This document outlines your rights and responsibilities as a customer when you hire a household goods mover for an interstate move. It’s essential to read through this information carefully to understand your role in the moving process and the services provided by the mover.
Table of Contents
- General Requirements
- Regulations and Interstate Transportation
- Legitimate Movers and Brokers
- Customer’s Responsibilities
- Estimates
- Binding Estimates
- Non-Binding Estimates
- Your Mover’s Liability and Your Claims
- Full Value Protection
- Waiver of Full Value Protection (Released Value of 60 Cents Per Pound Per Article)
- Third Party Insurance
- Reducing Your Mover’s Normal Liability
- Loss and Damage Claims
- Delay Claims
- Moving Paperwork
- Inventory
- Bill of Lading
- Invoice
- Weight Tickets
- Collection of Charges
- Transportation of Your Shipment
- Pickup and Delivery
- Early Delivery
- Storage in Transit
- Weighing Shipments
- Notification of Delivery
- Resolving Disputes with Your Mover
- Important Points to Remember
- Definitions and Common Terms
1. General Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations protect consumers of interstate moves. They define both the rights and responsibilities of consumers (shippers) and household goods carriers (movers). These regulations apply when the move involves transporting household goods across state lines or internationally.
It is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your moving contract (bill of lading) to avoid problems and ensure a smooth process.
2. Regulations and Interstate Transportation
FMCSA regulations apply when your household goods are transported by motor vehicle in interstate or foreign commerce. These regulations ensure that your mover provides specific services and documents. If your move occurs within a state or in a commercial zone, these regulations may not apply.
3. Legitimate Movers and Brokers
Legitimate movers and brokers are registered with FMCSA to operate across state lines. A broker arranges transportation for your shipment, but does not perform the move. A mover, on the other hand, is responsible for transporting your shipment.
Before you book a mover, ensure they provide:
- A written estimate
- “Ready to Move” brochure
- Information on arbitration
- Written notice of tariff access
- A clear process for handling claims
- This booklet
You should avoid movers or brokers who are not registered with FMCSA or those who refuse to perform a physical survey of your items.
4. Customer’s Responsibilities
As a customer, you have several responsibilities:
- Read all documents provided by the mover.
- Be available at the time of pickup and delivery, or appoint someone to act on your behalf.
- Notify the mover if anything changes regarding your shipment, such as additional items or changed dates.
- Make payment according to the terms of the contract.
- File claims promptly for loss, damage, or delays.
5. Estimates
FMCSA requires movers to provide written estimates based on a physical survey of your household goods. The estimate must include transportation, accessorial, and advanced charges. Your estimate should be dated and signed by both you and the mover.
6. Binding Estimates
A binding estimate guarantees that the mover cannot charge you more than the estimated amount unless there are changes to your shipment or additional services are requested. If additional charges occur due to circumstances beyond control (e.g., elevator use or parking permits), the mover may bill you for these later.
7. Non-Binding Estimates
A non-binding estimate is not a guarantee, but it provides an approximation of costs based on actual weight and services provided. You will not be charged more than 110% of the original estimate at delivery. Any remaining balance is due within 30 days.
8. Your Mover’s Liability and Your Claims
Your mover is liable for any loss or damage during the move. There are two primary liability options:
- Full Value Protection – The mover repairs, replaces, or compensates for lost or damaged items.
- Waiver of Full Value Protection (Released Value) – The mover is only liable for $0.60 per pound per article.
9. Full Value Protection
This option offers the most comprehensive protection. The mover will either repair the damaged item, replace it with an item of similar kind and quality, or pay you for the cost. You can also declare a higher value for your shipment for an additional charge.
10. Waiver of Full Value Protection (Released Value of 60 Cents Per Pound Per Article)
This is a minimal option, where the mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound for each item. While it’s the most affordable, it provides very limited protection, so it’s essential to consider the value of your items before choosing this option.
11. Third Party Insurance
If you opt for third-party insurance, the mover is required to issue a policy and provide you with a copy at the time of purchase. Disputes related to third-party insurance are handled outside FMCSA regulations.
12. Reducing Your Mover’s Normal Liability
If you choose to reduce your mover’s liability (e.g., through a waiver), your shipment will not be fully covered, and the mover will not be responsible for items lost or damaged beyond a specific amount.
13. Loss and Damage Claims
If items are lost or damaged, promptly file a claim with the mover. The mover will then assess the damage and either repair, replace, or compensate for the loss, depending on the liability option selected.
14. Delay Claims
If your shipment is delayed, you can file a delay claim with your mover. Compensation for delay may vary depending on the circumstances.
15. Moving Paperwork
Ensure you receive the following key documents:
- Inventory: A list of all items being moved.
- Bill of Lading: The official contract for your move.
- Invoice: A breakdown of the charges.
- Weight Tickets: A record of the weight of your shipment.
16. Transportation of Your Shipment
Your mover is responsible for transporting your shipment in a timely and secure manner. They must inform you of any delays and provide a notification of delivery.
17. Resolving Disputes with Your Mover
If any issues arise during your move, such as damage or delays, you should attempt to resolve them directly with your mover. If the dispute cannot be resolved, FMCSA provides an arbitration program for interstate shipments.
18. Important Points to Remember
- Always read and understand the terms of your moving contract.
- Keep records of all receipts, estimates, and communications with your mover.
- Understand the liability options available for your shipment.
- Make sure to file claims promptly if there are any issues with your move.