As with the volume, the weight is only important if you are entitled a certain maximum weight for account of your employer.

A removal quote will almost always show the estimated volume, but this figure is only relevant if 

• you are limited to certain maximum, as set by your employer or
• the removal price is based on a price per cubic meter

In all other cases, the volume is not of importance, as the mover has offered a fixed price for his services, which he should maintain, even if the loaded volume appears to be more. A deviation of this price is only possible if it can be obvious that there are more goods than shown ior indicated during the survey.

In case you have received a quotation per cubic meter (or per 100 lbs.), the final volume should never be off more than 10% from the quantity as estimated. Should the final volume, after loading show a larger deviation, the mover will make a comparison between estimation and packing lists and variations must be discussed with you. In case it was his misjudgment the rate must be charged over the estimated volume. Please note that the rate for a lower volume can be adjusted by the mover, to cover the fixed costs included in the rate.

Here are some possibilities:

• A fixed or total price
  This is for you the most reliable offer. In this case, the mover takes responsibility for the risk of any deviations in his estimation.
• A price per cubic meter. In this case, the estimated volume remains of interest. The lowest estimated volume doesn't always mean the cheapest provider, since the final volume is always being charged. Please note that the estimated volume well should always be line with other offers and that a mover that estimates lower can and will charge the final (higher) volume.
• A price per 100 lbs. This will be similar to a quotation based on volume. In this case however the weight must be substantiated with a weight certificate, as requested mainly by US movers. Please keep in mind that there are many unofficial types of certificates ' produced '.

A reliable quotation should always show the period of validity. Usually this is a period of up to 3 months. In spite of this, if the costs of external suppliers or agents, as well as exchange rates go up, these increases will be charged on, which you should be notified about in advance.

A reliable removal quotation must always show the in-, as well as the excluded services. Make sure you carefully compare the various services and costs, such as e.g. port costs in country of destination (sometimes described as Terminal Handling Charges or THC) and ask for an explanation from the mover if it is not clear.
Please note: are the non included costs also clearly mentioned?

Many movers outsource a part of the move, such as for instance the forwarding and the delivery in the country of destination. This reduces the involvement of the mover, creates extra communication problems in the entire process and possibly contributes to misunderstandings and derogations on appointments. The intermediary also has less interest in a fast and short transit time and will often choose the most cost-effective opportunities for himself.

A certified Mover (Erkende Verhuizer) is an excellent and your best choice for domestic removals. For an international move however, there are strict conditions and skills that will only be secured with a FIDI Faim ISO certified mover. This certification will show on websites and letterhead.

If the foreign agent is mentioned, it is important to also verify if this is a reliable partner. On which basis was this agent selected? If is not clear, please ask your mover which foreign partner he will be using and on what criteria this agent has been selected. Does your mover know this agent personally, is there a working experience or does it happen to be the only one he knows. Or was the agent selected by the freight forwarder? Is the agent FIDI Faim certified? You can of course always check the agent’s website. The movers Own offices abroad are certainly not always the best choice. An independent provider has the freedom to choose the best agent, based on practical experience, whereas the mover with its own foreign branches has no choice, but must use his own network.

For domestic removals the Certified Movers (Erkende Verhuizers) offer the Warranty certificate with an all-risks coverage up to € 100.000,-. For extra security and added value, you can always request for extra coverage. For an international move this warranty certificate does not apply whereas you can never call on the liability of a mover. A reliable international mover offers you, in addition to the normal liability, always an all-risks insurance coverage, against a premium which is based on the value that you specify. Also closely watch and read the conditions of the insurance – there are multiple premiums with additions, is extra transportation to and from storage included, is there a deductable, are valuables insured, etc.?

Is the mover FIDI FAIM ISO certified? The FIDI membership is an international recognition and confirms that the provider has experience with international removals. The FIDI membership is linked to the FAIM-ISO quality certification, which means an extra guarantee for you as a customer that he company will always meet its obligations. A Certified domestic mover (Erkende Verhuizer) is a good choice for domestic services but for international moves this certification has no value.

The provider must work at least as per the FIDI conditions, which cover your interests and those of the global provider. Please check the conditions – you have the right to know what they imply!