M O V I N G G U I D E
HOW LONG DISTANCE MOVING OPERATES
Selecting a van line is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Knowing how a van line operates not only will help you in selecting a mover but also will be useful when you're in the midst of the move.
Generally speaking, more than one van line agency is involved in an interstate (from one state to another) move. While it might appear somewhat confusing to a newcomer, this very tightly and carefully coordinated agency network provides flexibility and efficiency to both the moving public and the moving industry.
To illustrate the moving process, let's take a look at a typical move. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Smith are moving from St. Louis to Denver. More than likely, they'll arrange the move through a St. Louis-based agency of a van line. This company is commonly referred to as the booking agent.
This agency registers the move with its van line which, in turn, assigns it to an interstate van heading in the direction of the Smith's new home. That van is owned and operated by the hauling agent.
For the Smith's move, the van that carries their household goods might well be on a longer trip - from Memphis to Seattle, for example. It's not unusual for the shipments of more than one family to be transported on a single moving van. As the driver heads to what is likely to be his ultimate destination, he might pick up and deliver several shipments along the way.
(Don't worry that your goods will be mixed up with another family's shipment, however; van lines employ sophisticated techniques to identify different customers' possessions and to keep them separate inside the van. And thanks to special designs, equipment, and loading techniques, moving vans can accommodate much more furniture and boxes than most people realize.)
Once the Smith's possessions arrive in Denver, a local destination agent completes all the final details, including paperwork and, if ordered, unpacking and removal of the empty cartons and packing materials.
One more point - if the Smith's move was booked through an agency outside the St. Louis area (for example, by the employer's headquarters staff in a distant city), a St. Louis agency would be appointed as origin agent by the van line. This agency would handle estimates, billing, and any special services required at the origin residence, such as packing.
These are expressions that you're likely to encounter during an interstate move, and many of them are included in the glossary of moving terms.
Moving
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How Long Distance Moving Operates
Your Move
How Moving Charges Are Determined
Garage Sale Guidelines
Packing Tips
Preparing Your Children For The Move
Special Moving Needs
Countdown To Moving Day
Glossary Of Moving Terms