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Things to Consider:
Tips for a Succcessful Move
The best way for your company to protect itself from fraudulent moving companies and Van Lines is to make
informed decisions and be conscious of your options when choosing a moving company. While most corporate
and business moves go very well, there are always dishonest, "rogue" movers that your company should be cautious of.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities before Selecting a Mover
Prior to moving your business, movers are required to give you the brochure entitled
Your Rights and Responsibilities When
You Move . It will provide your company basic information that will assist uyou in understanding the
documents that a moving com0pany will ask you to sign. It also explains your rights if your goods are lost or
damaged in transit. Select the link above to get a pdf copy of this document.
All Business Moves should only be with Registered Movers
Ensure the mover you select has been assigned a US DOT number, is registered with FMCSA and has
the proper level of insurance.
Read and Understand All Information Provided by the Mover
The mover should provide you with the following basic documents as part of your move:
Estimates
The estimate should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform.
Ensure the estimate is signed by the mover.
Never accept oral estimates.
Order for Service
The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will carry out and shows the dates your
business's goods and assets will be picked up and delivered.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a contract between your company and the mover and a receipt for all goods. You should
be given a partially completed copy of the bill of lading before the mover leaves your company at origin.
Inventory List
The inventory is the receipt showing each article your business shipped and its condition. Be sure you receive a
written copy of the inventory after your goods are loaded, and that you agree with its
description of your business property and goods' condition.
What if There Is a Problem?
Dispute Settlement Program
Before moving your business, interstate movers are required to provide your company with information
regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer an impartial dispute settlement program
as a means of resolving any disputes that may come up concerning loss or damage of your business property.
Loss or Damage of Goods
If your companys goods are damaged or missing at delivery, request a company claim form from the mover.
Complete the claim form to the best of your ability. The mover will inform you where to mail the completed form.
You must file a written claim with the mover within nine months of delivery. Your claim must be in writing but
does not have to be submitted on a mover's claim form. It is suggested that you send the claims information
to the mover by certified mail.
If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer made by the mover, you have the option of submitting a
loss and damage claim with the mover's dispute settlement program or to seek other legal remedies.
Applicable Transportation Charges
The charges that a mover assesses for its services must be contained in a published tariff, which must be
made available to your company upon request. If you feel that a mover has overcharged you, you can get in touch
with the Surface Transportation Board at 1-866-254-1792 to obtain further assistance.
Filing a Complaint
FMCSA does not have the authority to resolve claims against a moving company. However, you may file a
complaint against a mover by visiting http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov or calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)
Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST. Your complaint may trigger a Federal
enforcement investigation against the mover.
Key Definitions
Broker: A company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo on behalf of others. They use
for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. A broker doesn't take responsibility for the
goods and usually does not take possession of the goods.
Tariff: A list of rates, rules, regulations, and available services. Each mover publishes its own
tariffs and these should be provided to your company upon request.
Remember
The best way for your company to avoid these problems is to be informed and plan ahead.
Never sign blank forms or documents.
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