INTRODUCTION PACKET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREPARING FOR YOUR MOVE
ITEMS THAT NEED SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
APPLIANCES
MOVING AUTOS, BOATS AND CAMPERS
PARTIAL OR SPLIT DELIVERIES
PACKING
LOADING DAY
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME
CLAIMS PROCEDURE
QUALITY ASSURANCE
PREPARING FOR YOUR MOVE
Pre-Move Survey
Your
Palmer Coordinator will arrange for an estimator to make a visual in-home
survey. Advise your Palmer Coordinator of any changes in your household
belongings between the time a sales representative visits your home and a week
before loading date. Adding or subtracting of weight on the day of loading
could result in capacity problems, which can cause long delays. Depending on
your company’s relocation policy you could also incur COD charges.
Moving Reservations and Arrangements
If you live in an apartment building there are certain arrangements that you may
need to make in advance of the move. It is your responsibility to contact your
building supervisor regarding the specific procedures for your building.
These arrangements may include, but are not limited to:
- Reserving elevators
- Obtaining parking permits for the moving van
- Certificates of Insurance/Property Management
Hazardous Materials
Movers are forbidden by law to ship or store hazardous materials. We recommend you
either give them away or arrange other means of transporting items including
the following:
Gases:
Aerosol
cans, fire extinguishers, engine starting fluid, welding gas, butane, propane
tanks (effective 1/1/01)
Combustible Liquids:
Alcohol,
antifreeze, camphor oils, disinfectant cleaners
Corrosive Liquids:
Drain
cleaners, photographic acids, wet cell batteries, etching acid, iron/steel rust
preventing compound, muriatic, nitric/sulfuric acids
Explosives:
Matches,
black powder, ammunition, fireworks of any kind, dynamite or plastic explosives
(including toy caps), flashbulbs, primers
Flammables:
Adhesives,
ammonia, charcoal lighter fluid, weed killers, bleach, gasoline, paints,
varnish, inks and dyes
No Liability Items
It's best if you transport certain belongings yourself or speak with your
Palmer coordinator to determine alternative arrangements for the following items:
- Currency/Money
- Frozen or Perishable Food
- Plants
- Jewelry
- Stamp, Coin Collections
- Baseball Cards
- Computer Backup Disks
- Software Licenses
- Furs
- Important Documents
- Securities, Stocks & Bonds
- Medications
- Cell phones, MP3 players and handheld game systems and games
Important Documents
You may want to keep the following paperwork with you during the move:
- Birth Certificates
- Real Estate Documents
- Appraisals
- Insurance Policies
- School Records
- Personal Photographs
- Tax Records
- Passports
- Medical and Dental Records
- Bank/Credit union paperwork
High Value Items
Any household item that is worth $100.00 per pound requires a High Value Inventory filled out and signed by you prior to
load. It is imperative that the driver receives it. Items that generally fall
under this category are:
- Fine China
- Objects of Art
- Paintings
- Appraised Antiques
ITEMS THAT NEED SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
Plants
It is generally recommended that plants not be shipped in the truck with your
household goods. Most plants will not survive the move so it is best to give
them away prior to the move or transport them yourself to your new home. Most
drivers will refuse to ship any plant because of the possibility of insect
infestation of your goods or those of others loaded on the same truck.
Firearms
Firearms
can be shipped on the truck with your household goods. With the enactment of
the Brady Bill in 1994, however, there are some regulations regarding the
shipping of firearms:
- Ammunition must be removed from the firearm and cannot be shipped
- Drivers must sign for all guns and note the makes, models, and serial numbers
- Boxes containing firearms cannot be labeled as such - but will be noted on the inventory.
- Boxes containing these firearms must be unpacked at the time
of delivery. Firearms will be released to the registered owner only. (Signature
required).
Frozen Foods
Frozen
or refrigerated food items are highly perishable and cannot be shipped with
your household goods. Leaving food in the freezer or refrigerator during
transit (regardless of distance) can cause permanent damage and/or odors. It is
best to consume or give away any frozen food items prior to your move.
APPLIANCES
Moving Your Appliances
Your Palmer Coordinator will arrange
to have your appliances serviced according to your company’s policy. Be sure
you understand how the service technician secured these appliances for
transportation, i.e., was washer tub Styrofoam blocked or bolted? If you need a
service that is not authorized by your corporate policy, your Palmer
Coordinator can arrange for the service, however, the cost will be collected
COD from you. Please check with you coordinator for what services are approved
with appliances at origin and destination.
Please make sure your destination
residence is equipped with the appropriate power
source or lines for reconnection.
Following is a list of normal
appliances and servicing they require:
- Refrigerators/Freezers
You are responsible for disconnecting, defrosting, and cleaning the units prior to
the arrival of the movers or third party service company. Be sure to empty the
evaporation pan and to drain the water reservoir of the automatic ice maker. If
possible, you should also leave the door open for 24 hours prior to loading to
allow for moisture to dry. If your refrigerator has an automatic ice maker,
your Palmer Coordinator will arrange for servicing and discuss whether or not
your company's policy covers this service.
- Washing Machines
Please make sure to leave the lid of
the washer open for 24 hours prior to loading to allow for inside to dry.
- Dryers
Please make sure the dryer is free of lint and that the interior is dry.
- Ranges/Stoves
You are responsible for making sure
the stove is clean and that all pots and pans have been removed before packers
arrive.
- Electronic Equipment
We prefer to use the original cartons for your electronic equipment when we pack.
If you no longer have the cartons, the packers will provide cartons and paper
to pack the items. It is your responsibility to disconnect and tape up the
wires of all electronic equipment. (i.e., computers, TV-VCR, stereos)
MOVING AUTOS, BOATS AND CAMPERS
When transporting an auto, boat or camper separately from your Household Goods, the
following guidelines need be followed:
- Have the vehicle ready for pick
up. All removable items need to be taken out. Secure necessary items (spare,
jack, etc) to prevent damage. Have a spare key for the driver.
- There will be an inspection before
transit and at delivery. EXCEPTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN AT DELIVERY AND MUST BE
CALLED IN TO THE CARRIER WITHIN 24 HOURS FROM
DELIVERY. CONCEALED DAMAGE MUST ALSO BE CALLED IN WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY.
DO NOT ARRANGE FOR DELIVERY IF YOU WILL NOT HAVE TIME FOR INSPECTION.
- Please provide a phone number where you can be reached during the Day of pick
up and delivery.
Special Preparations
We also suggest you take the following steps to prepare items for moving:
- Pre-pack all items that you are
taking with you in transit. Mark these items and keep them in a separate area.
- When moving your personal computer,
park the hard disk using the program that's typically
included on the diagnostic diskette. Toprotect
the floppy disk drive, place a blank disk in the drive and close it. Always remember to back up important
files.
- When moving CD player or computer
CD-ROM, check the manuals for directions on securing the laser. Note that heat
can warp compact discs.
- Remove ink cartridges from printers
- Plasma TV’s are not recommended
for storage periods exceeding two months.
- Try to avoid putting electronic
equipment, record collections, or CD's in storage
for long periods of time in extreme heat.
- Gas grills and barbecue grills
that use coals should be cleaned out the day before the packers arrive.
- Lawn mowers and other gasoline
engines must be emptied of oil and gas. Also, gas cans should be washed out to
prevent fumes from damaging transported goods.
- Any item that is permanently
affixed to the walls or ceilings must be taken down prior to packing, unless
your company has authorized the service to be performed by a third party
company.
- Items in the attic must be brought
down by you prior to packing unless your company has authorized the charges for
this service to be performed by the moving company.
- Make sure to remove shower curtain(s)
and dry them thoroughly for packing.
- Disassembly and reassembly of
swing sets, sky forts, storage sheds and other items of a similar nature are
often not covered by your company. Please discuss arrangements with your Palmer
Coordinator. Palmer does not recommend disassembly of wooden playscapes during freezing weather
due to the high risk of permanent damage.
Other Items of Consideration
We recommend that you discuss these items with you Palmer Coordinator:
- Air Conditioners
- Bunk Beds
- Chandeliers
- Entertainment Centers
- Vehicles
- Pianos/Organs
- Satellite Dishes
- Swing Sets
- Water Softener
- Curtain Rods and Valances
- Air Purifiers
- Ceiling Fans
- Pool Tables
- Hot Tubs
- Pendulum Clocks
- Workshops
- Boats
- Waterbeds
- Window Blinds
PARTIAL OR SPLIT DELIVERIES
If You Will Need Partial or Split Deliveries
Partial or split deliveries can be
provided to the destination metropolitan area, if authorized by your corporate
relocation policy, otherwise the cost incurred is your
responsibility.
If your shipment requires partial
delivery to a location other than your destination
address it is your responsibility to:
- Provide your Palmer Coordinator
with the address(es), contact person and
phone numbers.
- Advise the packers and the driver
of the specific items that will be part of the split delivery for a
separate inventory for destination.
- Complete the inventory checklist upon delivery as your items are unloaded.
- Most corporations do not cover the
cost of the move from temporary residence to permanent residence.
PACKING
Preparation
- Listed below are some helpful preparation
tips for you to prepare for your packing day:
- We ask that you are available at 8:00 am. Plan on being available for up
to 8-10 hours each day. You will receive a call the day before to advise the
crew’s estimated time of arrival.
- Detach any items that are attached
to the walls. For example: drapery rods,
towel bars, etc. The packers will remove pictures from
the wall and pack them.
- Remove sheets and blankets from
all beds. (This may be done on loading day if you will remain overnight).
- Dispose of all flammable items.
- Remove all liquid and fragile items from dresser drawers.
- Wash out garbage cans and grills.
- Disconnect all water hoses and drain them.
- Empty refrigerator of all
contents. If your household goods are going into storage, we suggest placing
baking soda, activated charcoal or fresh coffee grounds placed in an old
stocking which will help to eliminate moisture.
- Separate items that you will be
taking with you and place them in a designated
area to prevent them from being packed.
-
It is recommended that you have all
of you items professionally packed by Palmer north American. Self-packed
cartons are only insured if there is exterior damage to the carton.
On Packing Day
As packers arrive at your home on
packing day, they will begin packing in different
parts of your home. Typically, packers will pack items in an individual
room and mark boxes accordingly.
Your packing crew will have a form
for you to sign at the end of the day. It will be an itemized list of the boxes
that were packed for you. Please review this list and if there are any
questions or concerns, please ask the lead crew member at that time.
If you have any questions or
concerns during this part of you move, please do nothesitate to contact your Palmer Coordinator. The toll-free
number is 800-521-3954
LOADING DAY
Loading for Your Move
It is very important that you be
present on your loading day to oversee the entire
process. If you cannot be present, you need to authorize for someone
else to represent you.
On loading day, you or your
authorized representative are responsible for the following:
- Review the inventory information
provided by the driver and ensure that
you agree with their notations before signing the paperwork.
- Do final walk-through of the
residence - inside and out - to make sure all items have been loaded and
identify any new property damage.
- Confirm all destination
information with the driver and your Palmer Coordinator. Provide them with your
destination phone number, if you have not done so already.
- Confirm estimated date of delivery.
- Review and sign the Bill of Lading
with the terms and conditions of your
company's relocation policy.
- We recommend you work with the
driver to collect and establish where
hardware from disassembled furniture will be placed
for transit and reassembly.
- Please be sure to contact your
Palmer Coordinator at any time if you have any questions, or when questionable
situations arise regarding policy or procedures. The toll-free number is
800-521-3954.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Before You Leave for Your New Home
- Be sure to contact your Palmer
Coordinator with destination information
including phone numbers where you can be reached and your location.
- Pack a phone in your suitcase to
connect as soon as you arrive at our destination.
- Make a final inspection to be sure
nothing is left behind - check all closets, beneath sinks, medicine cabinets,
inside the dishwasher, etc.
ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME
Upon Arrival
- Anything that was disassembled by the driver at origin will be reassembled at destination.
- Your household goods will also be placed in their proper rooms.
- You are responsible for checking off items, as they are unloaded.
- You are responsible for
checking off items as they are unloaded. You must complete the inventory
check-off sheet. Any missing items must be noted at the time of delivery
otherwise, claims regarding the missing items will be denied.
- If you find any damaged or missing
items, inform the driver immediately so he or she can note it on the inventory.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU CHECK OFF
THE ITEMS AS THEY ARE DELIVERED.
Unpacking
If your company authorizes unpacking
services, this will be done the following
business day after delivery. The unpackers will unwrap all items and lay them
on a flat surface in the appropriate room for you to sort. They will also
remove all packing debris when they leave for the day. Unpackers are not
authorized to organize or put your belongings away.
If you are interested in receiving
this service, you will need to inform your Palmer
Coordinator one week prior to delivery so your crew will be properly
prepared.
Debris Removal
If your company authorizes debris
removal as a substitute to unpacking, we can arrange for a local agent to
remove all boxes and paper from the destination residence. Cartons must be
broken down and kept dry and the crew will not
remove any household trash.
Again, please be sure to contact
your Palmer Coordinator at any time if you have any questions or concerns. The
toll-free number is 800-521-3954.
CLAIMS PROCEDURE
Settling Claims
In the event you have a claim, North
American Van Lines will attempt to settle your
claim fairly and promptly. If there is a claim, here are the steps that should
be followed:
1. You
are responsible for working with the driver to make
notations as to any loss or damage sustained on the check
off/inventory sheet.
2. In
the event there is damage or loss, contact your Palmer
Coordinator to initiate the claim process.
3. Should
you discover damage after the driver has left, save the
shipping carton and do not unpack the damaged item any further?
4. Once you have received the claim forms, fill them out completely including:
- Description of the article
- Nature and extent of damage
- Approximate weight of article
- Approximate date item was purchased
- Original Cost
- Cost of repair or replacement, if known
5. Return
the claim form in the enclosed pre-stamped envelope. The law states that you have 9 months on an interstate move
and 30 days on an intrastate move. Some accounts may have strick timelines for
submitting claims so please check with your coordinator. We recommend you
submit the form as soon as possible after delivery. Make sure you keep a copy
for your records.
If you are planning on moving your
household belongings again, you need to have any
pre-existing claim forms filed in order for your claim to be processed
correctly.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Evaluation Survey
Following the completion of your move, you will receive a Quality Assurance Survey
to complete and return to Palmer.
The information you provide is the
means by which your company and Palmer north American use to properly evaluate
the conditions and components of all phases of your relocation. Your feedback
is essential to ensure our quality services continues and improves when needed.
This promises the continuation of quality moving services for your company and
its employees.
Your response is important, as it
provides valuable information directed toward the continual strengthening of Palmer
north Americans relocation program. Your assistance in this
matter is greatly appreciated.
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