Terms & Conditions — Gold Coast Moving Co.

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully. These conditions outline your rights, obligations, and responsibilities, as well as those of Gold Coast Moving Co. A contract is a two-way arrangement; everyone must know where they stand. Where we use the words “customer,” “principal,” “you,” or “your,” it means the customer; “we,” “us,” or “our” means Gold Coast Moving Co. These conditions can only be changed or amended by our written agreement.

 

1. Our Quotation

1.1 Our quotation is a fixed price unless we state otherwise. Unless stated, the quote does not include applicable sales tax, insurance, union or labor fees, customs duties, government inspections, tolls, parking, or other government or third-party fees. 1.2 We may change the price or make additional charges if any of the following were not taken into account when preparing our quotation and confirmed by us in writing:

• You do not accept the quote in writing within 30 days with a firm removal date that we confirm in writing.
• Due to your delay, the work has not been carried out or completed within three months.
• Our costs increase or decrease because of fuel price changes, currency fluctuations, changes in taxation, freight charges, or other costs beyond our control.
• Work is carried out before or after our normal office hours (9:00 AM–5:30 PM) or on Sundays/holidays at your request.
• We must collect or deliver goods above the ground floor or to an upper floor without elevator access.
• We supply additional services not included in the original quote (packing, moving, storing extra goods). These conditions apply to such work.
• Stairs, lifts, doorways, approach roads, or driveways are inadequate for the free movement of goods without mechanical equipment or structural alteration, or vehicles/containers cannot load/unload within 20 meters of an entrance, requiring extra work.
• Any parking, meter suspension, no-entry charges, tolls, or permit fees we must pay to carry out services.
• Delays or events outside our reasonable control (force majeure).
• Delay to unloading our vehicle upon arrival at the delivery address.
• Overnight detention of our vehicles.
• Multiple collections and/or deliveries, unpacking on multiple days, or collection/delivery outside city limits.
• Labour union fees, pandemic restrictions, port charges, NVOCC charges, or changes in volume or weight of goods.

1.3 In any of the above circumstances, you will pay the adjusted charges.

 

2. Work Not Included in the Quotation

2.1 Unless agreed in writing, we will not:

• Dismantle or assemble furniture or fittings.
• Disconnect or reconnect appliances, fixtures, fittings, or equipment.
• Take up or lay floor coverings.
• Provide general handyman services.
• Move items from a loft unless the loft is properly lit, floored, and safe access is provided.
• Move or store items excluded under clause 4 (Goods Not to be Submitted).
• Dismantle or assemble garden structures (sheds, greenhouses, satellite dishes, paving slabs, planters, etc.).

2.2 Our staff are not authorised or qualified to carry out the above work. You should arrange a qualified tradesperson. If you engage or direct our staff to perform such work, we reserve the right to charge extra and/or refuse to perform the work.

 

3. Your Responsibility

It will be your sole responsibility to:

• Declare the value of the goods being removed and/or stored at least 3 working days before the move date. If the actual value exceeds your declared value, our liability will be reduced proportionately.
• Arrange adequate insurance cover for goods in transit and in storage against all insurable risks.
• Obtain, at your expense, all documents, permits, licenses, and clearances required by government bodies, customs, or other authorities.
• Pay any parking, meter suspension, permit, or similar charges we incur while providing our services.
• Be present or represented throughout the removal.
• Ensure inventories, receipts, waybills, job sheets, or other documents are signed by you or your authorised representative on collection or delivery.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure nothing that should be removed is left behind and nothing is taken away in error.
• Arrange appropriate protection for goods left in unoccupied or unattended premises.
• Prepare and stabilise appliances and electronic equipment prior to removal.
• Empty, defrost, and clean refrigerators and freezers; we are not responsible for their contents.
• Ensure domestic and garden appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, petrol lawn mowers, etc.) are clean, dry, and free of residual fluids.
• Arrange pest-control treatment or quarantine clearance if required.
• Arrange dehumidification where necessary to avoid mould and mildew, and take precautions against rust, tarnish, corrosion, or gradual deterioration.
• Provide a contact address and phone number for correspondence during removal, transit, and storage.

Other than by reason of our negligence, we will not be liable for loss, damage, costs, or additional charges arising from your failure to meet these responsibilities.

 

4. Goods Not to Be Submitted for Removal or Storage

4.1 Unless previously agreed in writing by Gold Coast Moving Co., the following items must not be submitted for removal or storage. We will not move or store these items:

1. Dangerous or hazardous items: gas cylinders, aerosols, fuels, oils, explosives, fireworks, ammunition, or any item that creates a health or fire risk.
2. High-value items: antiques, jewellery, watches, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, portable electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) — unless declared and agreed in writing.
3. Prohibited or illegal items: stolen goods, illegal drugs, pornographic materials, where prohibited.
4. Perishables and refrigerated/frozen food.
5. Live animals, birds, fish, or their cages/tanks.
6. Goods requiring special licences, permits, or government clearance for export or import.
7. Items that encourage vermin or cause infestation, or goods that are unhygienic or hazardous.

4.2 Such goods will not be removed except with our prior written agreement. If you submit such goods without our knowledge and prior agreement, we will not be liable for any loss or damage, and you will indemnify us against any charges, expenses, damages, or penalties. We may dispose of such goods (without notice) if they present a risk and we are legally entitled to do so. You will pay any costs we incur disposing of these goods.

 

5. Ownership of the Goods

5.1 By entering into this Agreement, you guarantee that:

• The goods to be removed and/or stored are your property or are free of any legal charge; or
• You have full authority of the owner or anyone with a legal interest to enter into this agreement, and that owner has agreed to these terms.

5.2 If, at any time, another person obtains an interest in the goods, you must notify us in writing immediately and provide their name and address.

5.3 You will indemnify and pay us for any claim or costs if the statements above are untrue.

5.4 If you transfer responsibility for this agreement to a third party, you must notify us in writing of the third party’s details. We may issue a new agreement; our agreement with you remains in force until we receive the new signed agreement.

 

6. Charges if You Postpone or Cancel the Removal

If you postpone or cancel this contract, we may charge based on the notice given:

• More than 3 days before removal: No charge.
• Less than 3 days but more than 1 day: 30% of the removal charge.
• Less than 1 day before removal: 50% of the removal charge.

 

7. Paying for the Removal

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Payment is required by cleared funds in advance of the removal or storage period.
• You may not withhold any part of the agreed price.
• Overdue sums will accrue interest at 2% above the prevailing annual bank lending rate or the maximum rate allowed by law, whichever is lower.

 

8. Insurance

8.1 You are strongly advised to maintain insurance cover for your goods in transit and storage. 8.2 If you ask us to arrange insurance on your behalf:

• We may select the insurer.
• Claims will be subject to the insurer’s terms and conditions; you must follow the insurer’s claims procedure and produce the required documents. We are not liable for claims denied in whole or in part by the insurer.
• Insurance premiums quoted by us may include handling or arrangement fees and are payable as quoted.

 

9. Our Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 Subject to these conditions, our liability for loss or damage is limited as follows, unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to removal:

• We will, at our option, repair or replace a lost or damaged item, or pay up to US$250.00 per item for repair or replacement.
• For owner-packed items or containers, we accept a maximum liability of US$500.00 per carton/package, where loss or damage is proven and attributable to our negligence.

9.2 You may request increased liability cover prior to services commencing; we may agree in writing for an additional charge. This is not insurance; you should arrange separate insurance if you require broader cover.

9.3 For the purposes of clauses 9.1 and 9.2, an “item” means one article, suite, pair, set, or a single case, carton, or other container.

9.4 We shall not be liable for items not packed by us unless they are specifically shown on a packing list prepared by our staff.

9.5 Except for our proven negligence, we are not liable for loss, damage, or failure to produce goods when caused by:

• Fire (howsoever caused), acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, or other force majeure events;
• Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, fading, shrinkage, leakage, evaporation, or inherent defects;
• Mildew, moisture, moth, termites, vermin, or similar infestation;
• Cleaning, repair, or restoration work not carried out by us;
• Items in furniture, appliances, packages, bundles, or containers that were not packed and sealed by our staff;
• Electrical or mechanical derangement of appliances unless caused by external impact;
• Jewellery, precious metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or similar valuables unless you have provided full particulars and we have accepted responsibility in writing;
• Goods with known defects or inherent vice;
• Animals, plants, refrigerated or frozen food.

9.6 Other than by reason of our negligence, we will not be liable for consequential or indirect loss. No employee of Gold Coast Moving Co. shall be separately liable under this contract.

 

10. International Removals: Extra Conditions

10.1 For international moves, we accept liability only for goods in our actual possession and where negligence is proven, subject to the clause 9 limits. We are not liable for seizure, confiscation, customs delays, or duties imposed by authorities.

10.2 Where we engage carriers, shipping lines, or airlines, movement is subject to their terms and conditions. You may be liable for General Average contributions, salvage charges, or additional onward transport costs. These are insurable risks, and you must arrange transit/marine insurance.

10.3 Some countries may limit our liability for loss or damage; we will advise you at quotation if such exclusions apply.

 

11. Time Limits for Claims

11.1 Note any visible loss or damage at the time of delivery. If you or your agent collects goods from our warehouse, note loss or damage at handover.

11.2 You must notify us (or our foreign correspondent) in writing as soon as loss or damage is discovered (or with reasonable diligence ought to have been discovered) and in any event within 7 days of collection or delivery. These time limits are essential terms of the contract.

11.3 On written request, we may extend these time limits at our discretion if you apply within the specified period.

11.4 The customer is liable for the first US$100.00 of any claim unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

12. Delays in Transit

12.1 Other than by reason of our proven negligence, we will not be liable for transit delays. We are not responsible for delays at interstate checkpoints or international customs.

12.2 If, through no fault of ours, we cannot deliver your goods, we will place them into storage, and the contract will be fulfilled; additional storage or delivery services will be at your expense. 12.3 Transit times quoted are estimates and may change due to carrier scheduling, routing, or port congestion. We will inform you of material changes when we become aware of them.

 

13. Damage to Premises or Property Other Than Goods

13.1 If we cause damage to premises or property (other than goods being moved) by our negligence, our liability is limited to making good the damaged area only.

13.2 If you instruct us to move goods contrary to our advice and damage occurs, we will not be liable.

13.3 Any damage must be noted on the worksheet or delivery receipt at the time it is discovered, and reported to us in writing as soon as practicable. This is a fundamental condition of this Agreement.

 

14. Our Right to Hold the Goods (Lien)

14.1 We have a right to withhold goods until you have paid all outstanding charges under this or any other contract, including charges we paid on your behalf. While goods are held, storage charges and costs (including legal costs) accrue to you. We may sell or dispose of goods to recover unpaid charges in accordance with applicable law.

 

15. Disputes & Jurisdiction

15.1 If a dispute arising from this Agreement cannot be resolved amicably, it will be subject to the courts located in the State of New York, USA.

 

16. Our Right to Sub-Contract the Work

16.1 We reserve the right to subcontract some or all of the work. If we do so, these conditions still apply.

 

17. Route and Method

17.1 We have the right to choose the route and method of delivery. Unless specifically agreed in writing, other consignments may be carried on the same vehicle or container.

 

18. Advice and Information

18.1 We will use reasonable endeavours to provide up-to-date information to assist with moving, storage, import, and export. Such information is provided in good faith and may be subject to change; you are responsible for seeking independent verification where required.

18.2 Any oral advice given gratuitously without special arrangement is provided without contractual liability.

 

19. Your Forwarding Address

19.1 If you instruct us to store your goods, you must provide a correct and up-to-date forwarding address and telephone number and notify us of any change. Notices sent by registered post to your last recorded address will be deemed received seven days after posting.

19.2 If you fail to provide an address or to respond, we may publish notices in a local newspaper in the area to or from which the goods were removed; such notice will be deemed received seven days after publication. We may recover costs incurred in locating you.

 

20. Inventory / Receipt

20.1 Where we produce an inventory or warehouse receipt and send it to you, it will be accepted as accurate unless you notify us in writing of any errors or omissions within 7 days of receipt (or within a reasonable period agreed between us).

 

21. Revision of Storage Charges

21.1 Storage charges are reviewed periodically. You will receive 30 days’ written notice of any increase.

 

22. Our Right to Sell or Dispose of the Goods

22.1 If payment of our charges is in arrears and you fail to remove goods after 30 days’ notice, we may require you to remove goods and pay amounts due. If you fail to pay, we may sell or dispose of goods without further notice. Costs of sale or disposal will be charged to you; net proceeds will be credited to your account, and any surplus paid to you without interest. If proceeds do not cover amounts due, we may recover the balance.

 

23. Termination

23.1 If payments are up to date, we will not end a storage contract except by giving you 30 days’ written notice. If you wish to terminate, you must give at least 10 working days’ notice. Charges apply until the date the notice takes effect. 23.2 On good cause (goods that become dangerous, odorous, leaking, or if payment is overdue after an additional ten-day notice), the storage agreement may be terminated without notice. You must be granted a reasonable period to collect goods; if not collected within that period, we may sell or dispose of them.

 

24. Storage Terms: Scope & Conditions

24.1 The following storage conditions apply to all deposit, short and long-term storage agreements and supplement the General Removal Terms. They cover acceptance, inspection, liability, access, insurance, fees, termination, and sale/disposal of goods. The warehouse is generally for household goods, furniture, and non-perishables; special items must be declared. Prohibited cargo includes dangerous goods, illegal items, perishables, animals, money, negotiable securities, precious metals/jewellery, and other high-risk goods unless expressly accepted in writing.

24.2 Orders for storage must be placed in writing and include full details (type/quantity of goods, storage area required, delivery/retrieval times, any regulated goods, or goods requiring special handling). Additional handling costs due to the special properties of goods will be charged to you.

24.3 On incoming goods, inspection is limited to external condition. We are liable for the contents only if we packed and sealed them and produced a written packing list.

24.4 We become responsible for goods when delivered at the ramp or threshold and cease responsibility when collected from the ramp or threshold.

24.5 We are not obliged to check the condition of stored goods. If we notice obvious change suggesting damage or danger, we will notify you.

24.6 Liability for slight negligence by us or our auxiliary staff is limited to the extent permitted by law, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

25. Inspection, Retrieval & Access

25.1 Notify us at least 5 working days before delivery or retrieval of stored goods. Access to stored goods is by appointment during normal business hours; identity and the warehouse receipt may be required. 25.2 Orders for retrieval must be placed at least 5 working days before intended collection. All amounts owed must be settled before the release of goods. Charges may apply for unpacking, repacking, and other handling required to retrieve individual items.

 

26. Complaints

26.1 Unconditional acceptance of goods is construed as approval of their condition. Complaints for missing goods or visible damage must be made in writing immediately during retrieval. Hidden damage must be reported in writing within 3 days following retrieval.

27. Sale of Stored Goods & Commission

27.1 We may accept orders to sell stored goods on your behalf. Unless otherwise agreed, we may keep a commission of 10% of gross proceeds, and you must reimburse expenses related to the sale.

 

28. Hand-Over Charges

28.1 If you arrange the collection of goods from our warehouse yourself, we may charge a fee for handing over the goods; our liability ceases on handover.

 

29. Severability

29.1 If any clause in these Terms is held unlawful or unenforceable, that clause will be severed and the remainder will continue in full force.

 

30. Changes to These Terms

30.1 We may update or amend these Terms from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website. Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance.

 

Contact & Company Details

Gold Coast Moving Co. 79 A Old Oak Ln Levittown, NY 11756, Phone: 3479226757,  Email: Goldcoastmoving01@gmail.com
By engaging our services, you accept these Terms & Conditions. If you have questions about any clause, please ask us before you confirm your booking.