Transit Protection
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| United Van Lines and Bekins Moving & Storage care about your personal possessions. We are proud to deliver your belongings in the same condition as when they were originally placed into our care. Our professional packers, skilled van operators and modern equipment all contribute to the high standard of quality service our customers rely on. At Bekins, we take pride in our ability to maintain one of the lowest claim ratios in the industry, while continuing to lead the market in personalized moving services. No matter how careful we are, and how many precautions we take, accidental loss or damage may occur. And, the decision to purchase Transit Protection should be no different than purchasing homeowners insurance for the contents of your home. For peace of mind, you wouldn't be without it. |
| To meet the particular needs of our customers, Bekins Moving & Storage and United Van Lines offer two levels of Transit Protection, to protect your possessions against accidental loss or damage. Please read the following and select your option carefully. |
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| We offer, as required by the Motor Carrier Act, at no additional charge, "Released Value Protection", which covers your possessions to a maximum value of $0.60 per pound, per article. This means that if a lost or damaged article weighs 100 pounds, the maximum amount payable to you by the carrier for loss or damage to that item will be $60.00. For example, a dining room chair weighing 30 pounds, has maximum protection of $18.00 ($.60/pound X 30 pounds). |
| If the lost or damaged article was packed in a carton by a Bekins Moving & Storage Packer, the maximum amount payable is calculated on the total weight of the packed carton. For example, a 5 pound lamp packed in a china carton weighing 65 pounds, has maximum protection of $39.00. |
| We have the option of repairing the item to your satisfaction or replacing that item up to the maximum protection under Option A. In the unlikely event of a total loss (by fire, for example) your maximum protection would be $0.60 for each pound of the actual weight of your entire shipment of household goods. Example: 8000 pound shipment X $0.60/pound = $4800.00. |
| Released Value Protection, although not recommended, may be adequate if you have alternate insurance coverage on your household possessions that provides complete all risk protection during loading, unloading, transportation, and storage. To avoid confusion, check with your own insurance agent. |
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| Many families want the peace of mind and the advantage this additional protection offers. That is why Bekins Moving & Storage and United Van Lines designed a Replacement Value Protection plan for maximum coverage at an affordable price. Replacement Value Protection simply means that if the damaged household item cannot be repaired to its original condition it will be replaced with a new one of like kind and quality at today's market price. This protection is limited only by the amount of valuation you select. It is important, therefore, that you recognize and establish the realistic replacement value of all your possessions. |
| Our only requirement is that your shipment be protected at minimum coverage of not less than $10.00 per pound of the actual weight of your household possessions. In the case of a hourly rated (local) move, not less than $10.00 per pound of the estimated weight. |
| For example, if the actual total weight of your household items is 10,000 pounds, you must apply replacement cost coverage of not less than $100,000. (10,000 pounds X $10.00/lb.) |
| All items with a value of over $5,000 must be listed separately and the replacement cost of each item identified separately on/with the Bill of Lading. The total value of these items must be in addition to the required minimum coverage of $10.00 per pound of household goods weight. |
Motorized Vehicle Protection |
| Actual Value Protection coverage applies to motor vehicles, trailers, campers, snowmobiles, motorcycle, boats or motors. These items must be shown separately on the face of the Bill of Lading. Protection is limited to the current market "used" value based on the year, model and condition. |
| Motorized Vehicle Damage and Claims |
| In the unfortunate event that a damage claim may arise, you must notify the United Van Lines Destination Member immediately. Clear exceptions to any new damage must be recorded at the time you take possession of your vehicle directly on the Vehicle Condition Report for consideration of any claim. Your United Van Lines Destination Member will proceed to give you instructions based on our policies, however, no repairs may be completed without prior authorization from the United Van Lines Destination Member or directly from the United Van Lines (Canada) Customer Service Department. |
| The total value of these items must be in addition to the required minimum coverage of $10.00 per pound of household goods weight. |
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| Bekins Moving & Storage/United Van Lines offers two types of Storage: Storage-In-Transit (S.I.T.) and Long Term Storage (L.T.S.). |
| Storage-In-Transit is for a period of not more than 60 days and must be in connection with a moving contract. The Terms and Conditions of Carriage on the Bill of Lading apply. |
| Long Term Storage is storage for any length of time, not related to a moving contract, and any length of time over 60 days in relation to a moving contract. Contents placed in Long Term Storage are not covered under the protection provided on the Bill of Lading for transit. Further protection can be obtained from Bekins Moving & Storage, your United Van Lines Destination Member, or from your own insurance company. |
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| In the unfortunate event of a loss or damage claim, United Van Lines and Bekins Moving & Storage are committed to providing prompt and equitable restitution. |
| If you experience a claim, immediate contact with Bekins Moving & Storage, or in the case of a long distance move, your United Van Lines Destination Member is essential. The name, address, and telephone number of the United Van Lines Destination Member are indicated on your Bill of Lading. DO NOT report the claim to the movers and assume they will initiate a claim on your behalf. |
| You will subsequently be asked to complete a Statement of Claim form which will assist Bekins and/or your United Van Lines Destination Member with the repair and settlement action. The claim form must be submitted and received by Bekins or the United Van Lines destination agent at destination, no later than 60 days after you receive your possessions. You will be contacted by a customer service representative within one week of our receipt of the completed statement of claim. Please do not ask the movers to adjust your moving charges, as they are not authorized to adjust claims. If an accident occurs which results in a claim, it does not alter the previously agreed upon payment terms, and a delay of claim settlement may result if charges are not paid in full as agreed. Whichever protection option you select, all claim settlements are subject to the Conditions of Carriage printed on the reverse side of the Bill of Lading. Your moving consultant will be pleased to explain the regulations. |
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| Household goods carriers are prohibited by law from transporting the following goods: |
| Explosives: Ammunition including, bullets, shotgun shells, etc.; railroad or road flares; fireworks; detonators; blasting caps, etc. |
| Gases: any gases under pressure or liquefied; propane; quick start; oxygen; acetylene; helium; household or industrial fuel; aerosol cans; hair spray; antiperspirant; paint cleaner; butane lighters; propane tanks, etc. |
| Oxidizers: bleach; disinfectants; organic peroxides; fertilizers; pool chemicals; hair bleach; chlorine in any form, etc. |
| Flammable Solids: matches; fuel tablets; barbecue starter pellets; hay or straw; wood chips, etc. |
| Liquids: wine, beer, preserves, etc. |
| Flammable liquids: gas; cleaning fluid; lighter fluids; paint; paint thinners; barbecue starter; glues; resins; kerosene; naphtha; acetone; alcohol; lamp oil, etc. |
| Corrosives: oven cleaner; toilet cleaners; liquid plumber; drain cleaner; household cleaners; lye; acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric muriatic); car, boat motorcycle batteries, etc. |
| Poisons: pesticides; herbicides; cygon; fumigants; wood preservatives; creosote; photographic chemicals, etc. |
| Items subject to spontaneous combustion: oily rags; charcoal, etc. |
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| The following goods are excluded from cargo protection: jewelry, coins, stamps, specialized collections, documents, watches, currency, precious stones/metals and perishables, (frozen foods, plants and pets, etc.) Liability with respect to items such as photographs and similar objects is limited to the value of the file, albums, etc. No allowance will be made for items of sentimental value as they do not have a cash equivalent amount. If you have concerns in this area, you are strongly urged for your own protection to take and carry such items with you. |
Mechanical or Electrical Damage It is the shipper's responsibility to make preparation arrangements before transit of items of a mechanical or electronic nature. These items include, but are not limited to televisions, VCR's, clocks, stereos, large appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, etc.), and any item which has mechanically moving parts. If these items are not properly prepared, damage can occur through no fault of the carrier. Bekins Moving & Storage can make the servicing arrangements on your behalf if requested. |
Fragile Items Any fragile items must be packed and unpacked by Bekins Moving & Storage or its agents in order to be covered by either Option A or B. It is the shipper’s responsibility to request such packing at least 24 hours before the shipment is scheduled to load. Such items include, but are not limited to: glass, marble, ceramic, pictures, mirrors, lamps,mattresses etc. |
Owner Packed Cartons Bekins Moving & Storage cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage to the contents of cartons that are not packed and unpacked by our packers. This rule also applies to items that are not necessarily of a fragile nature but should have been packed professionally to reduce the risk of damage. Such items include but are not limited to: mattresses, box springs and dresser mirrors. |
Sets Damage to or loss of a complete set or unit when only part of such set is damaged or lost, in which event the carrier shall only be liable for repair or recovering of the lost or damaged piece or pieces. If you have any questions about Transit Protection, please ask your moving consultant. |