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Things to Consider:
Tips for a Succcessful Move
The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed and conscious of your options when choosing a
reputable moving company. While most household moves go smoothly, there are dishonest or "rogue" movers
you ought to be aware of.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities before Selecting a Mover
Prior to moving your household goods, movers are required to give you the brochure entitled
Your Rights and Responsibilities When
You Move . It provides basic information that will help you understand the documents that a mover
will ask you to sign. It also explains your rights if your household goods are lost or damaged. Click
on the link above to get a downloadable pdf copy of this booklet.
Use Only Registered Movers
Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a USDOT 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.
Make sure 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
household goods will be picked up and delivered.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover and a receipt of your belongings. You should
be given a partially completed copy of the bill of lading before the mover leaves the residence at origin.
Inventory List
The inventory is the receipt showing each article you shipped and its condition. Be sure you receive a
written copy of the inventory after your household goods are loaded, and that you agree with its
description of your household goods' condition.
What if There Is a Problem?
Dispute Settlement Program
Before moving your household goods, interstate movers are required to provide you with information
regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers must offer an impartial dispute settlement program
as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage of your household goods.
Loss or Damage of Goods
If your 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 tell 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 look for 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 you 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 belonging to others, utilizing
for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. A broker does not take responsibility for the
cargo and usually does not take possession of the cargo.
Tariff: A list of rates, rules, regulations, and available services. Each mover publishes its own
tariffs and these should be provided to you upon request.
Remember
The best way to avoid problems is to be informed and plan ahead.
Never sign blank documents.
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