MUST Read

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations protect consumers of interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers (shippers) and household goods carriers (movers). We respect all governmental regulations and requirements so we put here the main Rights and Responsibilities of both sides.

As a customer, you have responsibilities both to your mover and yourself.

They include:

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 based on the bill of lading.
Promptly filing claims for loss, damage or delays with your mover, if necessary

Moving Checklist

Also please see your Moving checklist which will help you not forget anything you need to do before, during, and after the move.

Before the Move

Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and relatives regarding the mover.
Obtain estimates from three movers and compare cost and all other services to be provided by the companies.
Make sure the interstate moving company is registered as a carrier with FMCSA and has a U.S. DOT & MC number.
Obtain the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities
Find out what the mover’s responsibilities are for damages that may occur to your belongings. Ask if the mover has a dispute settlement program.
Find out how and when pickup and delivery of your household goods will occur.
Ask the mover how they can be contacted before the move, during the move, and after the move.
Adequately insure your belongings

Moving Day

Carefully read the information on the estimate, bill of lading, inventory, and all other completed documents before you sign them.
Accompany the movers as they inventory your household goods and resolve any questions regarding the condition of items being moved.
Inform the driver and the moving company of how you can be reached during the move.
Be present to answer questions and give directions to the movers.
Stay until they finish.
Give the driver directions to your new house.
Before the moving truck leaves, take one final look throughout the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
Keep the bill of lading until your goods are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.

Delivery Day

Pay the driver, according to the terms of your written binding or non-binding estimate, before your goods are unloaded.
Be present to answer any questions and give directions.
Supervise unloading and unpacking of your goods.
Note on the inventory list all boxes or items that are damaged or missing before you sign any documents.

For detailed info, you can visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/consumer-rights.