Pickup and Delivery (P&D)
Definition
The two main events in a long-distance move. Pickup is when the mover loads your belongings at the origin. Delivery is when they unload at the destination. These may happen days or weeks apart.
Pickup and delivery are the two touchpoints where you interact directly with the moving crew. Understanding what happens at each ensures a smooth experience.
At pickup: the crew arrives, does a walkthrough, creates the descriptive inventory, disassembles furniture as needed, wraps and pads items, loads the truck, and has you sign the Bill of Lading and inventory. Typical duration: 4-8 hours for a 2-3 bedroom home.
During transit: the truck is en route. For consolidated shipments, the driver may make other pickups and deliveries along the route. You should receive periodic updates from the driver or dispatch.
At delivery: the crew unloads, reassembles furniture, places items as directed, and has you check the inventory and sign the delivery receipt. Inspect for damage before signing. Typical duration: 3-6 hours.
Key differences between the crews: for van line moves, the pickup crew and delivery crew are often from different local agents. The delivery crew did not load your items and may be unfamiliar with how things were packed. For smaller independent movers, the same crew may handle both pickup and delivery.