The bill of lading and its importance

Changing your place of residence is a process that is not easy at all. There are many things you need to take care of, but maybe the most tiresome task is to deal with the paperwork. Although tiresome, this is probably the most important task you need to think about. The bill of lading is one of the crucial documents in the whole moving process. It serves as the contract between you and the moving company. But, in order to learn more about it, read this article until the end.

What the bill of lading actually is?

The bill of lading is a document which issues the moving company you have hired. It acknowledges the company is under obligation to transfer the received items to your new home. The movers have to provide you with a copy of this bill on the day of the move before they start loading your boxes into the truck. In addition to this, they are required to attach to the bill the binding estimate. On the estimate, you will be able to see the exact cost for moving services. If the moving company is able to provide you will these documents, and do it on time, you can be sure that it is a reliable one.

What does the bill of lading include?

Like all the other official documents, the bill of lading also has some obligatory elements. For example, there you can find you and the name of the moving company, the address where the goods are loaded and where they are transported, the content of the shipment etc. When the content of the shipment is in question, there will be a detailed report concerning your belongings. For example, how everything is packed, how much it weights and so on. The purpose of this document is to ensure that carrying your goods is legal and according to a binding contract. Also, it serves as the receipt- it proves that the shipment has been delivered in good condition.

Avoid fraudulent moving companies

Although there are many movers on the market, it does not mean that all of them are reliable. When you are planning your move and choosing a moving company, ask them whether they will provide you with the bill of lading. If they will, ask them something more about the document itself. If they truly are professionals, they will know the answers to these questions. You should make an inquiry about the cost of the move. If you have informed yourself, you already know that this document comes with a binding estimate and that you should not pay more than estimated.  In this way, you will avoid moving scams and wait for the day of the move stress-free.

There might be some additional expenses on the bill of lading

Another thing you should be aware of before hiring a moving company is that they can charge you more for some unforeseen circumstances. For example, if there are many stairs in either your old or new home, you should point it out- do not let this be the reason why your moving costs are higher. Also, if the staircase is narrow, the movers will definitely charge you for that. The reason for this is that it will make carrying your furniture even harder. In addition to this, if there are some bigger things that need to be moved, like a piano or a painting, the movers need to know about it. The only reason for this is- the moving company needs to be properly prepared for the move.

Should you pay the movers separately?

You should always reward people in the service industry, especially if it happens that they are taking care of your entire household. Wait until they finish and tip them then. The bill of lading does not cover this part- this is only a way to show how much you are satisfied with their service. Of course, you should also provide them with food and drinks- this does not count as a reward. This is only a polite thing to do from which they will see you are thoughtful and that you care.

How to deduct moving expenses?

When moving to a new home, you will certainly think about how to deduct the moving expenses. Logically, if you have lesser things to transport, the costs will be lower. This means that it would be best to sell or give some of your things away. You will make yourself a favor and you will also be in a position to help someone else. On the other hand, you should be careful when cutting the costs. This especially applies to the moving companies. Avoid the cheapest movers- it is a great probability that high-quality service is not something they can brag with.

When you are moving to a new home, you should do it in a proper way. You should gather as much information about the whole moving process as you can. In this way, you will know what, when and how to do. Check on your own how much the move is going to cost, find a reliable mover and make sure everything is done on time. Yes, you will need a greater amount of time for all of this, but it will pay off. Do not forget to ask your movers about the bill of lading. This is actually a contract between the moving company and you. It is an important document that can tell even the minute details of your move.