FAQs & FYI

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the best time to move?

    • If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during these periods. However, Merit Moving Systems/United Van Lines believes you should move when it is most convenient for you.

  • How long does it take to move?

    • This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.

  • When should I call a moving company?

    • The earlier, the better. Although the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, it's wise to give your moving company from four to six week's notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.  Call a Merit Moving Systems Representative at (800) 966-6674!

  • Is a moving company "licensed"?

    • It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "registered." United Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority by the federal government to move household goods among any of the 50 states. A local moving company ("agency") affiliated with a national van line such as United may also be registered with the DOT to move interstate shipments within certain geographical areas.

  • Do I need an estimate?

    • A Merit Moving Systems representative will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of van space your goods will occupy. Your agent will compute the approximate cost and give you a written Estimate/Order for Service. An accurate estimate cannot be calculated without a visual survey of the goods to be moved. There is no charge for the estimate.

  • What is a tariff?

    • This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor carriers which provide interstate transportation of household goods. The tariffs are published by each household goods motor carrier and include its various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request.

  • Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?

    • Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depend upon the United "valuation" program you choose — Full-Value Coverage or Depreciated Coverage.  Ask a Merit Moving Systems Representative about protecting your household goods!

  • Can my possessions be stored temporarily?

    • If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored in a local United agent's warehouse. United agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you're ready for them. However, you are responsible for the storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage and final delivery charges from the warehouse. If your goods are placed in storage, there will be an additional charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your shipment, as mentioned previously. The type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether the shipment is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or in permanent (long-term) storage. Please ask a Merit Moving Systems Representative for information regarding storage arrangements.

  • Do my appliances need special attention?

    • Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, icemakers and the pickup arm on a phonograph should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move. It is the owner's responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional charge, a moving company will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company. For more information on servicing and cleaning appliances for moving, ask a Merit Moving Systems Representative for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings."

  • Can I move jewelry and other valuables?

    • Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify your United agent of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport. In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write "none" on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.

  • Can I move my house plants?

    • Merit Moving Systems or United Van Lines cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because plants may suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your house plants in the family car or ship them by plane. Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure to check the regulations of the state to which you're moving. Ask a Merit Moving Systems Representative for a copy of the booklet "Moving With House Plants."

  • Can I move my pet?

    • Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, your United agent will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely. Ask a Merit Moving Systems Representative for a copy of the helpful United booklet "Moving With Pets."