Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: August 18, 2025

1. General Liability

(A) The moving company or any party in possession of the property described herein is responsible under common law for loss or damage to the items, except as otherwise stated below.

(B) The carrier or its representatives are not liable for loss, damage, or delay caused by natural disasters, acts of public enemies, legal authorities, or the shipper’s own fault. Once free storage time (if applicable under lawfully filed tariffs) expires and notice of arrival has been sent, the carrier’s liability is reduced to that of a warehouseman. Unless negligence is proven (and the burden of proof rests on the carrier), no liability applies for:

• goods held in transit at the shipper’s request,

• inherent defects or sensitivity of items (e.g., damage from temperature, humidity, etc.),

• riots, strikes, road obstructions, impassable highways, or insufficient infrastructure.

(C) In case of quarantine, items may be stored, returned, or redirected at the owner’s expense. The carrier’s liability ends once goods are discharged under quarantine regulations. The owner bears all quarantine-related expenses, and the company is not responsible for fumigation, disinfection, or delays caused by quarantine enforcement. The shipper agrees to indemnify the company against any fines or costs related to quarantine violations.

2. Transportation Terms

(A) The carrier is not obligated to transport property on a specific vehicle or for a particular market deadline but must provide reasonable dispatch. In cases where a reduced value is declared in writing by the shipper, recovery for loss or damage will not exceed that amount plus freight charges.

(B) Written claims must be submitted within 90 days of delivery (or within 90 days of a reasonable delivery time if undelivered). Legal action must be initiated within two years and one day from the date the carrier issues written denial of the claim. Claims not filed on time will not be honored.

(C) If insurance applies, the carrier may use it to cover losses, provided reimbursement for the premium is made to the claimant.

3. Packaging and Cooperage

Unless loss or damage is due to carrier negligence, all necessary baling or cooperage is at the owner’s expense.

4. Storage and Disposal

(A) Property not collected after notice of arrival may be stored in the company’s facility or transferred to a licensed warehouse at the owner’s cost. The company holds a lien for freight, storage, and related expenses.

(B) If nonperishable goods are unclaimed after 15 days, they may be sold at public auction after due notice to the consignor and proper publication.

(C) Perishable goods may be sold immediately at the carrier’s discretion to prevent spoilage, with reasonable notice given when possible.

(D–E) Proceeds from any sale will first cover freight, storage, and costs. Remaining balance will be returned to the owner.

(F–G) If loading/unloading is directed without the shipper’s or consignee’s presence, goods are at the owner’s risk before loading or after unloading.

5. Extraordinary Value Items

The company will not transport or be responsible for documents, currency, jewelry, or articles of extraordinary value unless a written agreement is made and declared value is stated.

6. Dangerous Goods

Shippers must disclose hazardous or explosive materials in writing before transport. Failure to do so makes the shipper fully liable for any resulting damage. Such goods may be destroyed or stored at the owner’s expense.

7. Payment of Charges

(A) All freight and lawful charges must be paid before goods are released, unless the consignor has authorized alternate arrangements in writing. If incorrect ownership information is provided, the consignee may still be liable.

(B) If actual items shipped differ from the bill of lading, charges will be adjusted to reflect the true contents.

8. Substituted Bills of Lading

Any prior declaration of value or conditions from earlier bills of lading remains valid and binding if substituted.

9. Unauthorized Changes

Alterations to this agreement not signed by the carrier’s agent are invalid. The original terms remain enforceable.

Additional Terms

Service Cancellation

• Cancellation within 48 hours of the move requires payment of a 3-hour minimum service fee.

• Rescheduling within 48 hours before the move also requires the same fee. Rates and availability are not guaranteed for rescheduled moves. Deposits are non-refundable if notice is less than 48 hours.

• If services are stopped mid-move, payment is due for the time worked (minimum 3 hours if items were loaded).

• Crew members may halt service if unsafe or inappropriate behavior occurs, with charges applied as described.

Double Drive Time

As required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), driving time between pick-up and delivery addresses is doubled. This applies only to driving time, not loading or unloading.

Coverage

• Standard valuation coverage: $0.60 per pound per item at no charge.

• Additional insurance is available upon request.

• Shrink wrap and blankets are included; boxes, paper, and bubble wrap are extra. The company is not liable for damage if the customer refuses protective packing or packs items personally.

Overtime and Rate Adjustments

• Overtime applies after 8 hours (time-and-a-half), and double time applies after 12 hours.

• Extra charges may apply for:

  • moves exceeding 100 miles,

  • adding movers during the job,

  • overnight storage ($250),

  • heavy/bulky items (over 250 lbs, $150 each),

  • hoisting ($100 per item),

  • stairs beyond 3 flights ($150),

  • fuel surcharges.

Other Conditions

• Customer is responsible for parking tickets during service.

• Wardrobe boxes, blankets, and speed packs are free to use but may be purchased if kept.

• The company does not disconnect appliances, handle gas/water/electric lines, or remove wall mounts.

• Trash left from packing is placed in one spot. If removal is requested, a $50 fee applies.

• Movers are entitled to breaks (10 minutes every 2 hours).

Prohibited Items: valuables (cash, jewelry, documents), flammable materials, open liquids, prescription medications.

Payment

• Payment is due upon job completion, before unloading.

• Accepted methods: cash or major credit cards (ID required).

• A 10% fee applies to credit card and Venmo/Zelle payments.

• Work time starts when the truck arrives and ends upon completion. Waiting for payment delays may be billed.

• Minimum 3-hour fee applies if cancellation occurs upon arrival.

Safety

The customer acknowledges that moving involves risk. By hiring Athlete Movers, the customer accepts responsibility for maintaining a safe environment and keeping a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from movers, tools, and equipment.