A two-hour moving minimum is a minimum labor booking, not automatically a complete move for one fixed price. Ask about dispatch, travel, fuel, access, packing, materials, additional time, service fees and tax. Applicable charges should be visible in the written estimate before you commit.
The useful question is not only “What is your hourly rate?” It is “What is the total for this inventory, route and requested work, and what could change it?” This guide explains JEM's current structure without claiming that every other mover uses the same charges.
Distinguish three different uses of two hours
A two-hour crew minimum sets a minimum amount of labor. An estimated two-hour arrival window describes when a crew is expected to arrive. An estimate of two hours of work is a planning assumption. These are different and should not be used interchangeably.
JEM's two-mover crews start with a two-hour minimum. Three-mover crews start with three hours. The current rates below identify the crew and service; they do not promise that a particular home will be finished within the minimum.
Ask how additional moving time is billed
Under JEM's current hourly terms, the agreed minimum applies and additional moving time is billed in full-hour increments. The bill of lading records start and end times, breaks, billable hours and the agreed crew rate. Separately billed packing time must be handled according to the recorded billing rules.
For example, a move taking longer than its two-hour minimum can require another billable hour rather than a few extra minutes charged proportionally. Ask the office to explain the actual clock rules before comparing companies with different billing methods.
Read fixed allowances and optional work
A local crew-and-truck plan can include dispatch, travel and fuel separately from hourly labor. Stairs, elevators, long carries, specialty handling, packing materials and selected services can add to the scope. Labor-only help for your own truck or container is a different service and still needs its complete quote reviewed.
JEM itemizes its current 3% service fee and 7% tax under the published charge policy. A deposit is credited toward the move; it is not a second charge for the same service. Review the written terms for payment and change rules.
Prevent an estimate from describing the wrong job
Provide both addresses, carton and furniture counts, access details and any extra stops. Say if packing is unfinished. A scope based on ten cartons cannot accurately describe a room of unboxed possessions. Ask how additions are authorized and documented before extra work proceeds.
For interstate shipments, FMCSA's estimate guidance explains why the written estimate and appropriate shipment review matter. A planning calculator alone is not a finalized interstate estimate.
Use the JEM moving-cost guide and comparison worksheet, then request an itemized quote. The rate reference below helps with arithmetic; it is not the full moving bill.
