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Frequently Asked Questions

Small Moves & Household Moves

Moving long distance? We can help you ship your furniture and other belongings to your new home. Keep reading for answers to your most frequently asked questions.

1. How fast can I get my items where they need to go?

Boxed and crated items Furniture

3-7 business days.

Learn more about shipping boxed and crated items

Pickup within 20 business days.
Delivery within 20 business days of pickup.

Learn more about furniture shipping

We don't guarantee exact delivery dates in order to keep our prices low, but we always try our best to work with your timeframe. Give our moving and shipping specialists a call at 1-800-626-1257 to see what we can do for you.

2. How can I ship boxes?

For household and small moves, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is a fast and affordable way to ship large boxes of household items, clothes, and all kinds of stuff. It’s the lowest cost service we offer because you only pay for the space your belongings take up on the truck, and it can transport your belongings anywhere in the continental US. For your convenience, we offer next-day pickup from a business, residence, or storage facility.

We can also help businesses ship boxes and crates. Learn more about our commercial freight shipping service.

3. How can I move furniture or large household items?

You can move furniture and large household items at competitive rates using TSI’s White Glove service. With White Glove service, a two-person moving crew will prepare your items for shipment, as well as provide inside pickup and delivery. Learn more about our furniture shipping services.

4. What is the most affordable way to ship furniture?

We recommend our standard furniture shipping service. With this service, a two-person moving crew will prepare your furniture for transport, and you’ll also receive inside pickup and delivery.

5. Do I have to pack my own belongings?

Whether you pack your belongings yourself depends on what level of service you require. If you’re shipping furniture, antiques, artwork, or other valuables, don’t want to pack, or are unable to pack, you’ll require our White Glove service. With White Glove service, a two-person moving team prepares your goods for shipment, including packing and inside pickup and delivery.

If you’re only shipping boxes, we recommend using our Economy service — it’s more cost-effective than White Glove service. If you choose our Economy service to ship boxes, you must pack everything yourself. Use our tips for packing to make sure your goods are prepared for transport.

6. How are moves priced?

Small moves are typically priced based on weight, dimensions, distance, type of service, and packing requirements. We can help you with those estimates — just give us a call at 1-800-626-1257.

Larger moves are usually priced by volume (ie. linear or cubic feet). If we can’t get an accurate estimate of how much stuff you have to move over the phone, we may recommend scheduling a live video chat estimate.

7. How and when do you accept payment?

Small moves and freight shipments: Payment is due when the shipment is booked. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Long-distance (full household) moves: Payment options depend on type of service. Call a moving specialist at 1-800-626-1257 to learn more.

8. How can I cancel a move or shipment?

You can cancel a move or shipment any time before pickup. Be aware, a cancellation fee will be incurred.

9. How can I contact TSI?

Reach our moving and shipping specialists Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm at 1-800-626-1257.

Click on the chat icon at the bottom of your screen to live message a specialist.

10. Do you ship to Jamaica or Ghana?

We currently do not offer residential moving or shipping services internationally, including Jamaica and Ghana.

11. How do I get a quote?

We actually created guides for you so you know exactly what you'll need to get a quote.

Learn how to get moving quotes

Learn how to get shipping quotes.

Commercial Shipments

Whether you're a gallery owner shipping artwork or you're managing a large-scale corporate relocation, TSI can help. Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about freight shipping for business.

1. How much does it cost to ship items for my business?

The cost of your shipment depends on its freight classification. Freight class depends on four factors:

  1. Weight and dimensions
  2. Stowability
  3. Handling
  4. Liability

Beyond freight classifications, there may be upcharges for things such as:

  • Limited access fees for difficult pickup and delivery points, such as a high-rise office in a congested urban area
  • Expedited delivery Freight pickup or delivery outside the carrier’s normal area
  • Prep work — Valuable items such as medical equipment, entertainment centers, pianos, etc., usually require professional prep work to reduce the risk of damage.

2. What is the best way to package fragile goods?

Fragile items must be packaged with care to prevent breakage and other damage. No matter how professional and careful the shipper is, loads can shift or encounter bumps along the route for reasons beyond human control. In addition, environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold, exposure to moisture, UV rays, dust and dirt, etc., must also be taken into account. With all this in mind, here are some general freight shipping solutions to keep in mind when packaging your belongings:

  • Surface protection: Delicate metal and wood finishes can be protected by applying flexible polypropylene, polyethylene, or bubble packaging material, which can be purchased online or in many hardware and office supply stores. Be careful to secure it with a non-staining tape. Otherwise, tape adhesive may transfer to your item and cause permanent damage.
  • Moisture, dust, and dirt protection: The flexible packaging materials mentioned above are all “closed-cell,” which means they provide a reliable barrier against moisture, dust and dirt. Depending on the item, these materials can be supplemented with or replaced by polyethylene bags or sheeting (shrouds). An opaque poly bag provides UV protection as well — this is crucial for items subject to sunlight damage, such as framed photography.
  • Cushioning: Flexible polyethylene, polypropylene, and bubble packaging make excellent cushioning materials if more of it is used to wrap the item. Paper can be stuffed into boxes, or used to wrap items such as glassware, before placing items in a box to provide adequate protection. Make sure to use unprinted paper (ink transfer can mar damage surfaces) and use a non-abrasive paper for glass and other delicate surfaces. Make sure the box is full, with no extra space.

3. Can you guarantee transit time?

Yes, we can guarantee transit time! We can package a blend of freight solutions to get your items to their destination by your deadline.

4. What can be shipped?

We can ship anything but people, plants, explosives, hot tubs, and cars. If your business has a shipping problem, we have a solution.

5. What happens if my items are lost or damaged? Can they be insured?

We are in constant contact with our carriers, so you’ll know where your items are at all times. We offer uncapped liability coverage, meaning we can insure whatever you need. In the unlikely event your items are lost or damaged, your insurance will cover it.

Have other questions about shipping your item? Please contact us — we are eager to help!