Company Policy
We understand this is a lot to read — but the information below is important and applies to every move. These policies exist to protect both you and our company.
Moving Day Guidelines
Customer presence required. The customer or an authorized representative must be present at all times during the move. Your guidance is required for directing the crew.
Final walk-through. It is the customer's responsibility to complete a final walk-through to confirm that all items have been moved before the crew departs.
Continuous billing. Time runs continuously until all tools and equipment are returned to the truck and payment is completed. Please have payment ready to avoid delays.
Crew size. Crew size is determined by Boston Best Rate Movers based on availability, scheduling, and conditions.
Driver hours. We reserve the right to limit workdays to 12 hours. DOT regulations may require a job to be paused or a replacement driver to be assigned.
Weather conditions. We reserve the right to reschedule without liability due to inclement weather, including heavy rain, snow emergencies, hurricanes, or travel bans.
Last-minute changes. If additional services are requested beyond the original order, we reserve the right to postpone the additional work until the next available time to meet existing scheduling commitments.
Loading/unloading only. If we are providing loading or unloading services only, we are not responsible for damage occurring during transportation. Liability ends after loading or before unloading. We are only responsible for items while they are in our direct care, custody, and control.
Payment Policy
All moves must be paid in full on the day of service unless otherwise arranged in writing. Payment is due before the job is completed.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash — receives a 5% discount
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express — a 5% convenience fee applies
- We do not accept checks.
For credit or debit card payments, the cardholder name must match the customer name, and a signature is required.
Long-Distance & Interstate Moves
Payment structure for long-distance and interstate moves varies based on distance, job size, routing, and logistics:
Same-Day Pickup & Delivery
A standard deposit — typically equivalent to one hour of labor — is required to secure the truck and crew. The remaining balance is due upon completion of services.
Multi-Day Moves (Separate Pickup & Delivery Days)
Payment is required for each day of service. Charges for the pickup day are due upon completion of loading, and charges for the delivery day are due upon completion of delivery.
Out-of-State Pickups Traveling Into Massachusetts
A 50% deposit is required to secure the crew and equipment. The remaining balance is due upon completion of delivery.
Parking & Permits
The customer is responsible for obtaining any required moving permits. We strongly recommend permits for all moves, as they ensure parking close to the entrance. Typically, 35–40 feet is required for the truck.
If parking is unavailable upon arrival, the moving clock will begin while the crew searches for parking. The driver may park at their discretion, including double-parking if necessary. Any parking tickets or fees incurred are the customer's responsibility.
Permits Highly Recommended
Permits are especially recommended in the North End and Beacon Hill.
Permit Service by Boston Best Rate Movers
We can obtain a permit per your request if requested in writing at least 5 business days before the moving date. We handle parking permits year-round for Boston, except during August and September 1st. The cost is $185.00, including pulling permits and posting signs 48 hours before the move.
Special Items & Preparation
Cancellation & Reschedule Policy
Cancellation Policy
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled move date are subject to a three (3) hour cancellation fee.
- Last-minute moves booked within 72 hours with full payment required have non-refundable deposits.
The deposit is applied toward your final bill as a prepaid amount and will remain valid if you choose to reschedule, provided availability exists for the newly requested date.
Reschedule Policy
- Rescheduling is free of charge when requested more than 72 hours prior.
- Rescheduling within 72 hours is subject to a one (1) hour rescheduling fee.
Moving Insurance & Valuation
Basic Protection — Included
By Massachusetts law, the minimum required coverage is $0.60 per pound per article, up to $10,000. This is included in your quoted rate (Carrier Liability Coverage).
Example: If an item weighing 100 pounds is damaged, compensation is $60 — regardless of purchase price.
Boston Best Rate Movers does not sell additional insurance coverage. We recommend purchasing coverage through a third-party provider:
MovingInsurance.com
Online moving insurance for residential and commercial relocations. Licensed in all 50 states.
888-893-8835
movinginsurance.comBaker International
Comprehensive household goods insurance since 1981, with in-house claims handling.
800-356-0093
bakerintl.comYou may also check your homeowner's or personal insurance policy for additional coverage options.
Important Rules About Valuation Coverage
- • Valuation coverage does not automatically apply — it must be proven that the mover was responsible.
- • Items packed by the customer (not by the mover) are not covered.
- • Movers are not responsible for electronic items that fail post-move unless there is clear evidence of improper handling.
Damages & Claims
All damage claims must be submitted in writing and noted on the bill of lading on the day of the move, before the crew leaves.
Customers are responsible for a final inspection. The signed bill of lading states: “The above services were rendered and all goods delivered in good order, except as noted.”
Claims will not be processed unless the move is paid in full. Even if damage is discovered on move day, customers are legally required to pay the full balance. Deducting money from the final bill for damages is not permitted. Claims must be submitted separately through the claims process.
General Terms & Conditions
Your estimate is based on the information you provided and is non-binding. Final charges are determined by Total Time, plus any approved add-ons.
How Time Is Calculated
Travel Time: From our Waltham warehouse to the origin (pickup), plus the return trip from the destination (drop-off) back to our warehouse.
Labor Time: Begins when the crew arrives and includes loading, transportation, and unloading at the destination.
Minimum charge: 3 hours (4 hours on High Pick days). Billing is in 15-minute increments. Travel time is included in the minimum.
What's Included in Your Estimate
Possible Additional Charges
Moving blankets and pads are included at no cost. All other packing materials (tape, mattress covers, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, boxes) are billed separately. If you do not wish for materials to be used, notify the crew in advance before any materials are opened.
If your shipment is delivered to third-party storage, a POD, or another company's truck and you elect to purchase moving blankets, they are charged at $25 per blanket ($5 refund if later retrieved by Boston Best Rate Movers).
Certificates of Insurance (COI)
Certificates are issued after the move is booked. Check with your building management to see what is needed. Most buildings require a certificate holder and an additional insured listed.
Additional Information
We transport household goods only. Living plants and animals will not be transported. Customers are not permitted to ride in the moving truck. Additional time may be required for packing/unpacking, long carry distances, narrow hallways, hoisting, oversized items, items with glass/marble, or appliance moves.
Total move time is directly affected by the customer's level of preparation. All drawers must be emptied and all loose items must be securely packed in boxes prior to the start of the move.
Storage Facility & Storage Moves
We are proud to offer a secure, climate-controlled storage facility equipped with camera surveillance to ensure the safety and security of your belongings. Our facility provides a reliable and hassle-free storage experience.
Furniture Protection
To safeguard your furniture during storage, we use moving pads that remain on your items throughout the entire storage period at no additional charge. Please ensure that all items are packed in boxes and avoid leaving any loose items. If you have any loose items, our movers will pack them on your moving day (a materials charge will apply).
Access & Security
Our storage facility is private and secure, and is not open to the public. For this reason, we do not provide direct access or keys until you are ready to move your belongings to a new location.
Inventory & Pricing
To determine your monthly storage costs, we recommend completing our inventory list in advance. This helps ensure an accurate monthly storage fee (which will adjust based on your volume) and a smooth storage experience.
Storage Fees & Retrieval
We retain exclusive access to stored property. Retrieval requires payment of a docking fee starting at $99, adjusted based on size, labor, and time.
The first month of storage is due in full on move day unless otherwise specified. Monthly storage fees apply thereafter. Late fees may be charged, and items may be retained for non-payment at the owner's expense.
Questions About Our Policies?
If you have any questions or need clarification, our team is happy to help.
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