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 or the end of the month. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during the summer months (June through mid-September) when children are out of school, and at the end of any month.

Gasperson understands that there are many factors which will influence your choice of when to move. Factors involved in the decision may include:

• New job responsibilities
• Separation of the family while the move is under way
• Transferring children during the school term
• Buying or selling a home

We will help you design a move that will accommodate your busy schedule.

How long does it take to move?

This depends on many factors, including the time of year, weather conditions, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is travelling. Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill a modern van, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. Each shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others.

With the help of a centralized dispatching system, pickup and delivery dates are then
scheduled according to your needs and the origins and destinations of individual shipments.

When should I call?

The earlier the better. Though the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, it is wise to give Gasperson from four to six weeks advance notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred dates.

You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your Gasperson agent who can advise you about the types and costs of service available.

Is a moving company "licensed"?

It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "certificated". This means that a company which has been issued a certificate of exemption by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission has the authority to move household goods within North Carolina and the United States, respectively. Steven's and Gasperson's certificate entitles us to move household goods between any of the 50 states.
A local moving company such as Gasperson that is affiliated with a national company such as Stevens may have its own certificate of authority to move shipments within certain geographical areas.

When moving, you will receive and sign two important documents - the "Order for Service" and "Bill of Lading". Each of these will clearly identify on whose operating authority (certificate) your shipment is being moved. If you have questions, be sure to discuss them with your Gasperson agent.

Do I need an estimate?

Upon request, an agent will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. In this way you will be able to budget your move cost.

How much will my move cost?

Basic transportation charges depend on the weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for "Full Replacement Value" or "Depreciated Value" protection, plus charges for any additional services (such as packing and unpacking) performed by the Gasperson agent at your request. These charges are based on tariff rate schedules.

What is a tariff?

This is the "price list" used by moving companies who provide interstate transportation of household goods. The list includes all of the various services offered by the company and is on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission. Your Gasperson Agent has copies of the tariff which you may inspect.

How and when should I pay a moving company?

Tariff regulations require that all charges be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier's check or traveler's check before your shipment is unloaded at destination. On some occasions prior arrangements can be made for later billing of charges. Gasperson van operators are not permitted to accept personal checks. This payment rule applies to both regular and binding estimates.

Am I protected against loss or damage?

Under the terms of the Uniform Household Goods Bill of Lading (the receipt for your goods and part of the transportation documentation given you by the moving company), you may choose from the "Full Replacement Value" full value protection plan or three "Depreciated Value" plans. The method you choose determines Gasperson's maximum liability to you.

Purchase of "Full Replacement Value" protection means that if articles are lost, destroyed or damaged while in Stevens' care, they will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement made for the current market replacement value, regardless of age of the lost or damaged item. Stevens Van Lines is one of the few carriers that provides "pairs and sets" coverage for their customers. Unlike other plans, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value.

"Depreciated Value" plans consider depreciation in the settlement of claims. Ask for the brochure "Protection In Transit".

Can my possessions be stored temporarily?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored at a reasonable cost in a local Stevens agent's warehouse. Stevens agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you are ready for them. You must specifically request storage service, however. You are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges. Stevens is liable to the same extent as during transportation.

Do my appliances need special attention?

Most refrigerators, washers, dryers and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to assure safe transportation. Any moving parts, such as motors on major appliances, washer drums and the pickup arm on a turntable should be securely fastened for shipment.

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, Gasperson will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company.

Can I move my frozen foods?

Frozen foods can be moved, but only under certain specific conditions. Be sure to discuss this with your Gasperson agent.

How shall I move my jewelry and other valuables?

While Gasperson can move valuables such as money, credit cards, stamp collections or other items of extraordinary value, we recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you; or check with your bank or post office for alternate methods of transporting your valuables.

Under no circumstances should you conceal valuable items in boxes, dresser drawers, etc., without telling your Gasperson agent and asking that the items be shown on the inventory. Such information clearly establishes that the item is included in the shipment and extends Gasperson's liability for that item.

Can I move my house plants?

Gasperson can move your plants under certain conditions, but plants may suffer from changes in climate and a lack of water and sun. If you attempt to transport plants in the family car, you will have to contend with these same problems.

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 are moving. Plants transported by Gasperson are not covered under any type of valuation plans.

Can I pack my china, glass and crystal?

Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company, as the moving company will then be responsible for those items. However, if you decide to pack those items yourself, remember the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack. Movers' liability does not cover items that you choose to pack unless there is visible damage to the carton. Ask for a copy for the brochure "How to Pack Household Goods".

Can I pack my clothes in chest and dresser drawers?

Lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, lingerie may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful not to include fragile items or anything that might spill or leak.

Can I move my pet?

Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Ask for a copy of the brochure "How to Move With Pets".