Storage
Storage may be provided if requested at either origin or destination. There are two types of storage provided by your United agent:
1. Temporary Storage (Storage-in-transit)
Storage-In-Transit, or
SIT, is the temporary storage of your household goods in a warehouse,
pending further transportation. Your belongings may be placed in SIT at
either the origin or the destination location. While your belongings
are in SIT, they remain part
of the interstate shipment. For shipments
in SIT:
§ The SIT storage period cannot exceed 180 days.
§ The Full-Value Coverage option you selected and the declared value applicable to your shipment during interstate transportation remains the same while your belongings are in SIT. However, there is an additional charge for the extended valuation coverage while the goods are in SIT.
2. Permanent Storage (long-term)
Your belongings may be held in permanent storage at a warehouse. Typically, your belongings would be placed in permanent (or long-term) storage after the expiration of the 180-day period of SIT storage. Permanent storage also would apply at the conclusion of the interstate transportation when storage of all or part of your shipment is expected to be lengthy, and there will be no further interstate transportation of your shipment. For shipments in permanent storage:
§ The shipment of your belongings under the Bill of Lading terminates, and a new storage contract is entered into with the warehouse company where your goods are to be stored.
§ Liability for loss or damage to the goods shifts from the carrier to the warehouse company for the period your belongings are in permanent storage.
§ Generally, the coverage available for goods in permanent storage contains exclusions for articles of extraordinary value. Additional exclusions or limitations may apply to the coverage for your belongings while in permanent storage. Ask a representative of the warehouse company for an explanation of the coverage available and any applicable exclusions or limitations.
Costs involved in storage:
1. Warehouse handling. This is a fee to cover the labor involved to unload the goods from the moving van, wrap the goods in padded blankets and re-inventory the goods in preparation for storage.
2. Time in Storage. Storage in Transit accrues at a daily rate. Perm Storage accrues on a monthly basis.
3. Valuation while in storage. Both Storage in Transit and Perm Storage will require a monthly fee for continuation of valuation coverage. In some markets there is also an additional charge for valuation coverage for the delivery from storage.
4. Delivery (or Drayage) from Storage. This charge is usually based on a weight factor although occasionally it can be charged hourly.
Important points regarding delivery to a mini-storage or self-storage unit. If United Van Lines delivers to a mini-storage unit you should be aware that the liability of the van line for damages will terminate when the items deliver. If you find damage to an item during delivery make sure that it is noted on the inventory form. With the damage noted a claim can be made to the van lines. If you file a claim for damaged items days or weeks after delivery and the item is not noted on the inventory as having been damaged your van line claims adjust will likely deny the claim. The reason for denial will come from insufficient proof that the item was damaged while in the carriers possession. Our suggestion is that you carefully inspect all items as they deliver as well as look for boxes that may have been crushed or improperly handled.