Being well informed is essential to any satisfactory purchase. If you are planning on relocating to another State you need to know what your rights and responsibilities are! Knowing what you have to do and what to expect from your mover will make the moving process easier.

Your Rights

Aware of Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal government agency. Its regulations protect consumers who are moving interstate and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers and the household goods carriers (movers) they hire.

Your mover is required to provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities as an individual shipper of household goods.

The regulations only apply to your mover when the mover transports your household goods by motor vehicle in interstate or foreign commerce – that is when you move from one State to another or internationally. The regulations do not apply when your move takes place within a commercial zone (defined at the end of this booklet) or between two points in the same State

Expect information

You should expect to receive the following information:

• A written estimate
• The “Ready to Move” Brochure (or a web link, if you prefer)
• Information about the mover’s arbitration program
• Written notice about access to the mover’s tariff
• The process for handling claims
• The booklet, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” (or a web link, if you prefer). You can also download it if you go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Your Responsibilities

Your primary responsibility is to select a reputable mover and making sure you understand the terms and conditions of the moving contract (bill of lading), and know what to do in case problems arise.

• Reading all moving documents issued by the mover.
• Being available at the time of pickup and delivery of your shipment. If you are not available you should appoint a representative to act on your behalf.
• Promptly notifying your mover if something has changed regarding your shipment (i.e. move dates, additional items).
• Making payment in the amount required and in the form agreed to with the mover.
• Promptly filing claims for loss, damage or delays with your mover, if necessary

Sources

www.protectyourmove.org

www.fmcsa.dot.gov