will increase. An addendum specifying these additional charges will be prepared for you to sign. Binding estimates are valid for the time period specified, up to 30 days.

If you are interested in a binding estimate, please discuss this with your moving consultant.

If possible, avoid the summer, the end of the month, and the end-of-year holidays. These are the times with heaviest demands and when we are less likely to be able to accommodate your preferred pickup and delivery dates.

However, Chipman believes you should move when it is most convenient for you. We understand there are many factors involved in this decision and we’ll do everything possible to accommodate all your needs.

Because the average goods of a home do not fill a truck, it is common practice to section off a shipment and load a second or third move on the same truck. For this reason, you delivery date may be tied down to the delivery date of other shipments.

Our computer-assisted dispatching system allows us to scheduled pickup and delivery dates according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the trucks.

We understand that the unexpected can happen at any time. If you need to change your move dates, contact your move coordinator immediately and we will try to accommodate your new dates as best we can. Keep in mind your estimate may change depending on the dates you selected.

The exact cost of your move is determined when your shipment has been loaded on the truck and weighed, unless you have been given a binding estimate, plus basic transportation charges and any additional services requested or necessary during the moving process.

Additional services may include, Full-Value Protection, packing, unpacking, network disassembly or any convenience service package you may add. These charges are based on “tariff” rate schedules.

Unless prior arrangements have been made, you are required to pay all charges before your belongings are unloaded at their destination. Payment can be made in cash, traveler’s check, money order or cashier’s check. Interstate moves can be paid with credit/debit card, with advance approval obtained prior to loading day. We accept all mayor cards, American Express®, Discover®, Visa® and MasterCard®. Personal checks are not accepted.

If you were given a non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs exceed that estimate by more than 110%, you will only be required to pay 10% over your estimated cost at the time of delivery. You will have 30 days after delivery to pay the amount over 110%.

If you plan to store your belongings at your destination (storage-in-transit), all transportation charges must be paid at time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse. Storage charges will be based on the applicable rates set forth in our tariff.

Yes, Chipman offers two protection plans for you to choose – Full-Value Protection and Released Value Liability. The protection plan selected determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes Chipman’s maximum liability. The liability for loss or damage is based upon our tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. These protection plans are not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability. If you would like to insure your belongings, contact your insurance company representative.

With Full-Value Protection, Chipman’s total liability for loss or damage will not exceed the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum total declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment multiplied by $6.00 per pound. An additional charge applies for this option and is included upfront in every estimate.

If any article is lost, destroyed or damaged while under Chipman’s interstate authority, we will either 1) repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by Chipman or 2) replace the article with an article of like kind and quality. Chipman will determine the appropriate settlement method to be used.

This is the basic protection plan and it’s provided to all moves at no charge. Chipman’s maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 60 cents per pound of the total weight of the article.

You must select the protection program you desire and write your choice in the “Valuation” box on the Bill of Lading in your own handwriting.

Items valued at more than $100 per pound are known as “articles of extraordinary value.” These items must be listed on the High-Value Inventory Form, which will be given to you by your moving consultant to complete. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Chipman’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.

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 Chipman valuation program applicable to your shipment.

Examples of articles of extraordinary value are: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware.

If you select the Released Value Liability protection program, in which the declared value of the shipment is 60 cents per pound per article, the provisions applicable to “articles of extraordinary value” would not cover your shipment. If this is the case the High Value Inventory Form should still be signed with the words “Not Applicable” written on the form.

If you are not ready to take possession of your belongings at your destination, they can be placed in storage at a local warehouse. You’ll be responsible for the storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage and final delivery charges from the warehouse.

The cost and type of warehouse valuation coverage provided for your shipment is dependent upon whether the shipment is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or in permanent storage (long-term).

Chipman offers different packing/unpacking services to fit all types of moves and budgets, you can choose to pack as much or as little as you want. We can pack the entire shipment, pack only a portion of your belongings or you can pack everything yourself. Chipman is here to personalize your move process and make this transition as smooth as possible.

If you’re interested in our packing/unpacking services, you can discuss options with your moving consultant during your in-home estimate. Your move coordinator can also go over these services or feel free to browse our packing options.

Chipman’s air-ride trucks provide a clean, smooth move. Our team protects your upholstered furniture with protective wrap before it is covered with furniture pads.

If you decide to pack yourself, visit our packing tips for advice on how to pack electronics, mirrors, dishes and much more.

We do not recommend transporting frozen foods. In most cases, we suggest using a local frozen food locker, especially for a long-distance move. It is easier to just use up perishable food items prior to your move or donate them.

For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, visit our Non-Allowable Checklist.

Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify your moving consultant of these items prior to packing or moving day. However, we recommend that you take irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements for their transport.

Items valued at more than $100 per pound are known as “articles of extraordinary value.” These items must be listed on the High-Value Inventory Form, which will be given to you by your moving consultant to complete. If an article of extraordinary value is not listed on the form, Chipman’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.

Chipman 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 transit. You may prefer to transport your houseplants in the family car or ship them by plane.

Prior to your move you should also consider that some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions. Be sure to check the regulations of the state to which you’re moving.

For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, visit our Non-Allowable Checklist.

Pets cannot be carried in the moving truck. Most family pets can be transported in the family car, if this isn’t the case or if it’s inconvenient, your moving consultant will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Check out our helpful article, “Moving with Pets.”

For a complete list of items that cannot be shipped, visit our Non-Allowable Checklist.