McCarthy Transfer & Storage
800-896-2594
Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Is McCarthy Transfer & Storage licensed and insured?
McCarthy Transfer & Storage is licensed and insured by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). License number: Cal P.U.C. T-154199. To be insured by the CPUC, moving companies must prove their financial and safety fitness. They must also prove to the CPUC that they have adequate insurance, and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. For more information, visit http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/CEC...
How come I have never heard of McCarthy Transfer & Storage?
For nearly two decades we have primarily focused on assisting military families relocate throughout the United States. McCarthy Transfer & Storage was established in 1919 by Leo McCarthy in La Mesa, Ca. In 1987, the business was incorporated in the state of California and 1994, McCarthy Transfer & Storage became an agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving to better serve our community with their moving needs. In late 2011, McCarthy Transfer & Storage expanded their local services to include more intrastate and local moving, private storage and international services. In 2019 McCarthy Transfer & Storage became an Interstate Agent for National Van Lines.
What types of services do you provide?
We provide warehouse storage, local, long distance and international moving services to customers in
Southern California. For our San Diego moving customers we also provide packing and unpacking services. McCarthy Transfer & Storage has short and long term storage services in our El Cajon warehouse.
What areas do you serve?
McCarthy Transfer & Storage services the entire southern California region - San Diego, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties.
Why are local moves charged by the hour?
California Movers are licensed and regulated by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission). The PUC requires moving companies to charge by the hour for moves being done less than 100 miles. Moves over 100 miles are charged by weight and distance of the shipment.
As required by regulation, you will be given an "Important Notice About Your Move" document. This sets the maximum, or "not to exceed price" for your move. This is not necessarily the price you will pay for your move, but based on the information provided to us by you, and the services included and excluded on the form, it is the maximum price you can be charged for your move. State regulations require that you sign and return the Notice to us before the move may begin.
We can provide a FREE in-home estimate prior to your move to insure your move is completed in a timely and affordable manner with an accurate not to Exceed. Call us at 1-800-596-2594 to schedule an estimate.
Does McCarthy Transfer & Storage provide in-home estimates?
We want to provide you with the most accurate pricing prior to your move; we highly recommend you take advantage our free visual estimate! Your free visual estimate is performed by one of our highly experienced and friendly moving specialists. We will provide you with a flat rate for your move to prevent any unexpected costs or unforeseen issues upon arriving at your destination. We also can do video surveys too!
What kind of coverage does McCarthy Transfer & Storage provide?
Your moving rate includes standard liability coverage of $.60 per pound per article. Additional insurance is available for small fee based on the value of the household goods being moved.
There are 3 basic coverage options to choose from:
Basic Carrier Liability - Limited to 60 cents per pound per article. This is included at no additional cost on all moves.
Actual Cash Value Protection - This coverage can be purchased up to your actual move date, the cost is based on a minimum overall value of your goods. The cost of this coverage is 75 cents per $100 of actual valuation. The entire delivery is covered at a value that does not exceed the dollar amount you declare. You need to understand that this provides coverage based on their depreciated value at the time of the move, not the purchase price.
Full Replacement Value - This is the most comprehensive insurance option available and provides the best coverage. This insurance is offered for Interstate (moving from state to state), Intrastate (moving within the same state), and International shipments. For your benefit and for proper coverage, you must list and declare a replacement value on all of the items that you wish to insure. We suggest purchasing this type of coverage from MovingInsurance.com. 
What forms of payment does McCarthy Transfer & Storage accept?
We gladly accept cash and major credit cards as payment. Local moves are paid at the end of the day. If your move occurs over several days, the balance for each day must be paid at the end of that day. Long Distance moving services are paid in full prior to delivery with cash, major credit card or money order.
Can you disconnect my appliances and electronics for moving?
If we are moving your appliances, please make sure that the connections for gas and/or water are disconnected before the movers arrive. We will be happy to transport your appliances but cannot disconnect or re-connect any gas and/or water hoses at your destination. With any gas or water lines you should consult your local utilities company. This is to insure the safety of everyone participating in your move.
Our movers cannot disconnect any of your electronics or remove the mounting from your wall. Please make sure you have this done prior to our arrival.
Are the any items that you cannot move?
Yes, hazardous materials, as defined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, are not accepted for shipping. These items are combustible liquids, corrosives, explosives, flammables and compressed gases. Such items as charcoal, paints & paint thinners, batteries and rubbing alcohol, just to name a few. Be sure and consult with us if you have a question about any items. You can refer to What Not to Pack as a guide
Is it customary to tip the crew?
Tipping is certainly not expected but appreciated. It is per your satisfaction with a job well done when and how much to tip your moving crew. If you are happy with the way your move is handled and choose to show your appreciation to the crew by tipping them, then please feel free to do so.
McCarthy Transfer & Storage ©
San Diego's Oldest Family Owned Moving Company
MC 720709 CAL T-154190
1386 Fayette Street - El Cajon California - 92020-1513
(800) 896-2594 - (619) 596-2594 - FAX (619) 596-1926
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