General Moving Vanlines – Terms of Service

Last Updated: December 21, 2024

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service (the “Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“you,” “your,” or “Customer”) and General Moving Vanlines (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “General Moving Vanlines”), a licensed interstate household goods broker (USDOT #3774039), operating under the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These Terms govern your access to and use of the General Moving Vanlines website (the “Website”) and the services we provide as a broker. As a broker, we arrange for the transportation of household goods by FMCSA-authorized motor carriers (“Carriers”) but do not directly perform the transportation itself. By using the Website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you1 must not use the Website or our services.

2. Services Provided

General Moving Vanlines acts as an intermediary, connecting Customers with qualified Carriers for the transportation of household goods in interstate commerce. Our services include:

• Move Consultation and Planning: We provide consultations to understand your moving needs and requirements.
• Carrier Selection and Matching: We identify and select appropriate Carriers from our network of FMCSA-authorized motor carriers based on factors such as availability, pricing, service area, and customer reviews.
• Obtaining and Presenting Quotes: We obtain quotes from multiple Carriers and present them to you for your review and selection.
• Booking and Coordination: We facilitate the booking process between you and the chosen Carrier, including confirming dates, services, and pricing.
• Documentation and Communication: We provide necessary documentation, such as order for service, bill of lading, and other required paperwork, and facilitate communication between you and the Carrier throughout the moving process.
• Customer Support: We provide ongoing customer support to address your questions and concerns.

Important Disclaimer: General Moving Vanlines is a broker and not a motor carrier. We do not own or operate any moving trucks or equipment. The actual transportation of your household goods will be performed by the Carrier you select. The contract for transportation services will be between you and the Carrier. We are not liable for any loss, damage, or delay caused by the Carrier.

3. Pricing, Payment, and Estimates

3.1 Broker Fee: Our fee for brokerage services, along with payment terms, will be clearly outlined in the signed and agreed-upon Estimate and/or Brokerage Contract.

3.2 Carrier Charges: The Carrier will provide a separate estimate for the transportation services, outlining the costs associated with transportation, labor, packing materials (if applicable), and other services. This estimate will be based on factors such as weight, distance, volume, accessorial charges (e.g., stairs, elevators, long carry), and any additional services requested. The terms of payment to the Carrier will be outlined in the contract you enter with them.

3.3 Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: The Carrier will offer either a binding or non-binding estimate. These estimate types and their implications will be fully explained in the Carrier’s estimate and contract.

3.4 Deposits, Fees, and Refunds: Any deposits, fees, or refund policies related to our brokerage services will be clearly stated in the signed and agreed-upon Estimate and/or Brokerage Contract. Deposits, fees, and refund policies for the Carrier’s services will be governed by the contract you enter with them.

4. Cancellations and Changes

Cancellation and change policies for our brokerage services will be detailed in the signed and agreed-upon Estimate and/or Brokerage Contract. You must also adhere to the cancellation and change policies outlined in your contract with the Carrier.

5. Liability and Insurance

5.1 Carrier Liability: The Carrier is responsible for providing cargo liability insurance as required by the FMCSA. This insurance typically provides limited liability coverage based on weight (e.g., $0.60 per pound per article).

5.2 Valuation Coverage (Insurance): You will have the option to purchase additional valuation coverage (insurance) directly from the Carrier to protect your goods against loss or damage during transit. The types of coverage offered and the process for purchasing coverage will be detailed in the Carrier’s contract.

5.3 Claims: Any claims for loss or damage to your goods must be filed directly with the Carrier according to their claims procedures, as outlined in their contract. We will assist you in obtaining the necessary contact information and documentation.

6. Customer Responsibilities

• Accurate Information: You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about your move, including inventory lists, addresses, contact information, and any special handling requirements.
• Packing: You are responsible for adequately packing your belongings unless you have contracted packing services with the Carrier.
• Payment to Carrier: You are responsible for making payments to the Carrier according to the terms of your contract with them.
• Access: You are responsible for ensuring clear access for the Carrier’s trucks at both the origin and destination locations.
• Presence at Pickup and Delivery: You or an authorized representative must be present at the time of pickup and delivery.
• Review of Carrier Contract: You are responsible for carefully reviewing and understanding the contract provided by the Carrier before signing.

7. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising between you and General Moving Vanlines related to our brokerage services will be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, the parties agree to mediate the dispute in Illinois. If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties agree to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in Illinois.

8. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its principles of conflicts2 of law.

9. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will post any changes on the Website, and the revised Terms will be effective upon posting. Your continued use of our services after the posting of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the3 changes.

10. Contact Information

General Moving Vanlines 8136 Monticello Avenue Skokie, IL, USA (888) 503-8350 DOT# 3774039

11. FMCSA Regulations

As a household goods broker, General Moving Vanlines is subject to the regulations of the FMCSA. You can find more information about your rights and responsibilities as a shipper on the FMCSA website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, General Moving Vanlines shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred4 directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible5 losses, resulting from (a) your use or inability to use our services; (b) any conduct or content of any third party, including Carriers, on our Website; or (c) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content.