FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when it comes to relocating your household goods. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free move, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a shipper. This guide provides valuable information on estimates, paperwork, insurance, claims, and other important aspects of the moving process. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, knowing what to expect can help you navigate the moving process with confidence.
Are movers obligated to move my goods for the estimate they quote?
Depends on whether the estimate is non-binding or binding.
Non-binding estimates are approximate and not binding, based on weight and distance.
Binding estimates are set prices based on constructive weight.
What information and paperwork is the mover required to provide?
Documents Include
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- U.S. DOT publication, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”.
- Neutral dispute settlement/arbitration program information.
- Mover’s telephone number for inquiries and complaints.
What is an Order for Service?
Moving document that lists costs and service details
Prepared for every shipment, noting estimated charges and services required.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The contract between you and the mover, detailing services and charges
You need to provide the BL signed before loading goods.
What types of insurance will I be offered?
Limited liability, covering sixty cents per pound per item
Added valuation, based on current replacement value minus depreciation.
Full value, covering the actual cost of repair or replacement without depreciation deduction.
If there is loss or damage to my goods, how much time do I have to file a claim?
Nine months from the date of delivery.
Claims should be filed as soon as possible.
If I do my own packing, is the mover still responsible if something is lost or broken?
Depends on the occurance
The mover is still responsible unless the damage was due to certain common law defenses and or improper packing practices!
What should I know about the pick-up and delivery dates?
Dates should be specified on the order for service and bill of lading.
You are responsible for accepting pick-up and delivery within the specified dates.
What should I know about the pick-up and delivery of my furniture?
Be present to oversee the loading and unloading of your furniture.
Ensure all items are listed on the inventory sheet.
What should I know about the delivery of my furniture?
Payment of transportation charges is usually required before unloading.
Check and note the condition of your items at origin and destination.
What happens if the mover does not pick-up or deliver my goods according to the spread dates provided?
A shipper may file an inconvenience or delay claim if the dates are not met.
Claim must be filed within nine months of the date of delivery.
Arbitration Information
Since January 1, 1996, all common carrier household goods movers have been required to belong to a neutral dispute settlement program that arbitrates loss and damage claim matters.
If the dispute involved a claim for $1,000 or less and the shipper requested arbitration, such arbitration shall be binding on the parties only if the carrier agreed to arbitration.
