1. Regulatory Overview & Operating Authority
National Van Lines, Inc. operates as a licensed interstate motor carrier and broker authorized by the USDOT. All long-distance moving services across state lines are governed by federal tariff regulations and the FMCSA "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" guidelines.
Services within individual state borders or internationally are executed in cooperation with our network of authorized, licensed moving agents.
2. Estimates, Quotes, and Pricing Adjustments
All online, phone, or preliminary estimates provided by National Van Lines are generated based on initial inventory dimensions and customer-provided information.
- Non-Binding Estimates: Based on the actual weight of your shipment and selected add-on services, as measured on certified truck scales.
- Binding Estimates: Guarantees total cost based on an agreed inventory list. If additional items, extra packing, or specialized handling are requested at origin, a revised estimate must be signed prior to loading.
- Accessorial Charges: Extra charges may apply for flights of stairs, long carries, shuttle services (if full-sized vans cannot access your residence), or elevator delays.
3. Customer Responsibilities & Prohibited Items
To ensure a safe and legally compliant transport, customers are responsible for inspecting the driver’s initial inventory sheet at pickup and verifying all conditions noted.
Federal law strictly prohibits the transportation of hazardous or dangerous materials. The following items will not be loaded onto National Van Lines vehicles:
- Flammables, explosives, ammunition, propane tanks, paint, or corrosive chemicals.
- Perishable foods or plants moving across state lines without proper agricultural permits.
- High-value items such as cash, jewelry, financial documents, and prescription medicine (these should remain in personal customer possession).
4. Valuation Coverage and Carrier Liability
In accordance with federal regulations, National Van Lines provides two distinct levels of liability coverage for your shipment contents:
- Released Value Protection (Standard): Provided at no extra charge. Carrier liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. This is basic coverage and does not reflect full replacement cost.
- Full Value Protection (FVP): Comprehensive protection where any damaged or lost item will be repaired, replaced with a like item, or settled with a cash payment based on current market replacement value.
5. Delivery Schedules & Storage-in-Transit (SIT)
National Van Lines provides estimated delivery spreads based on shipment distance and logistics constraints. Guaranteed delivery windows are only binding when explicitly agreed upon in writing on your Bill of Lading.
If you are unable to accept delivery at the destination during the scheduled delivery window, your shipment may be placed in Storage-in-Transit (SIT) at an approved warehouse at the customer's expense.
6. Claims, Dispute Resolution, and Governing Law
In the unlikely event of loss or damage to your property during transit, claims must be filed in writing within 9 months of delivery, as mandated by federal law.
- All claims must include photos, inventory item numbers, and descriptions of the loss or damage.
- Disputes arising under these terms are subject to arbitration through FMCSA-approved dispute resolution programs.
- These terms are governed by the laws of the United States and the State where corporate operations are registered.