When you hire a professional mover for relocation services expect there to be a lot of paperwork involved. Perhaps the most significant documentation of all is the Bill of Lading. This serves as the contract between the customer purchasing moving services and the moving company. This piece of paperwork as well as all others should be kept safe and with you at all times during the moving process.
Explanation of the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is the paperwork issued by the mover to the customer. It acknowledges your belongings and where they are to ship to. All moving companies are required to prepare a Bill of Lading for each and every purchase of moving services. The Bill of Lading should state all the details of the move. It is the responsibility of the moving company to provide every customer with a copy after receiving your signature yet prior to the moving date scheduled.
The details provide in the Bill of Lading should include everything involved with the process from start to finish. For example, you should at least see the following information in this contract:
- The name and condition of the trucks and other haulers to be used for the transport as well as any other relevant information in this regard
- The specific addresses for the pickup and drop off destinations
- The initial costs for moving and/or storage services
- Information regarding the insurance coverage provided by the moving company
- Any specific directions given by the customer to the moving company
The Bill of Lading offers reassurance to the customer and the mover. This binding contract should be read over carefully before it is signed by the participating parties. It also serves as the customer’s receipt for the services purchased. Keep this document safe until all services are completed and payments are made in full.
Aside from the Bill of Lading, other documents will also carry significance. For instance, you may receive an order for service which is comparable to the Bill of Lading. This paperwork usually includes dates of service, cost of services, addresses and contact information for all parties involved, and other similar information. Keep this as well as all other documents safe with the Bill of Lading.