Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move is published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Movers must give it to customers before an interstate move. The summary below is for convenience and does not replace the official booklet.
Read the official booklet on the FMCSA website
Before you choose a mover
- Confirm the mover is registered with FMCSA and has a USDOT number.
- Understand whether you are dealing with a mover (carrier) or a broker who arranges moves.
- Get written estimates, and do not rely on a price given without a survey of your goods.
Estimates
- Your mover must give you a written estimate, clearly marked as binding or non-binding.
- With a binding estimate, you pay the price stated for the listed items and services.
- With a non-binding estimate, the final charge is based on actual weight and services. At delivery, the mover cannot require payment of more than 110% of the estimate. Any remaining balance is billed later.
- If you add items or services, the mover may prepare a revised estimate before loading.
Your mover's liability
- Full Value Protection: the mover repairs, replaces or pays the current value of lost or damaged items. This applies unless you waive it in writing.
- Released Value: no additional charge, with liability limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Tell your mover in writing about articles of extraordinary value, generally those worth more than $100 per pound.
Documents you will receive
- The written estimate
- The order for service
- The inventory of your goods
- The bill of lading, which is your contract and receipt
- Weight tickets, if charges are based on weight
Do not sign blank or incomplete documents.
Pickup and delivery
- Your mover must agree with you on pickup and delivery dates or periods and put them in writing.
- Your mover must tell you if there will be a delay.
- You have the right to be present when your shipment is weighed, and to request a reweigh before delivery.
- At delivery, check your goods against the inventory and note any loss or damage on the paperwork before signing.
Paying for your move
Your estimate and bill of lading state the forms of payment the mover accepts and when payment is due. If you do not pay the charges due at delivery, the mover may place your shipment in storage at your expense until the charges are paid.
Loss, damage and delay claims
- You have nine months from delivery to file a written claim.
- The mover must acknowledge your claim within 30 days.
- The mover must pay, decline or make a settlement offer within 120 days.
Resolving disputes
Movers must offer a neutral arbitration program for disputes about loss or damage and certain disputed charges. You may also file a complaint with FMCSA through the National Consumer Complaint Database.
Your responsibilities
- Read every document before you sign it.
- Be available, or have someone present, at pickup and delivery.
- Tell your mover promptly about any change to your dates, addresses or inventory.
- Pay the charges as agreed.
- File any claim promptly and in writing.
Questions about your move with US Trust
