At best, long-distance movers can only provide you with estimates of when you can expect to receive your delivery. It is crucial to have realistic expectations and, most importantly, have a candid discussion on what may affect your shipment's estimated time of arrival (ETA)

This post highlights what you should know about estimated ETA and getting money back due to delays.

Consolidated Shipments

The reason long-distance movers cannot guarantee a specific delivery date is that they often consolidate multiple shipments belonging to different customers into the moving trailers. That is to say that besides your belongings, the movers will put in items belonging to other clients, depending on the space available.

With this in mind, it is easy to see how the multiple pickups and drop-offs will affect delivery times. Professional long-distance movers will make an effort to better coordinate the individual moves and avoid unnecessary delays. This means ensuring that none of the moves go overtime.

Factors Affecting Delivery Times

Individual moves running overtime aside, there are certain factors that may affect the move, which may be beyond the control of even the most professional long-distance movers. Think of bad weather and the moving trailer developing mechanical issues.

For bad weather, it would be unreasonable to have the long-distance company drive in those circumstances. Depending on how bad the weather gets, this will definitely set the movers back a day or more. On the other hand, how fast the movers can resolve the mechanical issues they face will determine how fast they can get back on the road.

Legal Timeframes

As per the stipulations of the Department of Transport, long-distance movers have up to 21 days within which to deliver your items. If the movers can do so within this timeframe, then they will owe you no compensation. Any delays beyond this timeframe will make you eligible to seek compensation from the moving company.

To clarify, your long-distance movers may give you an ETA that is nowhere near close to the 21 days. However, even if they don't deliver your shipment within the agreed-upon window but still do it before the 21 days are up, then you don't qualify to seek compensation. However, some professional long-distance movers will offer some compensation, despite not being required by law.

Professional long-distance movers with more experience can give you a realistic delivery window. That said, keep an open mind and keep your expectations realistic, knowing many moving parts may affect the ETA. Contact a local moving company to get more specific details.

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