CMC Pre-Move Survey & Cube Estimation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer has a large fish tank. What special consideration is required during the pre-move survey?
- Note the water capacity and drain plan, as tanks must be emptied before transport (Correct answer)
- Estimate the tank as a standard box
- Include the water weight in the cube calculation
- Advise the customer aquariums cannot be moved by professional movers
Correct answer: Note the water capacity and drain plan, as tanks must be emptied before transport
Aquariums must be emptied before moving, so the surveyor must note the size, planned drain process, and handling requirements for the empty tank.
Question 2: What is the typical unit of measurement used to express shipment size in US domestic household moves?
- Linear feet
- Cubic feet (Correct answer)
- Square feet
- Board feet
Correct answer: Cubic feet
Cubic feet is the standard unit used in the US moving industry to measure the volume of household goods shipments.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'visual survey' versus a 'physical survey'?
- A visual survey uses photos; a physical survey uses measurements
- A visual survey estimates volume by sight; a physical survey uses tape measures on each item
- A visual survey is done online; a physical survey is in-person (Correct answer)
- A visual survey covers only furniture; a physical survey covers all items
Correct answer: A visual survey is done online; a physical survey is in-person
A visual survey is conducted in-person using the surveyor's trained eye to estimate cube, while a virtual/online survey is conducted remotely via video.
Question 4: What is the purpose of noting 'items not to be moved' (NTM) on a pre-move survey?
- To increase the estimated weight
- To ensure those items are excluded from the cube estimate and inventory (Correct answer)
- To flag items that need specialty packing
- To document items the customer wants to donate
Correct answer: To ensure those items are excluded from the cube estimate and inventory
Marking items as NTM ensures they are not counted in the cube estimate, preventing overquoting and avoiding confusion on moving day.
Question 5: A customer plans to disassemble a large wardrobe before moving day. How should the surveyor handle this?
- Estimate the wardrobe as assembled and note the disassembly plan (Correct answer)
- Exclude the wardrobe from the estimate since it will be disassembled
- Add 25% to the wardrobe's cube to account for disassembly
- Refuse to estimate until disassembly is confirmed in writing
Correct answer: Estimate the wardrobe as assembled and note the disassembly plan
The surveyor should still record the wardrobe's estimated cube and note the customer's plan to disassemble it so it can be adjusted if needed on move day.
Question 6: When surveying a home with multiple residents, who should accompany the surveyor during the walkthrough?
- A company manager via video call
- The person responsible for the shipment or someone who knows what is being moved (Correct answer)
- Any adult who is home at the time
- Only the movers assigned to the job
Correct answer: The person responsible for the shipment or someone who knows what is being moved
Having the responsible party or a knowledgeable household member accompany the surveyor ensures all items are identified and decisions about what moves are clarified on the spot.
Question 7: What is a 'high-value inventory' form, and when is it completed?
- A list of items over a specified value per pound, completed at the pre-move survey (Correct answer)
- A document listing all furniture items completed on moving day
- An insurance form completed only when full-value protection is purchased
- A packing list completed by the customer before the move
Correct answer: A list of items over a specified value per pound, completed at the pre-move survey
A high-value inventory lists items valued over $100 per pound (e.g., jewelry, electronics, artwork) and is typically identified during the pre-move survey to ensure proper coverage.
CMC Pre-Move Survey & Cube Estimation 3
A customer has a large fish tank.
What special consideration is required during the pre-move survey?