Preparation
Your first contact with a van line will be with a relocation consultant. This is often the title associated with a salesperson for a local moving company. Advising the family on every aspect of a well-planned move is the primary responsibility of this professional.

Packing and Loading

If you ordered packing, a team of specially-trained packers will be sent to your home either on the morning of your scheduled loading day or the day before, depending on how much packing needs to be done.

Next up among the professionals assigned to service your shipment is the driver or van foreman, as we in the moving industry call them, since their role in your move encompasses so much more than just driving. They, of course, are in charge of the physical moving process. The van foreman is responsible for loading your goods at origin, driving the van, and delivering your belongings safe and sound into your new home. Generally, they will be assisted in the loading and unloading processes by one to three helpers.

Before loading begins, the driver will take special precautions to protect your home, as well as its contents. This may include laying down "floor runners" to protect carpets and flooring in entryways, hallways, and other high-traffic areas, as well as padding banisters and doorways to avoid marring walls and woodwork.

If you cannot be present at the time of loading, you'll need to arrange for a responsible person to act as your agent in signing both the bill of lading and the inventory list.

Most furniture is wrapped with specially constructed cloth pads or "blankets" to protect it from scratches, dents, dirt, etc. Even items such as gardening tools are padded to prevent them from scratching or soiling other items in the shipment. Tightly loaded tiers with heavy articles loaded on the bottom will be constructed inside the van to avoid jarring or shifting while on the road.

The vans themselves, in addition to being quite spacious, are specially designed and equipped to accommodate the safe transportation of household goods. Specifically, trailer walls and doors are lined with logistical tracks, enabling shipments to be secured further with heavy nylon straps.

After everything has been loaded in the van, it's a good idea for you and the van foreman to take one last walk through your house to make sure that nothing has been overlooked.

Inventory/Paperwork

Your driver will prepare a detailed Inventory & Condition Report of the items to be moved. In addition to tagging every individual carton or piece of furniture with numbered and color-coded labels, they will record each item and a description of any existing damage on the inventory form. You should accompany the driver as they prepare the inventory, pointing out any special concerns or handling considerations along the way.

You'll be asked to sign the inventory, as your acknowledgment that the pieces indicated were loaded and as verification of their condition prior to the move. Then, the driver will sign the form as well and present you with a copy. Keep this inventory with you for use at your new home.

The driver also will ask you to sign a bill of lading. This is the contract by which you authorize the van line to transport your possessions and agree to pay for those services. The bill of lading serves to confirm the services performed, pickup and delivery schedules, and the valuation and protection plan that you've selected.


Payment

Unless approved billing or credit arrangements have been made in advance, the driver is required by law to collect payment for your move before your shipment can be unloaded. Payment must be made in cash or by certified check, credit cards.

A copy of the bill of lading signed by the driver will be your receipt.