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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
1. Can a mover move my paint,gas cans, or propane tanks?
2. What happens on my interstate move if the large over-the road truck cannot access my residence?
3. Why don't you provide a move cost estimator on your website?
4. When should I disconnect the phone?
5. How do I get rid of my boxes at the end of the move?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages to doing my own packing?
7. I've heard all about moving-related horror stories. Why can I be comfortable with Continental?
8. Can Continental move my car?
9. Can Continental make my plane reservations?
10. Where should I pack the essential items that I will need immediately upon delivery?
11. I'm confused. What is the difference between Continental and the Van Line that they represent
12. What areas does Continental service?
13. On my international move, can I do my own packing?
14. Is shipping my goods to Alaska in the winter difficult?
15. When should I contact a mover in advance of my move?
16. I hear that setting up my move over the internet is a bad thing. Is that true?
17. If they load my shipment in the front of a semi trailer, do I have to wait until all the other customers have delivered to get my goods?
18. What methods of payment do you accept?
19. What are the advantages of moving with Continental and Mayflower?
20. On moving day, what time will my crew be arriving?
21. Can you move my live plants?
Answers
1. Can a mover move my paint,gas cans, or propane tanks?
Answer:
No. Movers cannot move hazardous materials including paint, acids, explosives, compressed gases,gasoline,or stains and varnishes.
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2. What happens on my interstate move if the large over-the road truck cannot access my residence?
Answer:
A shuttle service is required whenever an interstate van is unable to reasonably access an origin or destination residence. It is often impossible for an estimator to determine at the time of the survey whether or not a shuttle will be required. In fact, in many cases, drivers themselves can't tell until they actually try to maneuver the van in a difficult situation. Shuttle service is an additional charge based upon the weight of your shipment.
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3. Why don't you provide a move cost estimator on your website?
Answer:
Establishing an accurate move budget is a critical first step in preparing for your relocation. “ballpark”, website, or over-the-phone estimates do not take into consideration many facets of your move requirements that may significantly impact the overall move costs. Continental employs a team of award-winning professional moving consultants trained in providing accurate, in-person estimates. By viewing the access to your home, identifying items requiring special handling, determining the type and number of cartons necessary and establishing an accurate estimated weight and cost, you can be confident in the price we quote. That’s part of our No Surprises Program! As part of their initial visit and consultation, the Move Consultant will also provide helpful tips and critical shipping requirements for your valued possessions. They’ll discuss valuation, auto shipping, and counsel you on how to properly prepare for the moving process. Our goal is to establish a long-term customer. In order to achieve that goal it is critical to provide accurate information and cost estimates related to your move.
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4. When should I disconnect the phone?
Answer:
It is recommended that you disconnect your phone the day AFTER your move. The moving company and other service providers may need to reach you on moving day.
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5. How do I get rid of my boxes at the end of the move?
Answer:
Continental can provide a debris pick up service at the end of the move. This is an additional service and will result in additional cost. Put paper, bubble wrap, and other materials into a few boxes and break down the rest. Make sure to call well in advance of when you need this service. An alternative solution is to advertise in the newspaper. Many people will pay to purchase the boxes from you. Under no conditions should you dispose of your boxes in the garbage. Make sure to recycle!
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6. What are the advantages and disadvantages to doing my own packing?
Answer:
Doing your own packing is a great way to reduce the overall cost of moving. However,it is critical to have the mover pack your breakables in order for the items to be covered under valuation. Continental can provide partial, breakables, or full packing service. Note: When moving internationally, the mover must complete all packing.
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7. I've heard all about moving-related horror stories. Why can I be comfortable with Continental?
Answer:
Continental is a very well respected mover. They are registered with the Washington Movers Conference and represent two of the largest moving companies in the US. The Better Business Bureau gives Continental their highest rating. Recently, new legislation was enacted by the government that put new strict restrictions on how much a mover can collect from you at the time of delivery. Your move estimator can provide you with additional information.
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8. Can Continental move my car?
Answer:
Yes. Continental and Mayflower offer several different ways to move your car including enclosed van service and car carrier.
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9. Can Continental make my plane reservations?
Answer:
Nope. One of the more common misdirected phone calls are intended for Continental Air Lines and not Continental Van Lines. Wish we could help out!
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10. Where should I pack the essential items that I will need immediately upon delivery?
Answer:
Continental suggests that you have a #1 inventory box of essentials to include phone, remote controls, keys, and toiletries. The driver can make sure that the box is the last item loaded and the first one off the truck!
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11. I'm confused. What is the difference between Continental and the Van Line that they represent
Answer:
Continental Van Lines is an agent for Mayflower Transit (Seattle Tacoma) and United Van Lines (Anchorage Fairbanks) and performs local and long distance interstate services. Continental is a locally owned moving company itself, providing local and in-state moving services. When customers need to move interstate, Continental uses the resources of the two van lines. In order to identify the individual affiliate locations, each agent is identified by their own name as you see in smaller print on the sides of the trucks.
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12. What areas does Continental service?
Answer:
Continental can actually arrange a move from literally any point on the globe. Representing Mayflower Transit in Washington and United Van Lines in Alaska, our network of service partners spans the globe. Continental has many nation-wide contractual agreements with companies to manage all of their employee relocations, regardless of their location.
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13. On my international move, can I do my own packing?
Answer:
As the carrier responsible for your shipment, we need to ensure that the contents of each box are properly packed and do not contain prohibited items. One errant item such as a tuna can, will result in severe penalties when moved into certain countries (some countries prohibit the moving of any foodstuffs into the country). Customs agents identifying boxes being packed by the consumer will often require a complete customs inspection, a cost that the consumer is responsible to pay for.
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14. Is shipping my goods to Alaska in the winter difficult?
Answer:
No. There are some important steps to follow, but if you prepare appropriately, the move will go well. Make sure to request your Alaska Moving Tips from our website, as it has winter-time shipping tips.
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15. When should I contact a mover in advance of my move?
Answer:
There is no time that is too soon. Continental can get you started in the right direction with helpful packets and information. 30 days in advance is generally appropriate unless: * You are moving in the Summer * You are moving internationally * You are planning to complete your own packing of boxes. If any of these apply, add 30 days.
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16. I hear that setting up my move over the internet is a bad thing. Is that true?
Answer:
Yes, that is true. You should always have an in-home estimate completed by a Certified Moving Consultant before contracting with a mover. Never set up your move via the internet or over the phone without first meeting with the mover and getting a written estimate. There is nothing wrong with researching movers over the internet like you are here, with Continental. That is a great way to evaluate which movers you plan to call.
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17. If they load my shipment in the front of a semi trailer, do I have to wait until all the other customers have delivered to get my goods?
Answer:
Nope. If you look closely at a moving company tractor trailer, you will see that they have several doors on the sides of the trailer where the driver and crew can access your shipment.
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18. What methods of payment do you accept?
Answer:
We accept cashiers checks, money orders, cash, and most major credit cards.
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19. What are the advantages of moving with Continental and Mayflower?
Answer:
There isn't enough room to cover all of the advantages, so here are just a few: Continental has been owned by the same family for over 55 years. This stability and tenure is why Continental has grown to be such a well recognized agent. The Continental staff is totally focused upon quality and service and has several national awards to prove it. Continental is also a shareholder in UniGroup the parent company of Mayflower. When a moving company is owned by its agents, they focus upon serving the needs of the agents and their customers, not shareholders.
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20. On moving day, what time will my crew be arriving?
Answer:
Your Move Coordinator will call you the day before and provide you with an arrival time for the crew. You can also expect a call prior to delivery.
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21. Can you move my live plants?
Answer:
Generally not. On interstate or international moves the answer is no. They don't travel well and often are prohibited goods. On some local moves, weather providing, the mover may agree to move plants with limited liability.
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