Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using Haulwerk for junk removal and hauling services.
Pricing & Costs
How much does junk removal cost?
Junk removal costs typically range from $150 to $600 for a standard truck load. Factors affecting price include: volume of junk (measured in cubic yards), item weight, accessibility (stairs, distance from truck), disposal fees for special items (mattresses, appliances, electronics), and your geographic location. Haulwerk's competitive bidding often results in 20-30% savings compared to calling haulers directly.
How does Haulwerk pricing work?
Haulwerk charges a 15% platform fee to service providers, not to customers. Customers pay only the bid amount they accept. There are no hidden fees, booking fees, or credit card required to receive quotes. Payment is processed securely through Stripe after job completion. You are only charged if the service is successfully completed.
What payment methods do you accept?
Haulwerk accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and ACH bank transfers. Payment is processed through Stripe after the hauler completes your job. You are only charged if the service is successfully completed.
Are there any additional fees?
The bid amount you accept is what you pay—there are no Haulwerk platform fees for customers. However, haulers may charge additional fees for: items requiring special disposal (mattresses, appliances, electronics, tires), difficult access (multiple flights of stairs, long carry distance), hazardous or prohibited items, or rush/same-day service. All additional fees should be disclosed by the hauler before you accept their bid.
Can I get a refund?
If a hauler fails to complete the agreed-upon service, you will not be charged. If there's a dispute about the quality of service, contact our support team at support@haulwerk.com. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Our payment system only charges your card after the hauler marks the job as complete.
Service & Scheduling
How quickly can I get junk removed?
Most junk removal jobs on Haulwerk are completed within 24-48 hours. Same-day service is available in many areas depending on hauler availability. After posting your job, you typically receive bids within 2-6 hours. You can schedule pickup at your convenience after accepting a bid. For urgent removals, you can indicate 'same-day' or 'ASAP' when posting your job.
What areas does Haulwerk serve?
Haulwerk operates nationwide through our network of independent hauling companies. Service availability varies by location, with the highest concentration of haulers in major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, and other large cities. When you post a job, you'll see which haulers service your specific area.
What items can be hauled away?
Haulwerk haulers accept most common items including: furniture (couches, mattresses, tables, chairs, desks), appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers), electronics (TVs, computers, monitors), construction debris (drywall, lumber, flooring, tiles), yard waste (branches, soil, leaves, grass clippings), and general household junk. Items typically NOT accepted include: hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, asbestos), medical waste, explosives, flammable materials, and items requiring special permits. Always check with your specific hauler for their restrictions.
Do I need to be present during pickup?
It depends on the job. For simple exterior pickups (items on curb or driveway), you typically don't need to be present. For interior removals, someone should be present to provide access and confirm which items should be removed. You can arrange access details with your hauler after accepting their bid.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel or reschedule through the Haulwerk platform before the hauler begins work. Cancellation policies vary by hauler, but most allow free cancellation with at least 24 hours notice. Last-minute cancellations (less than 24 hours) may incur a cancellation fee. Always communicate changes as early as possible through the platform messaging system.
How Haulwerk Works
Is Haulwerk a junk removal company?
No. Haulwerk is a marketplace platform that connects customers with independent, licensed junk removal companies. We do not employ haulers or perform removal services directly. All hauling is done by third-party contractors who operate their own businesses, set their own prices, and maintain their own insurance and licensing. Think of us like Uber for junk removal—we connect you with service providers but don't provide the service ourselves.
How does the AI estimation work?
When you upload photos of your junk, Haulwerk's AI analyzes the images to estimate volume in cubic yards. The AI considers item types, spatial dimensions, and typical object sizes to calculate approximate volume. This helps haulers provide more accurate bids without requiring an in-person visit. Estimates are non-binding and haulers may adjust pricing after inspection if actual volume differs significantly.
Are haulers background checked?
Yes. All haulers on Haulwerk undergo background checks before approval. We also verify business licenses, insurance coverage (minimum $1 million general liability), proper waste disposal permits, and service area authorization. Customers can view hauler ratings, reviews, and completion history before accepting bids. We maintain strict quality standards and remove haulers who receive consistent poor ratings.
How do I choose the best hauler?
When comparing bids, consider: price (but not just the lowest—balance value and quality), hauler rating and number of reviews, number of jobs completed on the platform, response time and communication quality, and estimated pickup timeframe. Haulers with 4.5+ star ratings and 20+ completed jobs typically provide reliable service. You can also message haulers directly to ask questions before accepting.
What if something goes wrong?
If you experience issues with a hauler, contact Haulwerk support immediately at support@haulwerk.com. We'll help mediate disputes, coordinate replacements if needed, and process refunds when appropriate. All haulers carry insurance for property damage. Report any problems through the platform within 48 hours of service completion. We take quality seriously and will remove problem haulers from our network.
Items & Disposal
What happens to my junk after it's hauled away?
Responsible haulers recycle, donate, or properly dispose of items according to local regulations. Many items like metals, electronics, and appliances can be recycled. Usable furniture and goods may be donated to charities. Items that can't be recycled or donated go to licensed landfills or waste facilities. Ask your hauler about their disposal practices if eco-friendly disposal is important to you.
Can you remove items from inside my home?
Yes, most haulers offer interior removal service. They'll enter your home, remove items from any floor (including basements and attics), and haul everything away. Interior removal may cost more than curbside pickup due to additional labor. Make sure to communicate access details (stairs, narrow doorways, parking) when posting your job so haulers can bid accurately.
Do you recycle or donate items?
Many Haulwerk haulers prioritize recycling and donation when possible. Metals, electronics, appliances, and certain materials are commonly recycled. Usable furniture, clothing, and household goods may be donated to local charities. If eco-friendly disposal is important to you, mention it when posting your job and ask haulers about their practices when reviewing bids.
Can you remove construction debris?
Yes, construction debris removal is a common service. This includes drywall, lumber, flooring, tiles, fixtures, concrete, and general renovation waste. Construction debris often requires different disposal methods than household junk, so make sure to specify the type and estimated volume when posting your job. Some haulers specialize in construction waste and may offer better rates.
What items are prohibited or require special handling?
Items that typically require special handling or may not be accepted include: hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, solvents), asbestos-containing materials, medical waste (needles, medications), explosives or ammunition, radioactive materials, tires (may have recycling fee), mattresses (may have recycling fee in some states), refrigerants in appliances (require proper recovery), and oversized items requiring special equipment (pianos, safes, hot tubs). Always disclose special items when posting your job.
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