Terms and Conditions

 

Understanding Your Estimate

Thank you for choosing Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage. We are happy to provide you, the Customer, this estimate based on the list of items and services you requested at the time this estimate was prepared. This BINDING estimate is based upon the specific items to be moved and services ordered as listed on the estimate. Your estimated price will not change unless you order additional services, add additional items to be moved, or additional weight or cubic feet to be moved which are not listed on the estimate. This document is an estimate only and not a contract; it is only binding for the specific services and items listed here within; any deviation of the services listed and ordered will result in a new estimate being issued. In such cases, a revised written visual estimate must be executed prior to any services being performed.


 This estimate includes the following services to be performed by the carrier:

  1. Professional Door to Door service. 
  2. Expert advice and guidance throughout the course of your move.
  3. Disassembly of all standard furniture required for safe transportation.
  4. Reassembly for all items disassembled by the movers on the day of pick-up.
  5. Wrapping of all furniture with quilted moving blankets.
  6. Itemized inventory indicating condition at origin.
  7. Loading & unloading of all goods.
  8. All transportation, taxes, tolls, mileage, and fuel surcharges.
  9. Standard cargo protection up to $10,000 based on 0.60 cents per lb per article; if selected at the time the estimate is prepared, estimated cost of the full value protection option at varying deductible levels (these are only estimates and the actual cost is determined by your selection on the carriers bill of lading according to carriers tariff).
  10. No elevator charges.
  11. No charge for packing tape and moving pads.
  12. No date change penalties if your request is made more than 7 business days before your originally scheduled pick-up date. (Summer Rates are subject to change)

 

Note: Elaborate furniture items that need to be disassembled and/or reassembled may require a 3rd party professional servicing or additional labor and should be disclosed to your estimator in advance of the move to be included on the estimate. Disconnecting and reconnecting of appliances is not included in the estimate. Reassembly of any item is subject to the availability of tools and/or parts being available at delivery. Packing, materials, and unpacking services, are available at an additional charge and are only included in this estimate if the service is listed on the services section of the estimate.


Optional Accessorial Services and Additional fees (if applicable to the move): It is customary for the carrier to offer additional service options to the customer. Optional services include, but are not limited to, storage, packing, materials, unpacking, appliance servicing, shuttle, long carry, rigging hoisting and lowering, wooden crating, exclusive use of vehicle, guaranteed delivery, etc. If customer orders an additional service or an additional service is required to complete the move then the charge for the service will be added to the final bill. Optional Accessorial post contract services not included in your estimate include:

  1. Additional fee if more than 1 flight. Please note: First flight of stairs (up to 10 steps) is included.
  2. Long carry: first 75 feet are included, each additional 75 feet will be charged at a minimum rate of $75.00 per 75 feet.
  3. Shuttle service: if semi-trailer cannot get reasonably close to building or house for loading/unloading, a shuttle truck may be required to perform relocation at a minimum charge of $300.
  4. Packing of fragile/delicate items (such as TVs, glass, etc.); packing and crating services not already listed within proposal; loading of bulky items (such as a motorcycle).
  5. Packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, etc.
  6. Storage: any additional month will be charged at $0.50 - $1.50 per cubic foot ($130 minimum).
  7. For full packing service: All labor and materials to professionally pack all boxes, fragile items, and furniture listed. If additional items are added at time of pick up, then the total price for full service packing will be increased and adjusted by the guaranteed rate provided. A new agreement will be presented at time of pick up.

VERY IMPORTANT - IF YOU ADD ITEMS AT PICK-UP OR IF THE ITEMS ARE A DIFFERENT VOLUME AND/OR WEIGHT FROM WHAT IS ESTIMATED ON THIS AGREEMENT:

  1. The mover must provide you with a revised estimate.
  2. Contact our office at  (888) 502-8556
  3.  DO NOT allow the mover to load the truck or perform any services before you CALL US. You must agree in writing to the new estimate. We will assist you with this.
  4.  If you have not signed the mover's revised estimate, and the mover loads the truck, then federal regulation requires that the mover has reaffirmed the original estimate and cannot demand additional payment at delivery for the additional items.

This is why we ask you to notify us of modifications at least 3 business days before the scheduled pick-up date, to avoid surprises at pick-up! On the day of pick-up, your foreman may offer you a new revised estimate listing all costs for the entire move including the additional services ordered or additional items to be moved, if any.  The total price will be the same as the price listed on this estimate if your inventory’s estimated weight/volume has not changed and if you do not require additional services. If your inventory’s estimated weight/volume increases or if you require additional services, however, then your price may change based on the rate per pound and/or cubic feet stated in this estimate.

TERMS OF PAYMENTS: Upon booking a 15% deposit (plus binding estimate fee) is required to be paid in the form of cashier’s check, or personal check.  At the time of pickup 50% of the balance is due in the form of cashier’s check, cash, postal money order. At delivery the balance is due prior to unloading in the form of Post Office Money Order or Cash only. The carrier reserves the right to collect up to 70% of balance due prior to the goods leaving the origin state. Subject to federal law, payment in FULL of all charges is required before delivery and prior to unloading – Subject to the 110% law, if applicable. All charges are based on carrier’s full tariff rates. If payment is not made then the carrier may place the goods in storage until payment is made; in such case the customer will be responsible for all storage and redelivery fees.

 


 By signing this Binding Estimate for Services, customer is acknowledging and agreeing to the following:

 

Please note that Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage is a properly licensed interstate Broker. Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage is not a motor carrier and will not transport an individual shipper’s household goods, but will coordinate and arrange for the transportation of household goods by another FMCSA authorized motor carrier, whose charges will be determined by it's published tariff.  All estimated charges and final actual charges will be based upon the motor carrier’s tariff which is available for inspection from the carrier upon reasonable request. In acting as an interstate broker, Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage is not responsible for any acts or omissions of the motor carrier or its employees or agents. Customer agrees to exclusively pursue the motor carrier directly for all claims for property damage, including without limitation, any claims of damage to property, lost or stolen goods, delayed pickup or delivery, actions of estimators, drivers, packers, or movers, or other types of claims.

 

PACKING YOUR GOODS: Packing services, materials, and unpacking services, are available at an additional charge and are only included in this estimate if the services are specifically listed on the services section of the estimate.

ABBREVIATIONS and DEFINITIONS: “Motor Carrier” or “Mover” is the actual moving company performing packing, loading, storage, transportation, and offloading services. “Customer” or “Shipper” is the customer who contracted with the mover to perform interstate domestic moving services. “Broker” or “shipper’s agent” is the customer’s coordinator for the move who issues the estimate and brings the customer and the mover together. The broker is not a party to the contract for moving services (“bill of lading”) between the mover and the customer. Articles listed as follows: Articles listed as CP = Carrier Packed; PBO = Packed By Owner; PO = fragile item to be wrapped with Pads Only per customer.

MINIMUM SHIPMENT: Customer understands that Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage has a 2000lb minimum on all shipments. Any shipment below 2000lbs will be charged at the 2000 lbs rate. 

CANCELLATION OF SERVICES:  AS THE CUSTOMER, I AGREE TO PAY THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR MOVING COORDINATOR SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage I UNDERSTAND THAT MY DEPOSIT/FEE REPRESENTS ONLY A PORTION OF MY TOTAL ESTIMATED SERVICE CHARGES. DUE TO SCHEDULING AND ROUTING REASONS MY DEPOSIT/FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I CANCEL MY MOVE, I AM ONLY ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A CREDIT OF MY DEPOSIT FOR FUTURE INTERSTATE MOVING SERVICES TO BE USED BY THE ACCOUNT HOLDER WITHIN A 12 MONTH PERIOD FROM THE DATE OF CANCELLATION. I MAY CHANGE MY PICK UP DATE, OR PLACE THE MOVE ON HOLD AT LEAST 7 BUSINESS DAYS (SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS NOT INCLUDED) PRIOR TO THE PACK OR LOAD DATE (WHICHEVER APPLIES) LISTED ABOVE. IF PICKUP IS REFUSED BY CUSTOMER FOR ANY REASON, THE DEPOSIT IS FORFEITED. ALL DEPOSITS WILL SHOW ON YOUR BILLING CYCLE AS Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE: Some buildings require a certificate of insurance from the mover. Please check with your building management at both current and new locations regarding their requirements. Please notify your Relocation Specialist and we will be glad to assist you. Note: A fee may apply depending on building requirements.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: Customers must confirm parking restrictions with the building/s management or local police department at both current and new locations in order for the carrier to avoid parking violations. If the truck physically or for reasons of parking restrictions cannot park close enough, Long Carrying or Shuttle Truck Service charges will apply and added to the original agreement.

FURNITURE TRANSPORTATION: The motor carrier requires that all drawers must be emptied prior to the day of move. Furniture with full drawers will not be transported due to high risk of damage to the actual furniture, premises walls and floors.

UTILITIES / APPLIANCES: Make sure that your utilities and appliances will be turned off and disassembled from electric, gas and water connections prior to the day of your move. We do not disassemble or reassemble any utilities or appliances at both current and new locations on the day of your move-out or move-in.

VALUATION: The carrier provides two valuation options: Limited liability and full replacement value (FVP). Both plans cover furniture and boxes packed/unpacked by carrier. We suggest you purchase third party insurance to protect your property.  Please read carefully before making your selection. Subject to the minimum valuation of $0.60 per pound per article and in compliance with and subject to the provisions of 49 CFR Section 375.701(a), Carrier cannot control whether proper packing methods are used by shipper, therefore on boxes packed by the owner as well as pressed wood (particle board) furniture, fragile or brittle items such as glass, china, ornaments, etc.; liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. Carrier, or its representative, has the right to inspect and repair any alleged damage. Consumer shipper waives all claims against Carrier and Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage 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. In addition, customer agrees and is not permitted to move and we will not accept, transport, or store and have no liability whatsoever for firearms, jewelry, cash, bank notes, any financial instruments, hazardous materials, pets, liquids or perishable items. 

ESTIMATED PICK UP AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE: All pickup, load and/or delivery dates are only estimates and are not guaranteed. Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage will not be responsible for loss or damages incurred by unavoidable delay. Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage will act on the behalf of the customer in resolving any claims or delay issues with the carrier.  There are absolutely no guarantees made, expressed or implied regarding pack, load and/or delivery dates. IF PICKUP IS REFUSED BY THE CUSTOMER FOR ANY REASON, DEPOSIT IS FORFEITED. The date indicated as “1st available for delivery” is first date of the delivery window and not the promised delivery date.  All estimated time of arrivals are subject to change depending on many factors such as traffic, weather conditions, unforeseen mechanical problems or unexpected delays. 

 

REVISED WRITTEN ESTIMATES:  If prior to or on the day of the scheduled pick-up the shipper tenders more property or makes a change to the initial order for which they received an estimate; Carrier, or its representative, may either (1) undertake the job with the additional property, in which case the shipper would only be required to pay 10% more than the initial estimate to receive the property on a non-binding estimate or 100% of the binding estimate and the remaining balance will be billed after the 30 day deferment. Or (2) Carrier and shipper may execute a Revised/Rescission document, PRIOR TO LOADING OR OTHERWISE BEGINNING THE JOB, this revised written estimate given prior to loading will serve as the only active estimate for which charges will be calculated.

 

AGREED MANDATORY CHOICE OF LAW, VENUE AND JURISDICTION. If a lawsuit becomes necessary to resolve any dispute between Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage, and shipper, said suit shall and must only be brought in circuit or county court in and for Broward County, Florida. Suits involving disputed over interstate shipments must be limited to the governing federal law. Both parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Florida Courts and agree given the relationship to the state, such exercise is reasonable and lawful. Shipper consents to jurisdiction in Broward County, Florida.

AGENTS: Carrier may use agents/independent sub-contractors on all orders. Additionally, unless customer purchased an “exclusive use of the vehicle” option, there is no guarantee that the property will not be temporarily stored or offloaded and reloaded onto a different vehicle then performed pickup and consolidated with other shipments.

 

CLAIMS: Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage is not responsible for any acts or omissions of the carrier or its employees or agents. Customer agrees to exclusively pursue the carrier directly for all claims for property damage, including without limitation, any claims of damage to property, lost or stolen goods, delayed pickup or delivery, actions of estimators, drivers, packers, or movers, or other types of claims. Carrier shall not be liable for the loss or damage of the goods unless claim is made in writing supported by proof of ownership, value, and weight. As a condition precedent, all outstanding monies due for services must be paid in full before any claim can be made. Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery or demand thereof is refused and must be limited to the destination descriptions of damages for each item on the inventory logs. All damages and missing items must be noted on the inventory logs. Damage indications must specify each item damaged at the time of delivery.

SUMMARY OF DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM: Summary of dispute settlement program:  The neutral arbitration program has been designed to give neither party any special advantage.  If a dispute arises between Carrier and the shipper arbitration may be a mutually beneficial alternative to help resolve the dispute. Section 49 CFR Section 375.211 provides that a mover must have a program in place to provide shippers with an Arbitration alternative.  Arbitration is optional and not required under Federal law.  A. Summary of the arbitration process: Arbitration is an alternative to courtroom litigation. It provides each party to the dispute to present their cases and allows a neutral third party arbitrator to make decision as to the merits of each side’s case. Arbitration subject to this agreement shall be conducted via written submission and, subject to the arbitrator’s discretion, through telephonic appearance.  After the initial filing fees have been paid and the arbitrator selected, the initiating party or “Claimant” must submit a written brief summarizing their legal position and factual claims. All supporting documentation must be included with the initial arbitration brief.  Copies of all documents must be submitted to all parties involved in the arbitration. Upon receipt of the Claimant’s arbitration brief and supporting documents, the responding party or “Respondent” will have 30 days to file their responsive arbitration brief and supporting documentation.  Further deadlines and timetables are subject to the arbitrators discretion.  B. Legal effects: If the arbitration alternative is chosen, then any decision made by the arbitrator may be binding. Additionally, an arbitration decision may not be appealed in a court of law. All parties agree that the Arbitrators decision will be based exclusively on the governing United States Federal Law without regard to conflicting State laws or regulations. C. Applicable costs: Each party is responsible for their own costs associated with arbitration. A benefit to the arbitration alternative may be that it is less expensive than traditional litigation. Each party is responsible for 50% of the costs associated with securing the arbitrator and 100% of their own expenses, including but not limited to attorney fees.  There is a $250 filing fee FOR EACH PARTY and a supplemental charge of $50 administration fee.  Call carrier at phone number on front of this form for ADR processing forms.

 

Notice of Maximum amount due upon delivery: Final charges will be based on actual weight or cubic feet/volume of property and services provided. Maximum amount demanded at time of delivery, prior to unloading, is the amount of the non-binding estimate plus 10%; or 100% of the binding estimate. Actual charges may exceed the amount of estimate if additional services were ordered or required to be performed; if customer moved additional items, weight, or cubic feet; or if extra service options such as packing or storage were necessary.

NOTE: Customer has agreed to receive and subsequently received the FMCSA publications “Ready to Move? – Tips for a Successful Interstate Move” and “Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move” via  hyperlink and accessed the Federal consumer protection information in the Internet.” Additionally, In accordance with 49 CFR §371.113(c)(1), customer agrees to waive a physical survey of the household goods and alternatively agrees to receive a Binding Estimate based upon the customer provided item list of property to be transported and services ordered. The terms of this estimate and all services to be provided are subject to the carrier's tariffs, incorporated by reference and available for inspection upon reasonable request at the carrier's offices.

 

You further agree that your use of the e-signature feature of this “E Document” constitutes an "electronic signature" as defined by the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ("E-Sign") and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ("UETA") and that you have formed, executed, entered into, accepted the terms of, and otherwise authenticated the terms specified herein for the use of the e-signature feature of this Electronic Document. You further acknowledge and agree that proceeding to use the e-signature feature of this Electronic Document email constitutes your full agreement to all terms and conditions contained herein and that such agreement is an "electronic record" for purposes of E-Sign, UETA, and the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act and as such is completely valid, has legal effect, is enforceable, and is binding on, and non-refutable by you and the member on whose behalf you are acting, if different, as if it were any other duly executed paper contract.

By your use of the e-signature feature of this Electronic Emailed Document you are deemed to have read every record and document before electronically signing same. If you do not understand any record or document, then you agree to communicate directly with an appropriate agent of Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage concerning your understanding prior to your continued use of the e-signature feature of this Electronic Emailed Document. By your use of the e-signature feature of this Electronic Document, you consent to jurisdiction and venue in Broward County, Commonwealth of Florida, for any dispute arising out of same, and you further agree that Independence Van Lines shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, including pre-litigation fees, for enforcement in any court of any of the terms and conditions contained herein.

 Finally, you agree to immediately notify Southern Guarantee Moving and Storage of any change in your e-mail address.