Government FAQs

When is the best time to move?
If there is a choice, it is best to avoid the summer months, the end of the month or the end of the year. Those are the busiest times for a moving company when the heaviest demands are placed our trucks and our personnel.

However, Hilldrup is equipped to work with any schedule and will set up your move when it is most convenient for you.

When should I call a moving company?
The earlier, the better! We recommend at least four to six weeks’ notice, if possible. The more lead-time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred schedule.

Do I need an estimate?
Yes. It is a government requirement that a visual pre-move survey is completed for all shipments.

What information do you need to schedule my shipment?
Your address (including zip code), phone numbers, and destination city and state are the primary items needed to get the moving process in motion. Other information, such as additional stops and unusual items to be shipped (cars, boats, tractors, etc.), also must be provided at this time.

If our schedule changes, who should be notified and when?
Call your move coordinator as soon as possible, even if you do not know the revised move dates.

What is a tariff?
This is the list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges used by all motor carriers, which provide interstate transportation of household goods. The tariffs are published by the Household Goods Motor Carrier Bureau and include various services. The tariffs are available for your inspection upon request. If you move within the same state, that state’s tariff will apply.

Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process?
Yes, because you are the most important participant in the move. You will need to be present during all phases of the move - the pre-move survey, packing, loading, and unloading - to assure that all items which you intend to transport are surveyed, packed, loaded, and delivered.

You will need to do a final walk-through at both origin and destination in order to:

• Make sure that everything has been packed (origin)
• Make sure that everything has been loaded (origin)
• Make sure that there is no damage to the residence (origin or destination)
• Perform the inventory check-off, which ensures that all items are delivered.
• If there is damage, exceptions MUST be noted on the paperwork prior to the packing crew’s or driver's departure, or the claim will be denied.
• You will need to sign all paperwork at both origin and destination.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes.  All government shipments have full value coverage- no other options.

Full-Value Coverage  - Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in our care, they will either be repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the item.

Can I pack my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, and 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 leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak. If your shipment is going into storage, all items must be removed from the drawers.

What should I do in the event of a claim or damaged item?
First, bring the damage to the packers’ or driver's attention. Second, you should contact the move coordinator who is handling your move and make them aware of the problem. A claim form will then be mailed to you, or you will be referred to a claims adjuster for assistance. If you prefer to file a claim electronically, please utilize this link to fill out and e-mail our Claim Form.

The following information will be needed when filing your claim for damages:

• Inventory tag number
• Description/name of the item (including brand name)
• The nature and extent of damage, or if the item is missing
• The original cost of the item
• The year that item was purchased
• The value that you are placing on the item/the amount that you are claiming

Important: Do not discard any item – including any packaging – that is damaged until a representative has had the opportunity to inspect the items. Failure to have items available for inspection by a 3rd party contracted by the van line could result in the denial of the claim.