Moving Companies’ Approach to Managing Delays (and What They Don’t Tell)
Many individuals hire moving services to coordinate the transportation and packing of their possessions, often neglecting an essential aspect: delays. While moving companies don’t always highlight that delays can disrupt schedules and cause stress and unexpected costs; understanding their methods could help property managers and individuals prepare for possible disruptions to moving schedules.
The Causes of Delays
Delays during a move can occur due to factors beyond the moving company’s control, such as traffic congestion, weather conditions, or mechanical issues with moving trucks. These issues may require multiple crew visits for repairs, requiring upfront payments and payment agreements despite reasonable explanations.
Underestimating Time Requirement of Moving
Underestimating the time needed for loading, packing, and transporting items can cause delays. Moving companies often give optimistic estimates to attract clients, but unexpected challenges arise on moving days. Property managers or renters expecting quick delivery may end up waiting hours or days for their items.
Prioritize Multiple Tasks Throughout the Day
Moving companies often schedule multiple clients in a day during busy moving seasons. Delays at each job could compound, leading to appointments running behind schedule. Although companies strive to maximize resource allocation, some might fail to inform clients of its effect on schedules which creates uncertainty among property managers charged with overseeing multiple tenant moves.
Lack of Transparency about Contingency Plans
Moving companies often offer a contingency plan for delays, but these plans are usually hidden. If weather or truck issues occur, they might reschedule to the next available slot, causing days of waiting. This opaque property management approach can cause issues for tenants and landlords, as delays could result in fines or additional charges. To avoid these issues, property managers should understand potential risks and develop contingency plans as a safety net.
What Happens When a Move is Delayed
Moving companies typically promptly inform clients of a revised timeline in case of delays, but communication may take time for minor issues. Some companies may offer discounts or compensation for late moves, but this is not guaranteed. Clients should remain flexible, as uncertainty can negatively impact property managers’ schedules, delay access to parking or elevators, and cause frustration among tenants. This can lead to complaints or an unpleasant moving experience for both incoming and outgoing residents.
Hidden Costs and Delays
Moving companies may not always disclose hidden charges for delays, such as extra fees for longer wait times due to traffic or other circumstances. These fees may only be known to customers after receiving their bill. Property managers should carefully review these additional fees to prevent surprises for tenants and stay within tenant guidelines while adhering to contract guidelines.
How to Prepare for Delays
Property managers and tenants can reduce the financial and emotional impact of moving delays by discussing policies, rescheduling, compensation, and accommodation plans with moving companies. They can also offer flexible facility access to prevent major disruptions. However, moving companies often don’t disclose all potential risks, so understanding these factors is crucial.