Question 1

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

Accepted Answer

A binding estimate is a written, guaranteed price for the specified services and goods. A non-binding estimate is a written projection of expected charges — the final lawful amount may differ based on actual conditions. For qualifying interstate moves, a mover generally cannot require more than 110% of the non-binding estimate at delivery.

Question 2

What should I check when reviewing my quote?

Accepted Answer

Review the pickup and delivery addresses, service date, expected duration, how the rate is calculated (hourly, flat, distance, or weight-based), what crew and equipment are included, and any possible extra charges for stairs, long carries, extra stops, waiting time, or additional items. Also confirm the deposit amount, accepted payment methods, and cancellation terms.

Question 3

Are there extra charges I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your job, additional charges may apply for stairs, long-distance carries from the truck to your door, waiting time, extra stops, oversized or unusually heavy items, packing materials, or additional services requested on the day. We will always communicate these before they are added.

Question 4

When is a deposit required, and is it refundable?

Accepted Answer

A deposit may be required to confirm your booking. Our cancellation policy determines refundability based on how far in advance you cancel: more than 72 hours before your scheduled move receives a full refund; 48–72 hours receives 50%; less than 48 hours or same-day cancellations retain the deposit. See our full Cancellation Policy for details.

Question 5

How do I book a service with LAUDARE?

Accepted Answer

Submit a quote request through our website, by phone, or by email. Provide details about what needs to be moved, the pickup and delivery addresses, your preferred date, and any special conditions. We will review your request and send a written estimate. Your booking is confirmed once you accept the estimate and any deposit requirement is met.

Question 6

Can I book a same-day or last-minute move?

Accepted Answer

Yes — subject to crew and vehicle availability. Contact us as early in the day as possible for same-day requests. We will confirm availability and provide an upfront estimate before dispatching a crew. Submitting a request does not guarantee same-day service.

Question 7

What information do I need to provide before my move?

Accepted Answer

A complete, accurate inventory including any oversized, fragile, or high-value items; pickup and delivery addresses with details about stairs, elevators, parking restrictions, and access; your preferred date and a backup date if possible; and up-to-date contact information. The more detail you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be.

Question 8

Do I need to be present on moving day?

Accepted Answer

You or an authorized representative should be present at both pickup and delivery. This allows you to walk through the inventory, flag any fragile items, review and sign paperwork, and note any concerns before our crew departs.

Question 9

What is the difference between a local move and an interstate move?

Accepted Answer

A local move takes place entirely within Alabama and may be subject to different rules than an interstate move, which crosses state lines. Interstate household-goods moves generally fall under FMCSA federal regulations covering written estimates, valuation options, and claims procedures. Ask us which rules apply to your specific move.

Question 10

What does valuation protection mean, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Valuation is the mover's level of financial responsibility for loss or damage. For qualifying interstate moves, Full Value Protection is the default — if an item is lost or damaged in our care, we may repair it, replace it with a like item, or pay its repair cost. Released Value is a lower option, commonly limited to $0.60 per pound per article. Valuation is not the same as an insurance policy — ask us for the specific terms that apply to your booking.

Question 11

What items are not covered or require special handling?

Accepted Answer

High-value items worth more than $100 per pound (such as jewelry, artwork, or electronics) must be disclosed in writing before the move. We may decline items that are hazardous, prohibited by law, or cannot be safely moved. Please tell us about any fragile, oversized, or unusual pieces when you request your quote so we can plan accordingly.

Question 12

What paperwork will I receive?

Accepted Answer

You should receive a written estimate showing what is included and how charges are calculated; an inventory or condition record when applicable; a bill of lading (shipment receipt and contract) for qualifying transportation; an itemized invoice and receipt; and a delivery record confirming receipt and any noted damage. Never sign a blank document — review all entries and keep copies.

Question 13

What should I do at delivery to protect myself?

Accepted Answer

When items are delivered, check them against the inventory if one was used. Note any missing or damaged items before signing where possible. Take photos of anything concerning. Keep your receipt and all paperwork — you will need these if you need to file a claim.

Question 14

Do you offer packing and unpacking services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer packing and unpacking assistance as part of our moving services. Let us know at the time of your quote if you need packing help, packing materials, or furniture disassembly and reassembly, so we can include these in your estimate.

Question 15

What are my rights as a LAUDARE customer?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to receive clear information about the service being offered and who is responsible for it; a written estimate and required disclosures when federal rules apply; the opportunity to review service terms and charges before signing; information about your liability or valuation options; and copies of all your paperwork, receipts, and written communications.

Question 16

What if something is damaged or goes missing during my move?

Accepted Answer

Contact us promptly and in writing. Document the affected item with photographs, keep all relevant paperwork (quote, contract, inventory, receipt), describe what happened and when you discovered it, and state the remedy you are requesting. For covered interstate household-goods claims, federal rules set a 9-month filing window, a 30-day acknowledgment period, and a 120-day disposition period. Local and commercial claims may have different deadlines — ask us which apply to your job.

Question 17

Is LAUDARE a moving carrier or a broker?

Accepted Answer

A carrier directly transports your belongings; a broker arranges transportation using an authorized third-party carrier. LAUDARE offers labor-only services and local moving. For moves that may involve a third-party carrier — such as interstate household-goods transportation — we will tell you clearly who will be transporting your belongings so you know who is responsible.

Question 18

How can I verify a moving company's registration for an interstate move?

Accepted Answer

For interstate household-goods moves, you can verify a carrier's or broker's operating authority through the FMCSA at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. The FMCSA also provides consumer guidance and complaint resources at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.

Question 19

What is a bill of lading?

Accepted Answer

A bill of lading is the shipment receipt and transportation contract for a qualifying move. It documents the terms of service, agreed pickup and delivery dates or windows, and the condition of goods. For covered interstate household-goods moves, federal rules require specific information to appear on the bill of lading. Never sign a blank bill of lading — review all entries and keep your copy.

Question 20

What is a moving inventory or condition record?

Accepted Answer

A moving inventory is a written record of the items collected and, where applicable, their pre-existing condition at the time of pickup. It is used at delivery to check that all items arrived and to note any missing or damaged pieces. Reviewing and signing the inventory at both pickup and delivery protects you if a claim becomes necessary.

Question 21

What is Released Value protection?

Accepted Answer

Released Value is a lower level of mover liability available for qualifying interstate household-goods moves. Under this option, the mover's responsibility for a lost or damaged item is commonly limited to $0.60 per pound per article under the federal framework. For example, a 10-pound item may have a maximum recovery of only $6.00. Released Value typically costs nothing extra, but provides significantly less coverage than Full Value Protection.

Question 22

What is Full Value Protection?

Accepted Answer

Full Value Protection is generally the default valuation option for qualifying interstate household-goods moves. Under this option, if an item is lost or damaged while in the mover's custody, the mover may repair the item, replace it with one of like kind and quality, or pay the applicable repair or replacement cost. It typically provides more coverage than Released Value. Ask for the specific written terms that apply to your Laudare booking, as coverage details and any applicable deductibles vary.

Question 23

What does "impracticable operations" mean on my invoice?

Accepted Answer

Impracticable operations refers to conditions at pickup or delivery that make the move significantly more difficult than anticipated — such as no elevator access in a high-rise building, a very long carry distance from the truck to the door, or narrow roads that prevent the truck from accessing the property. For qualifying interstate household-goods moves, federal rules allow movers to charge separately for impracticable operations beyond the standard estimate, subject to specific documentation and disclosure requirements.

Question 24

What is the FMCSA and when does it apply to my move?

Accepted Answer

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is the U.S. federal agency that regulates interstate household-goods movers and brokers. Its rules govern written estimates, valuation options, required paperwork, claims timelines, and dispute resolution for moves that cross state lines. For moves entirely within Alabama, different state or local rules may apply instead. You can find consumer resources and verify a company's registration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Interstate Move? Federal Resources

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