Frequently Asked Questions

Bekins interstate agents are independently owned moving companies located across the country and carefully selected to represent the Bekins network. Each agent meets strict service and quality standards so you can feel confident your move is handled with care and professionalism.

When you’re planning a long distance move, your local Bekins agent is your guide throughout the process. They coordinate every detail while working closely with Bekins headquarters and the agent at your destination. Just as important, your agent remains your consistent point of contact from start to finish. That means you always know who to turn to with questions, updates, or concerns, giving you clarity and reassurance during a time that can otherwise feel uncertain.

Bekins is not a broker. When you move with Bekins, your shipment is handled directly by trained drivers and trusted agents who operate under Bekins carrier authority. Your move is never handed off or sold to outside companies.

Bekins and our agent network work on your behalf to coordinate every part of your long distance move, and it’s carried out by teams that meet strict service and safety standards. Every Bekins agent is carefully vetted and authorized to represent the van line across state lines. That means the people handling your belongings, along with the equipment they use, are held to higher, more consistent quality standards.

An Order for Service is a written agreement that outlines the details of your long distance move before it begins. It is standard in the moving industry, as it authorizes the moving company to move your belongings and confirms the services you’ve requested, such as packing, pickup, and delivery dates, storage if needed, and any special handling for your belongings.

This document is prepared after your estimate and reviewed with you in advance so you know exactly what to expect. It helps ensure that everyone involved in your move is working from the same plan.

All interstate moving companies are required by federal law to provide a document called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This guide from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) helps you understand what to expect when hiring movers and how to protect yourself during a long distance move.

One of your most important responsibilities is choosing a reputable household goods carrier and taking time to review your estimate and contract carefully. Understanding these details upfront can help prevent confusion and give you a clearer picture of how your move will be handled.

If questions come up at any point, your Bekins agent is here to help. You’ll also receive information on how to raise concerns or file a complaint, along with a direct phone number for support. 

The right time to move is the time that fits your life best. Every long distance move is tied to something important, like starting a new job, being closer to family, or entering a new chapter, so your timing should support those priorities.

It’s also helpful to know that some times of year are busier than others. The summer months, from May through September, and the end of each month tend to have higher demand, which can limit availability.

If you’re planning to move during one of these peak periods, giving yourself extra time to prepare can help everything go more smoothly. Your Bekins agent can guide you through scheduling, explain your options, and help you build a plan that keeps your move organized and on track.

It’s best to start planning your long distance move as early as you can, ideally four to eight weeks in advance. This gives you time to review your estimate, ask questions, and secure your preferred dates. If you’re moving during a busy season, starting sooner can help ensure availability and reduce last-minute stress. Your Bekins agent will guide you through each step so you feel prepared, not rushed.

Transit time depends on the distance of your move, the time of year, and your specific services. During your estimate, you’ll receive a delivery window so you know what to expect. Throughout the process, your Bekins agent remains your point of contact, providing updates and keeping your long distance move on track from pickup to delivery.

Understanding your moving estimate is an important part of planning a long distance move. Bekins offers a few different estimate types, each designed to give you clarity and help you choose what feels most comfortable for your situation.

• Non-binding estimate. A non-binding estimate is an educated approximation of your moving cost based on the estimated weight of your shipment and the services you request. Because it’s an estimate, the final cost may change. Your total is based on the actual weight of your belongings, the services provided, and current tariff rates. To ensure accuracy, your shipment is weighed before and after loading so you have a verified final weight.
• Binding estimate. A binding estimate provides a fixed price for your move based on the items and services included in your estimate. Even if the actual weight of your shipment differs from what was expected, your price will not change. This option offers added certainty, as long as the details of your move remain the same. If you decide to add items or request additional services after the estimate is completed, the cost may be adjusted.
• Not-to-exceed (option-binding) estimate. A not-to-exceed estimate sets a maximum price for your move, giving you built-in protection. If your shipment weighs less than estimated, your final cost is reduced accordingly. If it weighs more, you won’t pay more than the agreed-upon maximum. Like a binding estimate, changes to your inventory or services can affect the final cost.

For interstate moves, federal tariff provisions require that all charges be paid in full before your shipment is unloaded at your destination. Your Bekins agent will review these details with you ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.

Payment is collected prior to unloading. Bekins accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, processed through our secure payment portal. We also accept cash, money orders, certified checks, and cashier’s checks.

Tipping is not required when you move with Bekins, and it is not included in your moving estimate or final costs. Our focus is always on delivering a high level of service you can count on from start to finish.

If you feel your crew went above and beyond, a tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation—but it’s entirely up to you. Some customers choose to base this on a percentage of their move, while others prefer a flat amount per crew member. The distance of your move and the level of effort involved can help guide your decision. If you do decide to tip, it’s best to give it to the driver, who can distribute it fairly among the crew.

There are also simple, meaningful ways to show appreciation throughout the day. Offering water or a meal to your crew, taking a moment to share positive feedback, or completing our post-move survey all make a difference. Bekins recognizes team members based on customer feedback, so your experience helps highlight great service.

Most professional movers say houseplants should not be packed for long distance moves. Because plants are living items, they can be sensitive to temperature changes, handling, and time in transit, which makes them difficult to move safely over longer distances.

Professional movers may accept plants for very short moves with quick delivery, but this is not typical for interstate relocations. If you’re moving across state lines, there may also be agricultural regulations to consider. Some states require inspections or have restrictions to prevent the spread of pests and plant diseases.

To help protect your belongings and ensure a safe move, there are certain items that cannot be packed or transported on a moving van. These typically include hazardous materials such as aerosol cans, flammable liquids, and other items that could pose a safety risk during transit.

Perishable items are also not recommended, as they can spoil over the course of a long distance move. In addition, personal or high-value items such as important documents, medications, or irreplaceable belongings are best kept with you rather than placed on the truck. Read our comprehensive list of What Not to Pack.

When it comes to your most precious belongings, we always say keep them close. We recommend personally transporting items like fine jewelry, precious metals, coins, currency, and irreplaceable family photos rather than packing them with your shipment. The same goes for important documents; think titles, deeds, tax records, bank books, stock certificates, and medical or dental records, as well as prescriptions and any bonds or notes.

All major appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, stoves, etc.) should be properly disconnected before the mover’s arrival. An authorized service firm can disconnect and prepare each appliance for transport. All refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted, cleaned, and dried before the movers arrive. For more information, visit our packing of specialty items page. 

Yes, Bekins has the capability to transport your automobile. There are several options for this service, including in-van service or use of a third-party carrier. Whichever option you choose, Bekins can arrange this service for you. If you have a preference regarding the transport of your vehicle (i.e. inside the moving van versus a third-party long-carry auto carrier), you must let your agent know at the time of your estimate. Depending on your preference, there could be additional fees for transporting your vehicle. 

Your mirrors and artwork are in good hands. Your local Bekins agent is trained to pack these specialty items using specially designed cartons and premium wrapping materials because we know that what hangs on your walls is often just as meaningful as what fills your rooms. Every specialty item is handled with the care and attention it deserves, so it arrives at your new home just as you left it.

Yes! Once the truck is unloaded, we can take the work even further. Bekins’ unpacking services include opening all your boxes, placing items on a flat surface, and removing all the packing debris so you’re not left drowning in cardboard on day one. Please note that unpacking services don’t cover organization, cleaning, or rearranging items, and extra fees apply.

If your belongings will be placed in storage during your long distance move, it’s important to empty all dresser drawers before moving day. Packing these items separately helps protect both your furniture and your belongings while they’re stored for any length of time. 

Storage-in-transit (SIT) is a temporary storage option for when your belongings need a place to stay between your move-out and move-in dates. Your goods are stored in a Bekins facility and can be delivered to your new home as soon as you’re ready. Storage-in-transit is typically used for short-term needs, so talk to your local Bekins agent about timeframes and pricing.

If your storage needs extend beyond the short-term, your goods can transition from storage-in-transit to long-term storage with no extra hassle on your end. Our facilities keep your belongings secure, clean, and protected for as long as necessary, whether that’s a few extra months or several years. It’s a great option for life’s bigger transitions, like an extended relocation, a move abroad, downsizing, or simply needing extra space. Your local Bekins agent will walk you through the process, explain any changes in valuation coverage that come with permanent storage, and help you put together a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

We understand that needs change, and sometimes you just need to get to your stuff. Access to stored goods is coordinated through your local Bekins agent, who can help you schedule a time to retrieve specific items or arrange a full delivery to your new location when the time comes. Because our facilities are designed with the safety and organization of your belongings in mind, walk-in access may be limited, but our team works hard to make the process as convenient as possible for you. Whether you need one box or everything you stored, just give us a call and we’ll take care of the rest.

At Bekins, we want you to feel confident that your belongings are covered from start to finish. That’s why we offer different levels of valuation protection options to protect your goods during transport. Keep in mind that these options are not insurance, but they do provide meaningful protection for your shipment while it’s in our care. Talk to your local Bekins agent to find the right level of coverage for your move and your peace of mind.

For boxes you pack on your own, liability coverage is more limited than it is for boxes packed by your Bekins team. If a box you packed arrives at your new home in good condition but items inside are damaged, those items may not be covered by valuation protection. Full replacement value protection coverage may apply if the box itself shows clear signs of damage during the move.

If you have fragile or high-value items, your Bekins agent can help you decide what’s best to pack yourself and what may be worth having professionally packed. This added guidance can help protect what matters most and give you greater peace of mind throughout your move.

We’re sorry to hear something didn’t arrive as expected, but we’re here to make it right. Contact the Bekins claims department at 1-800-932-7799 and a dedicated claims adjuster will be assigned to review your case and guide you through the next steps.

To help keep the claims process smooth, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. File promptly. All claims must be submitted in writing within nine months of your delivery date. If your goods were placed into storage-in-transit and remain in storage beyond 180 days, you have nine months from the date of conversion to permanent storage to file.
2. Don’t repair or discard anything yet. Please hold off on repairing or throwing away any damaged items until you’ve received authorization from our claims department; we reserve the right to inspect all claimed items.
3. Save your packing materials. If you’re claiming a packed item, let us know whether the carton itself was damaged, and hang on to all packing materials and boxes for inspection.
4. Describe the damage clearly. For each item, note the nature and location of the damage and include repair estimates whenever possible.
5. Document your electronics and appliances. For any missing or damaged electronics or appliances, please provide the manufacturer’s name, model, and serial number.
6. Include proof of purchase. For items that need replacement, attach copies of original purchase receipts to your claim.
7. Be thorough. Make sure every item you wish to claim is included on your claim form. Your completed form represents your full and entire claim.

Moving day is your day to take a breath; our professional movers will handle all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. For a full, step-by-step look at how your day will unfold, visit our What to Expect page.

Sometimes the road to your front door isn’t quite big-truck friendly. When your residence isn’t accessible to our standard moving equipment, we use a smaller vehicle called a shuttle to bridge the gap. At origin, your goods are loaded onto the shuttle, then transferred to our main truck. If needed, the same process happens in reverse at your destination. Depending on the size of your shipment, this may require a few trips, but rest assured that your belongings are in good hands every step of the way. 

Based on the weight of your shipment and the distance it’s traveling, your local Bekins agent will give you a delivery window so you can plan accordingly, and you can always reach out for shipment tracking updates. Your driver will then reach out 48 hours before delivery to confirm the details. Just make sure your driver has your destination contact information before they leave your origin, as it helps everything go smoothly on the other end of a long distance move.

We understand that delays, however rare, can be stressful, and we’re committed to keeping you informed. If your belongings won’t arrive within the delivery window listed on your Bill of Lading, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-248-4810. A customer service representative will be ready to answer your questions and provide updates. You’re also welcome to reach out online if that’s more convenient.