If you are planning to move long distance, you'll need to be particularly careful to read and understand the contract between you and the movers because they will be responsible for your belongings for a prolonged period of time. A lot can go wrong, so you need to make sure that you are protected. Here are 3 things you should verify on the bill of lading, which is basically a contract between you and the movers detailing the service you are to receive. 

The Estimated Cost of the Moving Services

The bill of lading will give you an estimate as to how much the long distance move will cost. The bill of lading should include the cost of labor, the cost of transporting your belongings, and any other types of services you have both agreed to. The estimate provided will only apply to the services that are outlined. Anything that falls outside of the agreement is not covered. This is the tricky part. You need to make sure that the estimated cost clearly states whether you'll be expected to pay more for unexpected issues that may arise.

For example, if the items were shipped to the wrong place, make sure that you will not be responsible for paying any additional charges to correct the issue.

The Method Used to Transport All Goods

Depending on what you're transporting, the long distance movers might be separating your belongings. The bill of lading will clearly state which items are packaged in which moving trucks and which items are going to be shipped. Verify that you are comfortable with the transportation method specified and that the items you need the most will be transported first. If the long distance movers require two to three trucks to move your things, make sure that you know the exact content of each truck.

The Guaranteed Delivery Date

Don't find yourself in a situation where you arrive at your new home days before your stuff gets there. Many homeowners assume that they will receive their belongings on the same day that they arrive at their new home, but this may not necessarily be true. If the long distance movers are shipping your items or delivering them to you in a separate moving truck, you'll need to verify whether the bill of lading includes a guaranteed delivery date rather than a set range of dates.

Conclusion

Knowing even the smallest details of the moving process can help you stay prepared and move in to your new place of residence much more smoothly. The bill of lading is one of the most important documents you'll need to look over carefully, as it will basically outline the terms and conditions of the services you've rendered. For more information about how to get ready for a long-distance move, talk to a company like Palmieri Movers.