Pre-Move Information Relocation Check List F.A.Q. Important Contacts Packing Information Moving Policy Sterling Corporation Active Shipment Info Post-Move Survey Procurement Management

Frequently Asked Relocation Questions About Moving within the U.S. and Canada To help you answer questions about your move, print this page and keep it handy. Q: Why do movers sometimes put more than one household shipment on a trailer? A: In order to keep your costs down; the average trailer holds from 18,000 to 24,000 pounds; the equivalent of three to four household shipments. Q: Can a mover transport our plants and pets to our new home? A: Plants, perhaps. Pets, no. Federal regulations allow a mover to transport plants if the trip is fewer than 150 miles and under 24 hours. However, some states may want to quarantine them anyway. In the event that this should happen, your mover won't be able to ensure their proper care. Federal regulations prohibit moving companies from shipping animals in moving vans. If your pets and plants can't travel with you, ask your Sterling Corporation agent to help you make arrangements to safely transport them to your new home. Ideally, pets and plants travel best in your own car.

Q: What about perishable food items?
A: Perishable food items cannot be safely shipped in moving vans. Please dispose of or give away perishable foods before the move.

Q: What's the best way to prepare a PC for safe transport?
A: When packing a personal computer, these steps will help you prepare it for safe transport. To pack your computer, we strongly recommend that you use the computer's original carton and packing materials. If they're not available, use a box that is both strong and big enough to hold the computer, and pack it with unprinted newspaper. For more advice, your local computer dealer can answer other questions. Other things to consider:

1. Back up your software and data files. These should be taken with you or sent to your destination via insured mail.

2. Park the hard drive (if applicable). See your computer's instruction manual for special steps to take. With newer computers, simply turning the power off initiates this safety feature.

3. Insert cardboard or old disk(s) into disk drive(s).

4. Unhook all cables and power cords, indicating their positions for ease in set-up. Pack cords separately with manuals and software.

5. Create a base layer of wadded unprinted newsprint and place computer on top of layer. Then surround sides and top with more wadded unprinted newsprint until firmly packed, and seal carton with packing tape.

6. Remove all ink cartridges from the printer.

Q: What should I do with gas in the lawn mower, leftover paint, turpentine, etc.?
A: It's against the law for Sterling Corporation to transport flammable and combustible materials. Safely drain or dispose of all combustible and corrosive materials, including: household paints, bleaches, propane tanks, gas cans, and fuel in power equipment.

Q: What are accessorial services?
A: Accessorial services are any services provided to you in addition to the linehaul transportation. Your agent can fully explain the total range of services available, including: crating, packing, unpacking, appliance services, elevator, stair and long carries, or shuttle service if access to your residence is limited and a second, smaller truck is necessary.

Q: What are inventory exceptions?
A: For your protection, when your household goods are delivered to your new home, your van operator will ask you to check off items as they are removed from the van and sign the inventory of household goods. If any items or cartons are missing or damaged, you must note this on the inventory sheet at the time of delivery. This is known as an "inventory exception."

Q: What happens if I have to reschedule my move?
A: As soon as you realize there may be a problem with your moving arrangements, you need to contact your Corporate Relocation Specialist, Chris Hurley at 978-322-2621, Cell: 978-502-5936, or Fax 978-322-2600, or e-mail: CHurley@sterlingmail.com.