800-669-3899 crown@crownwms.com

The Moving Industry’s Busiest Season: Summer

Summertime has traditionally been the busiest moving season.  Longer daylight times and summer breaks for children make it a prime time for people to move. It is also a prime time for scam artists to prey on unsuspecting consumers.

The California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) wants to make sure that consumers know how to avoid being a victim of a moving scam.

Here are some helpful tips:

  1. Don’t book your move on-line or over the phone without verifying that the mover has a location in your area.  Drive by the location.  Go in and meet the company’s personnel.  Use your instincts to discern if the company’s personnel appear to be professional and trustworthy.  Let your common sense guide you…  but don’t stop there!
  2. Verify the company’s license.  All movers are required by law to demonstrate their legitimacy on all their documentation.
  3. Verify the license number with the California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
  4. Obtain written estimates for moves of three or more rooms.  Legitimate movers are price competitive.  Make sure the estimates are based on the same factors (i.e. move and pack; move only, etc.)  If a company provides an unusually low bid… beware!  The company could be illegal, or they may have made an error while estimating the move.  If the latter is the case, the price will likely escalate on moving day.
  5. Illegal movers may charge by the cubic foot.  Legal movers charge by the hour (local moves), and by weight/mileage (distance moves).
  6. Bandits “rip off” innocent consumers by charging exorbitant fees for extensive and unnecessary packing on items that should be pad wrapped.  Furnishings should be wrapped with shrink wrap or protected with special moving blankets.
  7. Bandits will intimidate consumers to tip the crew.  Tipping is not customary but it is accepted when the customer has received exceptional service.

*The CMSA is a nonprofit trade association representing almost 400 licensed and insured movers operating in California.

Moving House Plants

If you are planning to take your indoor house plants with you on your next move, there are several important items you must consider before moving day.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS

According to federal guidelines, house plants qualify as “perishable” items and are not allowed on regulated moving vans traveling more than 150 miles to their destination. They are also not allowed to be packed on regulated moves that will take more than 24 hours to complete. Ask your moving agent for specific details about your move so you can make necessary accommodations.

STATE REGULATIONS

Some states like California, Arizona and Florida have laws that regulate plants and soil to prevent the spread of certain insects and diseases. It is generally recommended that you repot your plants several weeks ahead of time in commercially available soil to avoid unnecessary quarantine. Check with your destination’s department of natural resources to get the most current information about plant regulation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The changing temperatures and lack of fresh air in a moving container can be harmful to your plants. When preparing for a long-distance move, the safest, most certain way to transport houseplants is in a stable, temperature-controlled environment like the back seat of your car.

If you are unable to make accommodations for your houseplants, consider taking cuttings to replant. You’ll want to wrap cuttings in wet moss and packing paper to pack in a plastic grocery bag. Place bags in a small box and fill gaps with crumpled newsprint.

For more tips on packing click here.

(source: United Van Lines)

ING Supply Chain Predictions for 2022

ING is predicting:

  1.  Supply chain frictions will start to ease, but not until well into 2022.
  2. No rush towards deglobalization in 2022: Firms generally expect a more normalized global economy within a year or so and that means they’re willing to take the current supply-chain issue pain now rather than move to areas where consumption is highest as such relocations carry significantly higher costs.
  3. Input shortages likely to remain a key theme in 2022, but oversupply could return.

Full Article

(Source: Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide)

Packing Electronics

Computers and tablets contain valuable work-related, personal and financial data most of us cannot afford to lose. Naturally, you want to safeguard it from loss or damage. With careful planning and proper packing, your computer can be transported safely when you relocate.

ELECTRONICS ARE SENSITIVE TO TEMPERATURE AND STATIC

Computers and tablets contain valuable work-related, personal and financial data most of us cannot afford to lose. Naturally, you want to safeguard it from loss or damage. With careful planning and proper packing, your computer can be transported safely when you relocate.

BEFORE THE MOVE

If you do not have an exact record of the cost of your computer equipment (including accessories and software), you may want to obtain a current retail cost estimate, taking into consideration its current condition, prior to selecting a protection plan from your mover. United Van Lines can offer full-value protection against possible loss or damage.

PACKING

A qualified moving company like Crown is best qualified to properly pack your home computer. If you choose to pack it yourself, your computer should be placed in its original carton and packing material when possible.

If you have discarded the original packaging, choose a sturdy box large enough to permit you to surround the computer with packing material. Crumpled, unprinted newspaper and plastic bubble wrap are recommended as a protective cushion and can be purchased from your mover.

All electronics are sensitive to heat and cold. Among other things, warping can occur with extreme temperatures that build up inside a moving van. As a precaution, you may choose to back up your files to an external drive before your move and place it in a separate box.

If you are moving a printer, remove the toner and any ink cartridges. You should carry the cartridges with you, especially if your move occurs during hot weather. For other types of printers, the printer head should be secured – preferably with the original cardboard or plastic parts – to prevent it from shifting. Be sure to refer to the owner’s manual for preparations specific to your printer model.

The remainder of your accessories should be packed in crumpled, unprinted newsprint in the bottom of a sturdy box. For additional instructions on packing specialized electronics, please refer to your owner’s manual.

AT DELIVERY

Carefully check and mark off the inventory when your shipment is delivered.

Allow the computer to reach room temperature before attempting to use it. If it has been particularly cold, watch for condensation as moisture also can cause damage.

For more tips on packing click here.

(source: United Van Lines)

U.S. Announces 6 New Marine Highway Projects

A part of the America’s Marine Highway Program these routes are designed to improve the movement of freight via the nation’s waterways including the coasts, inland waterways and to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley stated, “Making better use of our inland waterways can boost America’s maritime industry and create jobs while cutting emissions and traffic congestion.”

Full Article