Ask Allied: Do I Need to Pay a Deposit on Moving Day?

Discover moving day details like when you need to pay the deposit.

Every move is a little different when it comes to the minor details but the contractual process is always the same. So read on to learn what you should expect  in terms of the order for service, Bill of Lading, and payment options.

Order for Service

Before your moving day even arrives, you’ll be given an order for service, which is the written confirmation of the services you are receiving. This includes the dates of delivery, the extra care protection  coverage you selected, the type of estimate you opted for (binding or non-binding), the total cost estimate for your belongings, and the amount of money you will need to pay upon delivery to receive your goods.

At no point in this process will you be asked to give a large deposit or to put down cash of any kind. (In fact, these two things are a big red flag that your moving company might not be legitimate).

Bill of Lading

On the actual day of your move, your driver will provide you with a Bill of Lading. This is your receipt of services and includes the moving contract information, a list of all your belongings loaded on the truck (inventory sheet), and, most importantly , the specific payment terms for your delivery.

These terms will vary depending on what kind of move and services you opted for. If you chose a binding estimate, you will most likely be asked to pay the amount in full at the time of delivery. If you chose a non-binding estimate, you will be required to pay a pre-determined portion of the cost at delivery with up to 30 days to pay the balance in full.

The important thing to remember is that none of this should be a surprise to you. All payment information should have been provided to you in detail in the order for service so that you could make the necessary arrangements.

Payment Options

Your method of payment will also dictate how moving day goes. If you’re paying by credit card, you may be asked to provide your information prior to the move Your charges may be charged up to two days prior to load in order to prevent your delivery from being delayed. If you’re paying by cash, certified check, or money order, you will pay before your shipment is unloaded at your new home. If your employer is handling the costs, you may be able to pre-arrange an invoice.

Again, the important thing here is that you should have a clear idea ahead of time what your costs will be and how the payment will take place. The terms of payment are part of the moving contract and are legally binding, so there should never be any surprise.  So ask questions and know the process to avoid unexpected and probably expensive surprises.