Frequently Asked Questions:

How much? When? Can I? How long? There are many uncertainties about moving. SelfMoves USA will assist you by providing the answers and solutions to your concerns. Following are questions which frequently are heard as families and individuals begin the moving process. You can also call and speak with one of our move coordinators at 1-888-530-5899.

IS SELFMOVES USA A MEMBER OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU?

SelfMoves USA is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. You may get a report of SelfMoves USA current standing by visiting the BBB Online. To see what our existing customers have to say about our service, please visit our customer comments page.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO MOVE?

When using services arranged by SelfMoves USA, there are no restrictions or bad time of month or year. We innovated the idea of flexibility so that you can have peace of mind and sanity. You choose the day and your quoted price will remain the same – no matter what time of month.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE?

SelfMoves USA can usually arrange completion your shipment within 3-6 business days. Transit times are not guaranteed. Transit times start the day after we pick up the loaded trailer from you. Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays are not considered business day. Once the trailer arrives at the destination terminal, you have a 2 day grace period to take delivery of your items. After the grace period, SelfMoves USA reserves the right to charge a $90/day charge for storage.

IS SELFMOVES USA A HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOTOR CARRIER OR VAN LINE?

No! SelfMoves USA is licensed & bonded with the United States Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as a Household Goods Moving Broker (MC #450353) - with the means to arrange all aspects of your move in the most cost effective, safest and timely manner possible. SelfMoves USA - through our alliances with America's largest freight carriers - maintains a vast network of commercial freight trailers which are available in all 48 states.

WILL YOU RENT ME A TRUCK?

No. Our self-service moving process is to arrange for space in a commercial trailer. You can rent a portion or the entire trailer - whatever you moving needs require.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE "PUP" TRAILERS?

The pup trailers are commercial, Class A 28 feet long semi-trailers with inside dimensions of 8 feet wide and 9 feet tall - which is equivalent in size to a 26' rental truck plus another 10' rental truck. A whole trailer will hold over 2000 cubic feet and 24,000 pounds. Your shipment will be loaded in the front of the trailer and any space left will be used for commercial freight.

WHERE CAN SELFMOVES USA TRANSPORT MY HOUSEHOLD SHIPMENT?

SelfMoves USA can arrange to move your household items between any 2 states (commonly referred to as "Interstate Moves"). SelfMoves USA does not arrange local moves, moves under 400 miles, or moves within the same state (Intrastate Moves).

WHEN SHOULD I CALL SELFMOVES USA TO SCHEDULE MY MOVE?

The earlier - the better. We would generally require at least 5 business days notice in order to properly complete all paperwork and to make sure a bulkhead will be available for your use in your origin city. But we can work with less time if you are able to complete all paperwork via fax or overnight express. (We are proud to say that we have even completed a reservation with less than 8 hours notice .... Not to say we would like them all to be that way -- but it can be done. )

IS MY SHIPMENT INSURED?

SelfMoves USA has one of the lowest claims ratio in the self service moving industry. In calendar year 2005, 99.2% of SelfMoves USA shipments were handled claim free.

Since this is a self service move and you, as the customer, are responsible for packing and loading of your shipment, SelfMoves USA is only responsible for damage or loss caused by our negligence. Our $15,000 named perils hazard insurance policy is already included in your quote and at no additional cost to you. For further information, please review our insurance liability statement.

HOW MUCH WILL MY MOVE COST?

Basic transportation charges will depend solely on the amount of space you use in the trailer. Once you receive your quote from SelfMoves USA, it's an all-inclusive price with no hidden or extra charges. The only additional charges would be should you use more space than originally contracted for in your contract or should you decide to purchase additional insurance.

WILL SELFMOVES USA PROVIDE A RAMP, DOLLIES, PADS OR PACKING MATERIALS?

SelfMoves USA will only arrange the transportation of the household goods and provide the load bars for your bulkhead. You will be responsible for any boxes, blankets/pads, ramps or loading equipment required to pack and load your shipment. Many local equipment rental stores offer ramps and dollies for rent on a daily basis. For packing materials, we recommend looking in your Yellow Pages under Packing Material Suppliers, or refer to our Moving Related Links page for other suppliers. These companies offer the best prices and quality products on such items as boxes, paper, bubble wrap and tape.

WHERE CAN SELFMOVES USA PARK MY TRAILER?

SelfMoves can park the trailer either in your driveway or on the street in front of your house. The trailer requires a 14 foot clearance (make sure no low hanging wires or tree limbs). It is your responsibility to ensure that parking a trailer in your neighborhood in not against city or local ordinances. If the trailer is ticketed or towed for any parking violations, the fee will be added to your freight bill.

WHAT TIME OF DAY WILL MY TRAILER BE DELIVERED OR PICKED UP?

Appointments for delivery and pick up of the trailers are usually scheduled for a window of time and SelfMoves USA will provide you with the estimated window of time one [1] business day before your move. This window of time is only an estimate – based on trailer and driver availability on the day of your move. A trailer will be provided on the date you choose, but the time is estimated and not guaranteed.

WHAT IF I DON'T USE THE CONTRACTED SPACE OR NEED ADDITIONAL SPACE?

You only pay for the space you actually use on the trailer (unless you decide to sign a "volume" or "full-pup" exclusive trailer contract). If you find you need additional space on the day of loading - no problem. Go ahead and use whatever extra space you need on the trailer and SelfMoves USA will bill you for the additional space (based on the per foot fee listed in your contract).

If you find that you used less space than originally contracted for - SelfMoves USA will gladly adjust the price and charge you only for the space used. NOTE: Not all shipments have a refund policy provided for less space used on trailer. Be sure to read your contract to see if you are eligible.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL SELFMOVES USA ALLOW FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING?

You are typically allowed 2 business days at both the origin and destination to load/unload your household shipment. The weekends are free and not counted in the 2 day limit. If you should find yourself needing more time, let your SelfMoves USA sales representative know, and it will be arranged with the local terminal.

WILL THERE BE OTHER HOUSEHOLD SHIPMENTS ON MY TRAILER?

Your shipment will be the only household goods on the trailer. With any space that is left on the trailer, the terminal will be loading commercial freight behind your shipment - which will be done at the local terminal while under 24-hour supervision of the terminal personnel.

ONCE MY SHIPMENT IS UNDERWAY, HOW DO I TRACE IT?

You will have two options available for you. The first option is you may call our office during normal business hours and any sales representative will be happy to trace your shipment in a matter of seconds. The second option is you may trace the shipment online. Upon request, you will be given the internet address and shipping number which will allow you to trace 24 hours per day - at your convenience.

DOES SELFMOVES USA SHIP OR TOW CARS?

SelfMoves USA does not directly handle cars on the same trailer as your household goods. If you are interested in shipping a car, please refer to our Auto Quote page to receive a free, instant quote from one our auto transportation affiliates

HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I PAY FOR THE MOVE?

Our normal company policy is that your move be paid in full (via credit card or cashiers check or direct deposit into our bank) prior to delivery of your trailer at your new destination drop-off address.

DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?

Unlike other companies, we DO NOT require a deposit. If you are scheduling a move with less than 5 business days notice, we require a credit card to hold your reservation. A cancellation fee of $100 will apply if you cancel the move before your move date. A cancellation fee of $150 will apply if cancellation occurs on the day of your move.

CAN SELFMOVES USA PROVIDE SERVICES FOR LARGE HOUSEHOLD MOVES?

SelfMoves USA can arrange service for any size move you may have - whether is be a single room or 20 rooms in your house. If your shipment will not fit in the standard 28' pup trailer, we can arrange to provide two (2) pup trailers (for a total of 56' of space) that will hold up to 40,000 pounds and provides over 4000 cubic feet of space.

CAN SELFMOVES USA PROVIDE LOADING OR UNLOADING SERVICES?

At the present time, SelfMoves USA does not directly provide loading or unloading services, but we have affiliated with Moving-Staffers to provide you top-notch professional loading and/or unloading services. To obtain a free rate, please refer to our Moving Labor page.