Question about dealing with movers when you PCS?

Question

Do you provide some kind of food (doughnuts, sandwiches) and drinks to your movers? We never did but the last time we moved here in Hawaii the movers seemed very annoyed and even asked us for food and water (which we didn't have).

Coincidentally (I think not) alot of our furniture was damaged during that move.

I told my husband that next time we are providing food and drinks. I see it as a kind of "insurance policy". A small price to pay to keep them from being mad and careless.

ajtrud - I agree and so does my husband but the reality is that the insurance doesn't pay replacement cost..they deduct for age and wear even if the item was brand new. Unfortunately, I am more than familiar with making claims.

We have reported three moving companies to transportation in the past (once in HI, once in NC and once in IL). We were told all three times that the movers might be put on a one or two week restriction but that they never lose their contracts. We also complained to the moving companies and got not satisfaction. I even reported the IL company to the Better Business Bureau. They never did make restitution, instead they let the bad report stay on their record.

I think the moving companies with government contracts know that they are relatively safe from losing their jobs.

It's to the point that I will resort to kissing a little butt in order to keep my things from being broken.

Answer 1

No and if they ask call the company and complain. Your stuff will get ruined no matter if you have food or not, trust me. Don't buy anything that is worth anything because every move you make it will just get more and more damaged. All military movers suck.

Answer 2

We always have bottled water and sodas on hand for our movers. We don't usually provide any kind of food but if I see that they are doing a really great job packing up our stuff, we will order pizza. We usually only have 3-4 guys packing our stuff so it's not so expensive to buy pizza for them.

But I've never, ever had a mover ask for food before...that's just not right. I can understand them asking for a drink though.

EDIT: Just in case you didn't know..they recently changed the claim policy for damaged and missing items. You now get FULL replacement value!!!!

Answer 3

As of this fiscal year which started October 1st, the policy of value was changed for damage items. You will now receive the replacement value not the reduced value (we just moved ourselves overseas).

Yes we have always had water, juice, pop/soda, snacks, etc... for our movers. In the 5 ones we have done, nothing major has been damaged. We have gotten a couple of nicks, small ding, etc.. These moves included from Hawaii to mainland, then back to Hawaii, then back to the mainland. For the guys that unpacked it you can't necessarily blame them for the damage as it could have easily been done when packed or during the shipment. One thing I have seen is that a lot of people who do have damage when arriving in Hawaii came from the East Coast.

Answer 4

We always stocked a large ice chest with soda's and bottled water and if the crew was smaller than say 5 or 6 I'd give the foreman 25-30 dollars for their lunch but I'd do it in front of the crew and tell them what it was for loud enough that the crew heard as well.

After all we get the move for free and are saving what a grand or so? 50 dollars or so isn't much and certainly makes us feel better about the pack and load. We do the same thing at the drop off.

Answer 5

I don't think that it is required, but you are dealing with people who are entrusted with your valuables, so the polite and nice thing to do is give them something to drink at least. I sent my wife to get my movers sodas. Since they were there for only three hours, I felt that was appropriate.

Also, remember that they are human, and they may have damaged your things accidentally. These are guys that get paid low wages for a physically demanding job. I haven't seen my goods (they are in storage) but I think they damaged the refrigerator and door (which were left in the apartment).

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I hate saying this but these movers get paid to move your stuff for you and you do NOT have to provide them with any kind of "insurance". The armed services..whatever branch, advises you greatly to list EVERY item you pack to get moved. Submit your list to your unit before you leave and have everything inspected. If anything is broken or stolen, they have to replace it or pay you back. That is what your only "insurance" is. If these movers are very disrespectful, contact who you must to get them rep remanded. They have no right to asked you for food, it is not your responsibility...they are there for the sole purpose of moving your stuff.

Answer 8

I usually do offer drinks and order a pizza or something. That isn't a easy job to be moving furniture all day. I have moved 4 times and really never had any problems.

Answer 9

actually you DO now get full replacement cost. Just went into effect.

I'll be honest: have never provided food although I am happy to provide bottles of water. the one time we did offer to buy lunch for them they politely declined.

You are under ZERO Obligation to provide anything. You have the right to expect the same level of service whether you do or you don't.

Answer 10

No. I have moved (PCS) three times and the only thing I provided was water. However, if you feel magnanimous, why not give them simple sandwiches. They'll appreciate the gesture, I'm sure.