Charity cycling events like the Pan-Mass Challenge provide ABF U-Pack the opportunity to help out a good cause—in this case, cancer research. U-Pack donated moving containers for on-site storage to the event and supported an ABF employee who participated in the bike ride.
Fort Smith, Ark. — ABF U-Pack recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and helping others in need. That’s why on August 7-8, U-Pack donated the use of portable storage containers to the 31st Annual Pan-Mass Challenge. In addition, ABF U-Pack supported an employee as a cyclist in the weekend’s fundraising event.
The Pan-Mass Challenge is one of the most successful charity cycling events in the nation, covering 46 towns in Massachusetts during its two-day span. The organization has raised $270 million over the years for the Jimmy Fund, which finances cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, the Pan-Mass Challenge raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country.
A large crew and about 3,000 volunteers were needed to coordinate the 2010 Pan-Mass Challenge. In addition to the usual registration and fundraising responsibilities, event organizers also coordinated food and water stops plus medical stations in order to keep riders safe along all ten routes of the Pan-Mass Challenge. That’s where U-Pack stepped in to provide three ReloCubes for on-site storage of various supplies. The moving containers were made available for the portion of the bike ride starting in Wellesley, Mass.
An ABF employee also took part in the annual bike ride. As an experienced nine-year rider, Account Manager Bill Grimes rode 162 miles from Wellesley to Provincetown in two days. “It’s great to hear about inspiring charity cycling events like the Pan-Mass Challenge,” said ABF U-Pack Manager Kay Lynn Clay. “It’s even better to know we can help support a cause like the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and are proud that one of our own also went the distance.” Grimes joined more than 5,000 fellow cyclists in this year’s bike ride for charity.
ABF U-Pack Moving specializes in affordable residential moving solutions. As a leader in the self-move industry, ABF U-Pack combines the convenience of full-service moving with the cost savings of a truck rental. Visit www.upack.com for more information.
If I’m moving from the US to Canada, what do I need to know?
It takes some planning to coordinate a move—and if you’re crossing an international border, your moving checklist grows even more. Since there’s a lot to cover, consider this post the ‘first installment’ of discussion on moving from the US to Canada.
Canada may be the second largest country in the world, but the population of 34 million is small in comparison to its land size. That leaves plenty of room to settle if you’re moving to “The True North”! There’s a misconception that getting your items across the international border is one of the more difficult tasks when you’re moving from the US to Canada. But with the right paperwork, it’s really not so bad.
Let’s begin with one of the basic questions when you’re moving from the US to Canada: what documentation does ABF U-Pack need to move my items across the border? First, we’ll need a copy of your proof of status. This is usually a visa or passport, but could be another official document that confirms you have permission to move yourself and your belongings into Canada. U-Pack also needs a completed copy of the B4 and B4A forms, which is an itemized list of your items along with their approximate Canadian dollar value.
As a ‘post-audit carrier’, ABF has the authority to cross into Canada with your items ‘in-bond’ to the ABF destination terminal, where we’ll hold your goods until you obtain clearance through the local customs office. This is great news—you don’t have to meet us at the border! Once your belongings are cleared, we’ll deliver your moving trailer or moving container to your new destination address.
Providing ABF U-Pack with those three documents (proof of status, B4, and B4A) will make moving from the US to Canada much easier. If you have any questions or have a specific topic you want us to cover about moving to Canada, leave me a comment or try out the “Ask the Experts” tool.
Whether you’re just starting to think about moving to Hawaii or if you already have your plane ticket in hand, let me just go ahead and say that I’m jealous! Even if you’re concerned about the cost of moving to Hawaii, remember that you’re moving to a tropical paradise. Sparkling waters, crashing waves, a beautiful landscape—can’t you already smell the hibiscus flowers just thinking about it? That being said, it’s a good idea to have a financial plan for your move to the islands. Where do you start? Here are a few suggestions for controlling your moving budget:
Cut the cost of moving to Hawaii by choosing low-traffic move dates. Moves that occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day fall into the peak moving season, when moving companies are at full capacity. Choosing an off-peak date can mean lower moving rates, plus a less hectic moving schedule.
Paring down your possessions can lower the cost of moving to Hawaii even further. The more items you have to move, the more space you’ll need. Reducing the size of your shipment helps lower your cost.
For small moves, consider loading and unloading at ABF Service Centers. If you’re not moving a lot of things, loading up at a local ABF office (called a ‘terminal’) can cut out extra costs. Bring your belongings to the terminal and load them into an ABF U-Pack moving container or two, then unload at the terminal in Honolulu. This is a great way to save on overall costs.
Let me know if you have any questions about the cost of moving to Hawaii, or give us a call at 800-413-4799 for a free moving quote.
When you begin getting moving quotes, you’ll find that the cost for moving across country differs by the service—depending on whether it’s do-it-yourself, “you pack, we drive” or full service movers. And that makes sense, considering that the services they provide differ. You would expect a full-service mover to cost more than a rental truck, right? Regardless of the type of service you choose, there are some standard questions you should ask to determine whether you’re getting the best service for your money—just some good moving advice to avoid surprises and figure out what moving across country really costs.
Top 10 questions to ask when you’re inquiring “what does moving across country cost?” 1. How do you charge? Is the price based on weight, linear footage, cubic footage, number of moving containers? We recommend unit based pricing—based on linear footage or number of moving containers—as long as you have a clear indication of what the charge will be for using more or less space than originally quoted. With this type of pricing there’s less risk of surprise charges once the moving truck is in transit. 2. How much space/weight is being quoted? A severe weight or space underestimation could mean a much higher moving cost than you expected. These online space estimators serve as a great tool for estimating linear footage (or number of ReloCubes). I recommend the Room-by-Room estimator. Just don’t forget to include outdoor items or the things in your garage and attic. 3. Are there additional charges—like fuel surcharge, taxes, tips etc.?Rental truck quotes don’t include fuel and taxes, and some movers may not either. 4. What is the transit time? Consider that the more time you spend without your belongings, the more “soft costs” you are likely to incur. These might include hotel stays, eating out, fuel, etc., and can add up quickly. 5. Will my belongings be transferred or reloaded? Keep in mind that the more times your belongings are touched, the more likely they are to sustain damage. 6. Will my belongings be co-mingled with other families? Sometimes all that separates your belongings from the other families’ belongings is a stick-on label. What happens if the label falls off? I recommend services that do not co-mingle shipments. 7. Do I have to pay a down payment or deposit? If it is required, is it refundable? Paying before any part of the service is rendered makes some people nervous (including me). If you choose a company that requires a down payment or deposit, I recommend doing your homework to make sure they don’t walk away with your money before performing the service.
Choosing Long Distance Movers—3 Easy Tips Let’s face it—making a long distance move isn’t the easiest task. Whether it’s due to career changes, family reasons, or just personal preference, making a self-move is a big deal! It takes a lot of work to go through your belongings, pack everything up, and hit the road for what’s sure to be a lengthy drive. It’s even more frustrating trying to sort through all of the long distance moving companies out there—how do you know which will work best for your situation? Here are a few tips to finding the right long distance movers:
Do a little research on long distance movers. Visit consumer review websites (such as Epinions) to check out what others are saying. These types of resources help you know what to look for and what to avoid when choosing long distance movers.
Ask questions. Make sure you understand how long distance moving services work; including things like parking, transit times, and how long you have to load/unload. Don’t be afraid to ask a company representative if you’re not sure how to move—that’s what they’re for!
Consider cost vs. value. There’s truth in the saying ‘you get what you pay for’. You don’t necessarily have to go with the most expensive long distance movers, but it’s important to remember that less isn’t always more. A good company will move your belongings safely and within a realistic time frame, at a reasonable price. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see where most long distance movers stand on quality and customer service.
Call 800-413-4799 with any questions about long distance moving companies like U-Pack, or get a free moving quote online.
It’s official—you’re moving. If you’re like me, I’ll bet the panic is already setting in as you envision yourself bumping along a winding road in a rental truck. What happens if it breaks down? What do I do with the truck when it’s time to stop at a hotel for the night? And another thing—how am I going to get my car to my new place if I have to drive the rental?
Rental trucks for moving mean paying for gas separately—and since most rental trucks get an average of 6 to 10 miles per gallon, the cost adds up pretty quickly. Using rental trucks for moving also means you’ll pay for the entire truck, regardless of whether it’s too much space or not enough.
There’s no doubt moving can be stressful, but did you know that moving on a budget doesn’t mean you have to drive yourself? If you’re comparing various rental trucks for moving, consider using a self-move alternative such as ABF U-Pack.
U-Pack provides customers with a moving trailer or ReloCube to pack and load their belongings, then an ABF professional drives to your new home—all at a rate that’s comparable to a renting a truck. U-Pack offers up to 3 business days each for loading and unloading, and U-Pack prices already include the fuel, taxes, and driver. What’s more, since ABF U-Pack rates are based on linear footage or the number of ReloCubes used, you only pay for the space you need and more space is always available.
To see how U-Pack compares to rental trucks for moving, get a free moving quote or call 800-413-4799.
As a guest blogger for U-Pack, transportation expert Derek Green shares some inside info on some of the best places to retire.
Best Places to Retire To
If after many years of hard work, you have finally decided to hang your hat and retire, it’s a good time to make a list of places you would like to travel, relatives you would like to visit, or maybe a few places you would like to retire to.
Let's take a look at a few of the cities that people consider the best places to retire to:
Port Charlotte, FL With a population of around 48,000 and approximately 44% being over the age of 50, this coastal city has a variety of amenities available. Because of the toll the economy has played on the housing market, the prices for homes in this area are listed as being down by 63%. If you enjoy boating, hiking, or just simply having fun, this might be a great place for you to retire!
Traverse City, MI Although the housing prices are only down by about 20%, this small town features one of the top hospitals in the country - Munson Medical Center. You can also spend some relaxing time at the beach! You read that correctly, there is a beach in Michigan! This region has a total of almost 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and crystal clear lakes. Hang on to that surfboard; you can use it as a sled during the winter!
Pinehurst, NC If you are a golf enthusiast, grab your golf bag because this is the place for you! With a population of around 12,000 and approximately 57% residents being over the age of 50, this small town is home to one of the country's oldest and most luxurious golf courses. All residents are eligible for a membership and at the least, guaranteed relaxation! Beautiful weather and unlimited golf, no complaining here!
Surprise, AZ Take me out to the ballgame! Both the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers baseball teams host spring training at Surprise Stadium. Located just a few miles outside of Phoenix, AZ, this city is the home to almost 100,000 people. One of the greatest luxuries is the cost of living; housing prices are down almost 50%. Of the total population, nearly 20% live in the retirement community of Sun City Grand. This is definitely a great place to retire if you love sports!
These are just a few of the many great places to retire in the United States. ABF U-Pack offers moving services to all of these locations within as little as 2-5 business days. You can trust U-Pack's expertise in the moving industry to ensure the highest quality relocation is provided while you enjoy the relaxation of retirement. Call us today for a free moving quote and let us help move you to your best place to retire.
Moving to College? Is it time to make that transition from living with the “parentals” to finally getting to experience life on your own? If so, it’s time to get organized! Moving to college is huge, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Make it fun!
1. Call the Housing Office. Before you go any further, make sure you actually have a place to live. This is also a great time to ask when your move-in date will be, learn the dimensions of your new room, and find out who your roommate will be. 2. Get to know your roommate. If you went potluck and don’t know your future roommate, add them as a friend on Facebook or send them an email. Now is a great time to learn more about the person you’ll be living with. 3. Make a moving checklist of necessities. Make sure all of the day-to-day necessities are on there. (E.g., microwave, bedding, school supplies, etc.) If one big list overwhelms you, break your list up into categories. 4. Go shopping! Having a new room and starting a new phase in your life could be a good time to change your style. It’s always fun to pick out new bedding or new pictures and posters to put on your wall. 5. Call U-Pack. Now that all the shopping is done, you’ll need to decide how moving to college is going to work for you. U-Pack’s ReloCube is the perfect size for any student moving to college. It only takes up about a parking space worth of room and will hold everything you could possibly fit into a dorm room.
Get a free moving quote or call 800-413-4799 for more information on how to move with U-Pack!
A simple guide to making a student move Moving to college is a big milestone—and without a plan, it has the potential to be a big headache! Any student moving to a new campus can probably tell you there are lots of details to remember when coordinating a student move. Here are a few of the basics:
Student moving-first things first Most colleges and universities have specific dates set aside for moving in, most of which coincide with orientation or ‘Welcome Weekend’. Who wants to scramble around figuring out how to move when you could be exploring your new surroundings and making new friends? Contact the residence administration office early to make sure you know their move-in schedule. It’s important to reserve a moving container so you’ll have confirmed availability during what’s sure to be a busy event.
Student moving—less is more Unfortunately, dorm rooms aren’t typically known for being spacious. If you’re making a student move, avoid bringing all your possessions from home and only pack the essentials. Bedding, clothes, and school supplies are basic needs, but there are a few not-so-obvious items you may want to consider: • Laundry items (detergent, hamper, and a few rolls of quarters for the machines) • Mini first aid kit • Basic kitchen utensils (a can opener is a must) • Trash can • Extension cord • Shower supplies • Sanitizer/cleaning wipes Moving pods are perfect for shipping your items from home to campus when you’re moving to college. The U-Pack ReloCube fits in a single car parking space, so you don’t have to worry about finding room for a large rental truck.
Try moving to college on a budget There’s a reason everyone jokes about college students and ramen noodles: funds can get pretty limited while you’re in school. ReloCubes are an easy and affordable way to make a student move, without breaking the bank. For the price of a pizza or two, I bet you could even convince a few friends to help with the heavy lifting!
If you have questions about coordinating a student move, or would like to get a free moving quote, call us at 800-413-4799.
Guest blogger, Mallory Millican, one of U-Pack’s moving experts and corporate relocation specialists, compares the benefits of using U-Pack to renting a truck.
Why Rent a Truck? Let U-Pack drive If you’re trying to save money, you may intuitively think you have to rent a truck. And the thought of renting a truck may cause concerns that make you dread moving. Am I choosing the correct size rental truck? Can I drive that far in a truck that I’m not familiar with? Once I pay for gas, taxes and insurance, how much is it really going to cost to rent a truck?
With U-Pack, you don't have to worry about those things. You only pay for the space you use, ABF does the driving, and fuel, taxes and liability coverage are included in your price.
Here’s how it works…ABF brings out an empty moving trailer or moving container. You load your items, and only pay for the space you use. ABF picks it up and drives it to your new home. You unload. That means no worries about renting a truck that’s too big and paying for more space than you need, or renting a truck that’s too small and having to leave items behind. Since U-Pack only charges based on the space you use, you save money by using less space, and you can always add more space if you need it. You can’t do that when you rent a truck!
It may come as no surprise that a long distance move starts to feel much longer when you rent a truck and have to drive hundreds of miles in its compact cab. Add children or pets to that scenario and it’s anything but fun. And, if in the back of your mind, you worry about the possibility of a break down, leaving you stranded, you may be better off with a service where you don’t have to drive. U-Pack provides experienced drivers who take care of moving cross country and safely delivering your belongings to your new destination—at a price that compares to truck rental. And, there are no extra charges. The price includes taxes, fuel and the driver.
Get a free moving quote and compare the cost of renting a truck to the cost of ABF U-Pack doing the driving for you.
