Moving Tips - Loading Tips Video

Like good packing, proper loading is extremely important. Like did you ever see in a movie when someone tries to stand in a moving vehicle? Unless they hold on to something or brace themselves, they just can't stand still and neither can your things.

Everything you load has to be secured so nothing shifts during the journey, which could lead to damaged goods. And you can't rely on the bulkhead, the two-panel wall you install after loading, to support your goods. The bulkhead is only designed to separate your stuff from the rest of the trailer. It's not designed to stop shifting. There are a lot of bumps on the road. Be sure you secure your load for a safe and secure journey to your new home.

If you're loading one of our trailers, start by marking the footage you were quoted inside the empty trailer. Measure that distance from the front of the trailer. And mark it with a piece of tape or chalk. Remember, you only pay for the space you use.

Next, cover the floor of the trailer space with a plastic tarp. If you're loading one of our containers, make sure the path is clear between your home and the container. To load like a pro use rope, moving blankets, or other bracing materials to make sure your stuff doesn't bounce around during the road trip. Okay, get back to work alright?

Always load heavy bulky items first. Put appliances or heavy items toward the front. Turn wheeled items sideways and secure them by nailing braces into the floor. Pack smaller items and boxes around the larger items. Pack high and tight. Don't worry if you under or over estimated the amount of space you need in the trailer. Just use the space you need and your price will be adjusted accordingly.

If you're loading a trailer, cover your entire shipment with plastic sheets or a tarp to protect your things from dust. Then before you install the bulkhead, view the bulkhead installation segment of this DVD for step by step instructions.

There's no bulkhead in a mobile container; they're self-contained. All you have to do is pack and load securely, use your lock, and keep the key. Once you're all loaded, contact the local ABF Terminal to schedule the pickup.

Before the driver arrives, double check the amount of space you've used on the trailer, then write the footage on the bill of lading and sign it. The bill of lading is U-Pack's contract with you to move your goods at the agreed upon price, which if you're using a trailer is based on the space you've used. The driver who picks up the trailer will also check to see how much space you've used. Then he'll initial the linear footage you've written on the bill of lading and give you a copy to keep for your records.

You'll need the contract number on the bill of lading any time you inquire about your shipment so always keep a copy handy. And remember you can easily track the progress of your goods online at upack.com