Tariff and Terms & Conditions

A mover’s tariff is a document provided to you by your moving company that outlines their rates, as well as any terms of service that are crucial for you to know, for example, cancellation policy or what services may incur additional fees. The tariff may just be one page, or it could be a dozen pages or more. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, all interstate moving companies must provide their tariff rates.

How do moving companies come up with their tariffs?

A mover’s tariff is, for all intents and purposes, a legal contract that provides consumers with a breakdown of a moving company’s fees and the rules and regulations around doing business with them. Many companies work with attorneys to set up their tariff and ensure that it covers all of their legal bases and offers a clarified outline to customers about what they can expect.

Each moving company’s tariff is unique to the way that they do business. Even if you’ve worked with other moving companies in the past and are familiar with their rates and policies, it’s important to carefully read the tariff of any new company that you choose to work with. You won’t have any recourse if, for example, you get an unexpected charge later on that you weren’t anticipating but which was explained in the tariff.

Understanding Your Estimate

Thank you for choosing People Movers California. We are happy to provide you with a personalized and accurate binding estimate. The total cost of your move is based upon the description of services and the number of items shown on the estimate provided. In other words, your estimated price is guaranteed not to change unless you require additional services or add other pieces to your inventory. This document is an estimate only and not a contract for services. The only contract for moving service is the “Bill of Lading” as required under 49 CFR Section 375.505. If you want to make any changes to the list of services ordered or the items to be moved, you must notify our Moving Consultant no later than 72 hours before your move date, so an updated estimate can be issued to you and last-minute price changes can be avoided. Be advised that any changes to your order will result in a change to your initial estimated price.

Binding Estimate & Services Included

Our trained professional movers will handle all the tasks associated with your move. There’s no need to make endless trips to the store for boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, tools, and pads when you choose our Full Packing Service. Our movers will supply everything and will pack your entire home for you and load everything safely onto the truck, then unload it at your new home, set up and place all your furniture and boxes exactly where you need them. We will be in contact and communicate with you throughout this whole process! We offer the following services:

1. Door to Door Service
2. Highly trained professional moving crew
3. An easy online payment process
4. Detailed, itemized inventory list
5. Visual or In-home estimate at no charge
6. Disassembling and reassembling standard furniture
7. One month of free storage (upon booking)
8. Free standard valuation coverage
9. Full value protection plan (available for an additional cost)
10. Guaranteed Pick-up & Delivery date (available for an additional cost)
11. Customer support throughout the move

Accessorial Services & Additional Fees (if applicable to the move)

There are added services such as packing, unpacking, servicing appliances, moving pianos or bulky items, or stair services that you as the consumer/shipper may request to be performed, and which are not included in a basic standard quote. Charges for these services may be in addition to the line-haul charges. When a consumer/shipper does not pay the extra charges, the mover/carrier is not required to perform the services for free. The following list contains examples of possible accessorial services that may be charged in addition to the base estimate:

Stairs. Most Movers will charge a staircase fee for walking the Consumer’s/Shipper’s property up or down a flight of stairs. The first flight of stairs (one flight = 10 steps) is included at no charge. Each additional flight of stairs (10 steps) is:

• $100 per move up to 1000 cubic feet
• $200 per move over 1000 cubic feet

Elevator. Similar to the stairs charge, the Mover/Carrier will charge an additional fee to load the goods into an elevator to move them to the floor where the residence is located. Elevators, stairs, shuttles, and long carry delay the entire loading or delivery process. There is a one-time elevator fee of $100 for moves up to 1000 cubic feet and $200 for moves over 1000 cubic feet.

Long Carry. If the truck cannot park directly in front of the residence and the crew of movers must carry the property a distance of more than 50 feet, then a long carry fee will be assessed to the consumer/shipper. When the distance is greater than 50 feet, the long carry charge will be $100 per 100 feet for moves up to 1000 cubic feet and $200 per 100 feet for moves over 1000 cubic feet (a one-time fee.)

Bulky items. Unusually large and bulky items may require special packing and handling including such items as canoes, kayaks, hot tubs, pool tables, irregularly shaped furniture, backyard playgrounds, large gym equipment, commercial refrigerators, appliances, pianos, safes, garage cabinets, ATVs, motorcycles, rolling tool cabinets, riding lawn mowers, etc. Check with your Moving Consultant for pricing.

Packing/Unpacking. Typically, packing or unpacking of the Shipper’s property is not included in standard moving services but may be available at an additional fixed fee. Additionally, when the Shipper/Consumer uses their packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper in the packing of property because those items are the property of the shipper/consumer, they will not be collected and disposed of by the mover/carrier, unless a disposal fee is charged. The Full Packing Services fee is $1.05 per 1 cubic foot if chosen upon booking; and, if added on the day of pick-up, it is $2.10 per 1 cubic foot.

Crating. Certain items of property can be better packed and protected by custom crating. Crating is a custom packing where the item is packed in a form-fitted crate for better protection. Crating refers to an item that can be contained in a custom-built wooden crate or heavy-duty cardboard boxes cut apart and form-fitted around the item. Fees for Wooden Crating:

• Small crate: $150
• Medium crate: $300
• Large crate: $450

Fees for Cardboard Crating:

• Small crate: $50
• Medium crate: $100
• Large crate: $150

Split pick-up or delivery. It is not unusual for a Consumer/Shipper to have items picked up or delivered to more than one location. For example, you may wish to have some of the items delivered to a new residence and some of the items moved into a storage unit at a different location. Split pick-up or delivery within 50 miles is $200, and over 50 miles the fee is $400.

Exclusive use of the vehicle. Transporting an entire household of property long distance is a complex logistics task. Consolidating shipments is a common practice to help moving companies maintain efficiency. If you wish to have your property exclusively occupy the transport vehicle you have to pay for that. The minimum fee for Exclusive Use is calculated based upon a full truck capacity of 1800 cubic feet, multiplied by the rate per cubic foot for your particular load, as determined by the distance of your move. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions below: RATE PER CUBIC FOOT.

Premium guaranteed delivery service. You should have a clear understanding of the delivery window. In many cases, delivery windows could be up to 30 days or longer. If you need your property by a certain date, then you must pay for a “premium guaranteed delivery service” (PGS.) Check with your moving consultant for pricing. PGS Fee by Zones are:

• Zone 1: $1500
• Zone 2: $3000
• Zone 3: $4500

Shuttle. The Consumer/Shipper may not be familiar with the specific characteristics of the destination home, resulting in extra unanticipated charges; for example, the use of a smaller truck (shuttle service) to access homes deemed inaccessible to the Mover/Carrier’s normal 18 wheeler, because of limited space or roadway restrictions. For example, delivery into downtown San Francisco. The shuttle service rate is $100 per 100 cubic feet, and the minimum service fee is $700.

Storage. Unanticipated storage charges arise for many different reasons. Most commonly storage is required when a Consumer/Shipper’s new home is not ready, or they do not have the funds to pay for the total moving services. The Mover/Carrier will place the property into storage at the consumer shipper’s expense. Check with your moving consultant for pricing.

Re-delivery. A Mover/Carrier may charge a fee if the Consumer/Shipper is unavailable to receive the property during the first delivery attempt. Check with your Moving Consultant for pricing.

Waiting time/Detention. If the Consumer/Shipper is not available to meet the delivery truck at the residence on the day of delivery, the Mover/Carrier may charge a fee for waiting. Fees for waiting may be charged on an hourly, daily, and overnight basis. There is no charge for waiting up to one hour. The more equipment and crew shipper consumers tie-up, the more expensive it is for the Mover/Carrier and the more costly it will be for you.

Movers/Carriers are not required by law to wait and may choose instead to place the property into a storage unit within 50 miles and drive on to the next delivery.

Third-party servicing. Many specialty items require a third-party service company to break down, lift, pack and install for maximum protection, such as large safes, pool tables, workout equipment, etc. Check with our Moving Consultant for pricing.

Rigging/Hoisting/Lowering. These services are usually accessed when a Consumer/Shipper is moving into an upper-level unit of an older building and a certain item being moved cannot fit up or down the staircase and may require the use of a rope and pulley rigging system. Movers/Carriers are not required to offer this service and will only do so when they have the equipment.

Company Terms & Conditions

Please read the following requirements & regulations to ensure a smooth and worry-free move.

PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED: Upon booking the move a 30% deposit is required ( in a peak season reservation deposit may go up to 50%) in the form of a VISA or MASTERCARD or Quick Pay. A deposit ensures the Consumer shipper secures a spot on our busy schedule; it will also allow our dispatch team to start coordinating your move, ensuring we have your truck ready and a staff scheduled and assigned to your move that day. At the pick-up, 40% of the balance is due in the form of a Certified check, Wire Transfer, or Quick Pay (check with the Moving Consultant about credit card payment). The remaining balance of the total transportation charges is due before unloading at the final destination. Payment methods accepted at destination: Post Office Money Order, Wire Transfer, or Quick Pay (must pay 48 hours before the delivery of the shipment). People Movers reserves the right to collect up to 75% of the balance due before the shipment leaves the origin state. All charges are based on the full tariff rate.

TRANSPORTATION PICK UP & DELIVERY SCHEDULE: Pickup and delivery dates are not guaranteed unless the optional Premium Guaranteed Service (PGS) is purchased. Standard Service (SS) is up to a maximum of 21 business days (coast to coast), not including storage time, weekends and holidays. The date indicated as “1st available for delivery” (FAD) is the first date of the delivery window and is not promised or guaranteed.
People Movers’ estimated delivery window:

• within 0 – 500 miles is 5 business days
• 501 – 1000 miles is 10 business days
• 1001 – 1500 is 14 business days
• over 1501 miles 21 business days

The daily rate for the delivery delay is $50 per every business day after the last available delivery date listed above. All estimated times of arrivals are subject to change depending on many industry factors such as traffic, weather conditions, unforeseen truck mechanical problems or unexpected services to be rendered with orders.

RESCHEDULE/ CANCELLATION OF SERVICE: Many times and for many reasons customers or moving companies need to cancel the moving services. Consumer/Shipper may cancel services no later than 72 hours before the scheduled move day and time, via written notification or by calling 650-257-2327. Customers must verify that the cancellation notice has been received by People Movers. If a Consumer/Shipper cancels the service less than 72 hours before the move day/time, for example on the pick-up day – a $500 cancellation fee will be deducted from the reservation deposit amount, and only the difference will be refunded. Customer/Shipper may not cancel the move after services have begun, as that would be considered a breach of contract.

PACKING YOUR GOODS: Consumer/Shipper is responsible to pack all boxes and fragile items such as glass, mirror, marble, TV, electronics, etc., unless noted differently on this Estimate for services, such as when purchasing Full Packing Services. For health and sanitary reasons all mattresses, box springs, and futon pads must be properly protected in a specialized mattress cover or plastic cover. Personal belongings in plastic bags are not allowed in the truck. Packing supplies are not included in the transportation cost and will be charged separately. Full or Partial packing and unpacking services are available at an additional charge and are included if only listed in the packing service section of this Estimate.

REVISED ESTIMATE: Consumers/Shippers should never sign blank documents; however, in some cases, it is acceptable to sign incomplete Bill of Lading documents. Final charges for moving services cannot be determined until after the goods are packed and loaded; however, the revised written Estimate must never be signed blank or incomplete. If you add items or services at pick-up, or if the items are a different volume and/or weight from what is itemized on this Estimate, a Revised Written Estimate shall be provided. Do not allow the moving crew to load the truck or perform any services before you confirm the final total with the movers’ office and agree in writing to the new Estimate.

RATE PER CUBIC FOOT: Rates per cubic foot are based on the distance in miles you are moving from/ to as follows (may vary):

• 0 – 350 miles $5.50 per cu.ft.
• 351 – 550 miles $6.00 per cu.ft.
• 551 – 1000 miles $6.50 per cu.ft.
• 1001 – 1250 miles $7.00 per cu.ft.
• 1251 – 1750 miles $7.50 per cu.ft.
• 1751 – 2250 miles $8.00 per cu.ft.
• 2251 miles and over $9.00 per cu.ft.

ABBREVIATION & DEFINITIONS:

• Carrier – the moving company.
• Shipper – the consumer hiring the moving company.
• Articles listed as CP – Carrier Packed;
• PBO – Packed By Owner;
• BW – Blanket Wrapped;
• SC – Scratched;
• BR – Broken;
• D – Dented;
• CU – Content or Condition Unknown.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE: Some buildings require a certificate of insurance from the Moving Company. Please check with the building management at both current and new locations regarding their requirements. Please notify our office and we will be glad to assist you.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: The Consumer/Shipper may not be familiar with the specific characteristics of the destination home resulting in extra unanticipated charges. Consumer/Shipper must confirm with the HOA, CC&R, condo/apartment management office, or the local police department at both origin and destination, whether or not there are any limits to accessibility such as parking restrictions, hourly limits, time of day, or other access availability limitations, etc.

UTILITIES/APPLIANCES: Make sure that all of your utilities and appliances will be turned off and disassembled from electric, gas, and water connections before the day of your move. Water lines to all appliances must be disconnected before pickup. We do not disconnect or reconnect any utilities or appliances at either the origin or destination locations.

FURNITURE TRANSPORTATION & TRUCK SPACE AVAILABILITY: People Movers requires that all drawers must be emptied before the move day. Cabinets and dressers with full drawers will not be transported due to the high risk of damage to the actual furniture, walls, and floors. Refrigerators and/or freezers need to be empty and completely defrosted. Logistics involving interstate moving services are complex and subject to change. You are advised to have flexibility with your scheduled pickup and delivery dates.

PRESENCE DURING THE MOVE: It is of critical importance for the Consumer/Shipper to be present on the day of the move. You are urged not to schedule your move on/or close to the date you need to vacate your property; or scheduled flights, business meetings, family dinners, job start dates– or any other events– close to or on your anticipated move or delivery day. We will reserve a room on the truck to accommodate only the items listed on this Estimate. The Mover/Carrier will do its best to accommodate a second attempt to pick up extra items not listed in the original/revised Estimate, for an additional charge– but is not obligated to do so.

LOADING & DELIVERY DAY: Consumer/Shipper should be present at the time of loading or/and unloading. The Moving Crew will do a quick walk-through with you to compare the job to the estimated Inventory.
The Movers might perform a detailed Inventory and indicate the condition of the items on the descriptive Inventory sheet. Movers will lay floor runners and use door jamb protectors, pad and wrap all the furniture, ensure all items are properly packed and labeled, and safely load property onto the truck. Movers will check closets, attic, basement, cabinets, detached buildings, and other areas of the property to ensure that nothing has been missed. At the final destination, the Mover/Carrier will assemble only the items that were disassembled at origin. After the delivery is completed, the Consumer/Shipper should walk through the rooms with the Driver or Lead, to conduct a final inspection of the house and the Moving Van.

DELIVERY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM: This form is showing that all services ordered have been performed and all goods are received in apparently good condition except as noted on the Inventory sheet. The Delivery Acknowledgement Form is an attachment to the “Bill Of Lading and Order for Service”. The purpose of this attachment is to protect the Consumer/Shipper’s data displayed on the contract. A copy of this document will be provided to the client at the time of delivery.

LIABILITY: Valuation is not insurance coverage. We suggest you purchase third-party insurance to protect your property. Valuation is the degree of worth of the shipment. Movers must offer at least two valuation options: (1) Full Value Protection valuation and (2) Limited Liability valuation also known as “60 cents per pound per article” valuation. Option (1) is available for an additional charge and option (2) is free. Note: Mover/Carrier cannot control whether proper packing methods are used by the shippers, and are not responsible for items PBO. The Moving Company is not liable for any damage to the interior or exterior of any residence including, but not limited to walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, banisters, carpets, plumbing, doorways, driveways, walkways, landscaping, etc. Movers are not able to transport firearms, ammunition, jewelry, cash, banknotes, and any financial instruments, hazardous materials, and liquids –due to the liabilities of doing so.

FULL VALUE PROTECTION (FVP) (default): When selecting the FVP level of liability the default amount generated is subject to the $6 per pound rule. Minimum valuation amount of $6,000.00. Moving consultants can place a declared amount between $6,000.00 to $50,000.00. Three deductible levels are available with the default selection being the ‘$0 deductible’ option, along with two additional options of $500 & $1000 respectively. The Valuation fees are auto-generated by our moving software, so please ask your Moving Consultant.

Note – Under FVP option; if any article is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in the moving company’s custody the company must offer to either repair the item, replace the item with a similar item, or make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the market replacement value.

LIMITED LIABILITY (LL) OR RELEASED VALUE (‘$0.60 per pound per article’ option):
This lower level of protection is provided at no additional cost. Under this option, a claim for an article that may be lost, destroyed, or damaged while in Mover/Carrier’s custody will be settled based on the weight of the individual article, multiplied by $0.60. Note: People Movers California offers a higher rate of LL option “$1.00 per pound per article” for standard furniture and $3.50 per pound per article (up to 100lbs) for fragile or brittle items such as arts, glass, and TV.

EXTRAORDINARY VALUE INVENTORY: All items included in your shipment that are considered to be of unusual value must be specifically identified and the Moving Company must be advised that they are included in the shipment; in other words, you must declare items having a value greater than $100 per pound. Such items include but are not limited to currency, coins, jewelry, precious metals and stones, china sets, fashion clothes, antiques, objects of art, oriental rugs, electronics, computer software programs, and other rare documents.

FILING OF CLAIMS: As a condition precedent to recovery, a claim for loss, damage, delay, overcharge, or property damage must be filed in writing with the claims department: Claims Service International (CSI) https://csipros.org/ within nine months after delivery. Note: We work tirelessly to ensure that your move goes smoothly. Our claims rate is less than half of the moving industry average. We go the extra mile to ensure that all your belongings are protected. Our goal is to resolve any claim from 30 to 90 days from the day relevant documentation and images were submitted with https://csipros.org/

ARBITRATION PROGRAM: Per federal law Carrier/Mover must participate in the Arbitration Program and offer this option to the Consumer/Shipper when the settlement cannot be reached. People Movers California participates in the Arbitration Program provided by CSI, reachable at 772-742-5246. This is a neutral dispute settlement program as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning the loss, damage, or overcharges resulting from the transportation of your household goods. Arbitration is typically not free, and Shippers and Moving Companies may be required to split the costs of the arbitration services. Arbitration is an alternative to courtroom litigation and may be a method to resolve disputes faster, less expensively, and more than traditional courtroom litigation.
DOT/FMSCA: Please refer to: “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” as well as the “Ready to Move” brochure.