Frequently Asked Questions

Wheaton agents are individually owned and operated businesses located throughout the country. When a customer moves from one state to another, agents are authorized to act on behalf of the van line, Wheaton, to transport goods across state lines (hence, interstate agent). These agents have met the service and quality standards set to become an agent for Wheaton.

Your local Wheaton agent will work with your move manager to coordinate your move with the agent at your destination, ensuring the safe transit of your belongings.

Wheaton does not broker household goods moves for which it has been contracted nor does it buy or sell your personal information or your move to other companies. Wheaton and its agents work directly on your behalf to orchestrate your move. Wheaton agents are authorized to act on behalf of Wheaton to transport goods across state lines. These agents and their equipment have met the rigorous service and quality standards set to become an agent for Wheaton.

The best time to move is when it’s right for you. However, there are some times of the year that are busier for the moving industry than others. The summer months (May – September) and the end of each month are periods of heavier demand.

It is a good idea to contact the moving companies you are considering for your move with as much notice as possible. It is ideal to have companies provide an estimate five to six weeks prior to your desired move date. Try to select the moving company four weeks before your moving date. Be sure to sign the Estimate/Order for Service and confirm your packing, pick-up, and delivery dates.

There are three types of estimates: non-binding, firm binding, and option binding. 

• A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s approximation of the cost, based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. The final cost will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the tariff provisions in effect.
• A firm binding estimate is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the actual weight of the shipment is different than the agent anticipated, the price of the move would not change.
• An option binding estimate (also known as a not-to-exceed estimate) is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be no more than a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the anticipated weight of the shipment is less than estimated, then the customer’s bill is reduced by the amount of the cost associated with the weight difference between the estimated and actual weight.

The tariff provisions require that the charges be paid in full, prior to your shipment being unloaded at destination. You can pay for your move at the time of delivery with cash, money order, traveler’s check, certified check or cashier’s check. Or, with prior credit approval, you can charge the cost of your move to your personal credit card. Wheaton gladly accepts the following credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

All moving companies are required by federal law to make Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move available to customers. Your primary responsibility as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is to select a reputable household goods carrier, ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract, and understand and pursue the remedies that are available to you in case problems arise. You should talk to your mover if you have further questions. The moving company will also furnish you with additional information describing its procedure for handling your questions and complaints, and a telephone number you can call to obtain additional information about your move.

Yes, you can leave clothing in your dresser drawers if your shipment will not need storage. If you will need storage at one of Wheaton’s agencies, we recommend that all items in your dresser drawers be packed. We also recommend that all non-clothing items be packed, regardless of your storage needs.

Yes, the driver will load the boxes that you packed as long as the driver deems them safe for transport. Please note, the liability coverage for boxes that you pack yourself is not the same as the liability coverage available to you for carrier-packed boxes.

Typically, it is not advisable to move your plants. Most professional movers will only accept plants if the shipment is not going more than 150 miles and/or delivery will be within 24 hours. In addition, if you are moving across state lines, check with federal and state regulations for quarantines or other restrictions. Several states even require that plants be inspected and declared “pest free.”

Wheaton wants your belongings to arrive at your new home safe and sound.
That means not moving certain items. Aerosol cans and hazardous materials are unsafe for transportation on a moving van. In addition, perishable items and those of personal importance are recommended for your individual transport.

Wheaton recommends you do not pack or ship your fine jewelry, precious metals, important papers (titles, tax forms, bank books, deeds, etc.), medical and dental records, prescriptions, coins, currency, stock certificates, notes, or bonds. These items should be carried with you during your move.

All major appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, stoves, etc.) should be properly disconnected before the mover’s arrival. An authorized service firm can disconnect and prepare each appliance for transport. All refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted, cleaned and dried before the movers arrive. For more information, visit our packing of specialty items page.

Yes, Wheaton has the capability to transport your automobile. There are several options for this service, including in-van service or use of a third-party carrier. If you elect to use in-van service, your automobile will be transported on Wheaton’s moving truck with your household goods. You can also elect to use a third-party carrier to transport your vehicle. Whichever option you choose, Wheaton can arrange this service for you.

Your local Wheaton Agent can pack all of your mirrors and pictures using specially designed cartons and wrapping materials to provide maximum protection for your goods.

Wheaton offers different levels of valuation options for your belongings. These options are not insurance, but provide for protection of your goods during shipping.

Unpacking services are available and include the opening of boxes, one-time placement of items on a flat surface, and debris removal of unpacked boxes. Unpacking services do not include organization, cleaning or rearrangement of items. Additional fees apply for unpacking services.

When your Wheaton driver arrives at your home, he will conduct an initial walk-through of your home. Be sure to let the driver know what items are to be shipped, and what will stay. The driver and his crew will then prepare your house by protecting the floors and doorways. Once loading is ready to begin, the driver will use the inventory form to document the items, and their condition, going on the truck. Items will be properly padded and protected going on the truck.

After your belongings are loaded on the truck the driver will ask you to sign some paperwork, including the Bill of Lading, High-Value Inventory, and Inventory. Read more about what to expect on moving day.

Shuttle service is the use of a smaller vehicle to provide service when the residence is not accessible to the mover’s normal equipment. Shuttle service at origin involves loading the goods onto a smaller vehicle then transporting and offloading them onto the mover’s normal equipment. The process is reversed at destination, if necessary. Depending on the weight of the shipment, this could involve several trips with the smaller vehicle.

Based on the weight of your belonging and the distance they’re being transported, your local Wheaton agent will provide you with a range of days during which your belongings will be delivered. Your driver will contact you 48 hours prior to the delivery of your belongings. Ensure that the driver has your destination contact information prior to his departure from your origin residence.

Wheaton World Wide Moving strives to deliver the highest level of service with each move. The van line does not require customers to tip their movers nor is a gratuity included in your moving fees. Although tipping is not part of Wheaton’s policy, it is greatly appreciated, especially if your movers have done an exceptional job. If you feel the service received during your move warrants a tip, you can determine this by calculating a percentage of your moving charges (anywhere from 5-15 percent) or give a flat rate per person ($10-100). Consider the distance of your move and difficulty of the services performed when determining your gratuity. It’s also possible to express your gratitude in ways other than money. Having water available throughout the day and/or making lunch available to the crew can go a long way in expressing your satisfaction. Completing our survey after your move is complete and posting online reviews are easy ways to ensure your positive experience is noted. Wheaton regularly recognizes its employees based on positive customer feedback received.  If you choose to tip your moving crew, it is recommended to give the tip to the Wheaton driver so that he or she can disperse among the rest of the crew.

In the unfortunate situation that your belongings will not be delivered within the delivery spread that is stated on the Bill of Lading, please contact our customer service department at 1-800-248-4810. A customer service representative will be able to answer your questions and provide delivery updates. You should also feel free to contact us electronically if you prefer.

At Wheaton, we are dedicated to providing quality service, and we take these concerns seriously. If you had items damaged during the move, please contact Wheaton’s claims department at 1-855-913-1149. A claims adjuster will be assigned and he or she will review the claim and contact you, if necessary, with any further instructions. Please take note of the following details on the claims process:

1. All claims must be filed in writing, within nine months of the date of delivery to residence. If your goods were placed into storage-in-transit, and remain in storage in excess of 180 days, you have nine months from the date of conversion to permanent storage in which to file a claim.
2. Please do not discard or repair any items without prior authorization from this office, as we reserve the right to inspect all claimed items.
3. If you are claiming any damaged items which were packed, please indicate whether or not the carton was damaged. Please also save the packing material and carton for our inspection.
4. Please describe the nature and location of damages for each article claimed, and furnish repair estimates whenever possible to support the claim.
5. Please provide the manufacturer’s name, the model, and the serial number of any appliances or electronics equipment claimed as missing or damaged.
6. Copies of original purchase receipts should be submitted with your claim for items requiring replacement.
7. Please make certain that all items you wish to claim are included on your claim form, and that the claim form does constitute your complete and entire claim.