Terms of Service
Contents
1. Agreement to Terms
By requesting a quote, signing a moving contract, or booking any service with Ironmen Moving and Storage, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. These terms govern all local, intrastate, long-distance, international, and storage services provided by Ironmen Moving and Storage.
All intrastate moves within California are governed by the California Household Goods Carriers Act (California Public Utilities Code §§ 5101–5109) and the applicable CPUC-approved tariff. All interstate moves are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under 49 CFR Parts 371, 375, and 387. International moves are additionally subject to customs regulations of the origin and destination countries.
Ironmen Moving and Storage operates under USDOT #4446194 and MC #1751427.
2. Estimates and Binding Quotes
All estimates are based on the inventory and information you provide at the time of your survey. We offer two types of estimates:
Binding Estimate
The price quoted is the price you pay, provided the inventory and services do not change after signing. Any additions to inventory or services are charged at the current rate and documented with your written authorization.
Non-Binding Estimate
An approximate cost based on estimated weight or hours. The final charge may be higher or lower depending on actual shipment weight, access conditions, and time required. Final charges will not exceed 110% of the non-binding estimate without your prior written consent.
Ironmen provides binding estimates on all long-distance moves. Local moves are quoted hourly; the estimate reflects expected hours and crew size based on your survey. If actual conditions differ materially (undisclosed stairs, elevator downtime, packing additions), additional charges will be discussed and documented before work continues.
3. Valuation Coverage & Liability
California and federal law require us to offer two levels of valuation coverage. You must select one in writing before your move begins:
- Released Value Protection (Basic): Included at no charge. Ironmen's liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. For a 50-pound TV lost or destroyed, maximum liability is $30.00. This is the default if no selection is made.
- Full Value Protection: Purchased separately. Under this option, Ironmen is liable for the lesser of the cost to repair, the depreciated replacement value, or a cash settlement based on current market value. Rates are disclosed in your written estimate.
Ironmen is not liable for damage to items packed by the customer (PBO — Packed by Owner), items with pre-existing damage, items of extraordinary value not declared before the move (jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles), or damage caused by acts of God, weather, or road conditions beyond our control.
For international moves, liability is governed by the applicable international freight convention and the terms of the ocean or air bill of lading.
4. Payment Terms
A deposit may be required at time of booking to secure your move date. Deposit amounts are disclosed in your written estimate. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of your goods before unloading begins.
We accept cash, certified check, and major credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted on move day. For long-distance moves, a portion of the balance may be due at origin and the remainder at destination, as specified in your contract.
Unpaid balances are subject to a storage lien in accordance with California law. Ironmen reserves the right to place a hold on delivery until all outstanding charges are satisfied.
5. Cancellation & Rescheduling
- 72+ hours before move date: Full refund of any deposit, no cancellation fee.
- 48–72 hours before move date: Deposit is non-refundable. No additional charge.
- Less than 48 hours before move date: Deposit is forfeited and a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours of the quoted crew rate applies.
- Same-day cancellation or no-show: Full cancellation fee applies plus any costs already incurred (packing materials, fuel, crew deployment).
Rescheduling is accommodated at no charge with 72+ hours' notice, subject to availability. Rescheduling within 48 hours may incur a rescheduling fee.
6. Items We Cannot Transport
For the safety of our crews and compliance with federal and state regulations, the following items cannot be transported on any Ironmen vehicle:
- Hazardous materials — flammable liquids, compressed gases, propane tanks, car batteries (not in vehicle), pool chemicals, paint, solvents, aerosols
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Illegal substances
- Perishable food items and items requiring refrigeration during transit
- Live plants (for interstate/international moves)
- Pets and animals
- Medications requiring temperature control
Items of extraordinary value — jewelry, currency, bearer bonds, irreplaceable documents, fine art, collectibles — should be transported personally or via an insured specialty carrier. If declared and documented, some high-value items may be accepted under Full Value Protection at an additional premium.
7. Customer Responsibilities on Move Day
To ensure a smooth move, you are responsible for:
- Ensuring clear access to both origin and destination — driveways, elevators, stairwells, and hallways should be cleared before crew arrival
- Obtaining any required parking permits, elevator reservations, or building access approvals in advance
- Being present or having an authorized representative present at both origin and destination for the duration of the move
- Disclosing all items to be moved, including those in attics, basements, sheds, and detached garages
- Draining gas from all power equipment (lawnmowers, generators, etc.) before move day
- Ensuring appliances are disconnected and prepared for transport (refrigerators defrosted, washers secured)
Ironmen is not responsible for delays or additional charges caused by inadequate access, undisclosed items, or failure to have required permits or approvals in place.
8. Delays and Force Majeure
Ironmen will make every reasonable effort to meet scheduled move dates and delivery windows. However, Ironmen is not liable for delays caused by:
- Weather, natural disasters, floods, fires, or acts of God
- Traffic, road closures, or government restrictions
- Mechanical breakdowns (Ironmen will arrange alternative transport at no additional charge)
- Delays at customs or port for international shipments
- Circumstances outside Ironmen's reasonable control
For long-distance moves, your contract will include a delivery window estimate. Ironmen is not liable for consequential damages (lost rent, hotel costs, work absences) resulting from delivery outside the estimated window unless specifically agreed in writing.
9. Storage Terms
Ironmen offers in-house vault storage at our Bay Area facility. Items are stored in sealed 225 cubic foot wooden vaults. Storage is month-to-month; billing begins on the date your items are received and continues until you schedule delivery and items are released.
- There is no customer walk-in access to the storage facility
- Items are returned to the customer via a scheduled delivery handled by our crew; delivery out of storage is arranged as a scheduled move on your timeline and may be quoted separately
- Storage charges not paid within 30 days of the billing date may result in a lien on stored goods in accordance with California Commercial Code §§ 7201–7210
- Ironmen is not responsible for damage to improperly packed items or items not in Ironmen-provided vaults
10. Claims Process
If your goods are lost or damaged during a move handled by Ironmen, you have the right to file a claim. All claims must be submitted in writing within the following timeframes:
- Intrastate California moves: Within 9 months of delivery
- Interstate moves: Within 9 months of delivery (FMCSA requirement)
- International moves: Per the terms of the applicable international freight convention and bill of lading (typically 60–180 days)
To file a claim, contact us at info@ironmenmovingandstorage.com with your name, move date, description of lost or damaged items, estimated value, and any supporting documentation (photos, receipts). We will acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days of receipt.
Ironmen will not consider claims for items reported as damaged after the crew has left and after the bill of lading has been signed without notation of damage. We recommend noting any visible damage on the bill of lading before the crew departs.
11. Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising from services provided by Ironmen Moving and Storage that cannot be resolved through our internal claims process will be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), with proceedings held in San Jose, California. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on both parties.
For intrastate California moves, you also have the right to file a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at cpuc.ca.gov. For interstate moves, you may file with the FMCSA at fmcsa.dot.gov.
Nothing in these terms limits your rights under applicable consumer protection laws.
12. Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of California and applicable federal regulations. For intrastate moves, the California Household Goods Carriers Act and CPUC tariff take precedence. For interstate moves, FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR take precedence. Any provision of these terms found to be unenforceable will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force.
13. Contact
Questions about these Terms of Service? Contact us:
Ironmen Moving and Storage
San Jose, California
Phone: 1-800-326-2099
Email: info@ironmenmovingandstorage.com
USDOT #4446194 • MC #1751427