Why the questions matter more than the price
Two quotes can show the same hourly rate and still produce very different bills. The difference is in the details: minimums, fees, when the clock starts, how time is rounded, and who is responsible for parking and elevators. Asking the questions below gets those details into writing before you book, and makes quotes from different movers comparable.
For each question, this guide explains what a clear answer looks like and how FleetGo answers it, so you have a reference point when you speak to other companies.
Pricing structure
- Is the move priced hourly or as a flat rate? FleetGo prices local moves hourly by crew size: $125 per hour for 2 movers, $169 for 3, $209 for 4 and $249 for 5.
- Is there a minimum charge? FleetGo has a three-hour minimum labour charge.
- What fees are added to the hourly rate? FleetGo adds a $120 service fee covering the truck, fuel, blankets, dollies and standard equipment, plus HST.
- When does billing start? At FleetGo, labour is billed from the start time recorded after the crew arrives and the agreement is signed, not from the scheduled arrival time.
- How is time rounded? FleetGo rounds up to the next half hour only after a ten-minute grace period.
A mover that cannot answer these clearly is hard to compare. The FleetGo pricing page publishes all of the above.
Estimates and written quotes
- Is the estimate a fixed price or a forecast? Ask directly. FleetGo's estimated hours are a planning figure, not a guaranteed maximum, unless the quote is identified in writing as fixed price.
- What information is the estimate based on? An estimate built from a two-line description is a guess. Expect questions about rooms, large items and access.
- Will I get the quote in writing? Ask for written terms covering the rate, fees, minimum, deposit and cancellation before you pay anything.
The guide to how moving estimates work walks through a full price example.
Parking, elevators and building access
- Who books the elevator and loading dock? In most buildings the resident does. Under FleetGo's terms, the customer arranges elevator reservations, loading-dock access, parking and permits.
- Is waiting time billable? Ask what happens if the elevator is unavailable or the truck cannot park. At FleetGo, waiting caused by access or parking problems is billable.
- What does the crew need from the building? Ask whether the mover can respond to building document requests, and send any request early.
Condo residents should read the condo elevator booking guide before booking.
Packing, protection and furniture
- What protection is included? FleetGo uses moving blankets, shrink wrap, straps and padding as appropriate, and the service fee covers blankets and standard equipment.
- Can the crew pack for me? FleetGo offers packing services; packing time is part of the job.
- Is furniture disassembly included? At FleetGo, basic disassembly and reassembly is included when reasonably required within the booked scope. Specialty pieces may cost extra when disclosed.
- How are heavy items charged? FleetGo may treat an item over 100 lb as a heavy item, at $100 per item unless the quote includes it. Ask any mover how they handle pianos, safes and gym equipment.
For large or delicate pieces, see furniture moving.
Long-distance moves
- How are long-distance moves priced? FleetGo reviews moves over 100 km manually and quotes a flat rate based on the route, inventory and access.
- What is included in the long-distance price? Ask about travel, fuel, overnight costs and delivery timing.
See long-distance moving for how FleetGo plans moves across Ontario.
Deposits, cancellation and payment
- Is there a deposit, and is it refundable? FleetGo takes a $100 booking deposit unless the quote states another amount, and it is non-refundable once the booking is accepted.
- How much notice is needed to cancel or reschedule? FleetGo asks for at least 48 hours.
- When is payment due? Ask before move day. FleetGo may request payment once about 70% of the contracted work is complete.
- How are damage claims handled? FleetGo asks customers to report visible damage to the crew leader before departure and to submit a written claim within 48 hours.
Every one of these answers is in the FleetGo terms. Ask other movers for their written terms, too, and compare them line by line.
Questions for special situations
- Short notice: can the mover take a move this week? FleetGo confirms last-minute moves when you request a quote, based on crew and truck availability.
- Older relatives: does the mover adapt the pace and planning? See senior moving.
- Storage between homes: can the mover coordinate it? Ask who owns and operates the storage facility.
Put the answers side by side
Once you have answers from each mover, compare the total for the same crew size and the same number of hours, including the minimum, fees and tax. Then compare the terms: deposit, cancellation, billing start and who handles access. The cheapest hourly rate is not always the cheapest move.
To get FleetGo's answers applied to your move, request a free quote.