- Ready to Move?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to make sure you have the information you need to protect you from moving fraud.
The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed and aware of your options when choosing a reputable moving company. While most household moves go smoothly, there are dishonest or "rogue" movers you should be aware of.
Before moving your household goods, movers are required to give you this brochure and a booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move."
They provide basic information that will help you understand the documents that a mover will ask you to sign. The booklet also explains your rights if your household goods are lost or damaged.
- Choosing a Reputable Mover
Here's an important "to do" list to help you select the right mover:
Get a written estimate from several movers. The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your household goods.
Make sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority. For moves from one State to another, a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can double-check a mover's license with this form.
For moves within a State, requirements vary. Check with your State, county or local consumer affairs agency or your State attorney general.
Remember your priorities when choosing a mover. If you hire a mover based solely on the cheapest price, you may be sacrificing other things that
are actually more important, such as getting your possessions moved and delivered on time. And remember, movers are required by law to deliver your
goods for no more than ten percent above the price of a non-binding estimate.
This is known as the 110 percent rule.
Do your homework. Read "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,"
a booklet from the Federal government that your mover is required to give you if you are moving from one State to another. This booklet also has information you'll need if your goods are lost or damaged during the move. Finally, check the mover's complaint history with local consumer advocacy organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.
- Use Only Registered Movers
Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, is registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to engage in interstate transportation of household goods and has the proper level of insurance.
You can determine if a mover is registered with FMCSA with the form below, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance.
- Red Flags for Spotting Rogue Movers
Rogue movers typically work like this: Without ever visiting your home or seeing the goods you want moved, they give a low-ball estimate over the phone or Internet. Once your goods are on their truck, they demand more money before they'll deliver or unload them. They hold your goods hostage and force you to pay more - sometimes much more than you thought you had agreed to - if you want your possessions back.
Your best defense is to recognize a rogue mover before they have your goods. Here are the "red flags" to look out for:
The mover doesn't offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or Internet -- sight-unseen. These estimates often sound too good-to-be-true. They usually are.
The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves.
The company's Website has no local address and no information about licensing or insurance.
The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance.
When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic "Movers" or "Moving company," rather than the company's name.
Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or nonexistent.
On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck.
- 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. Do not accept oral estimates.
Order for Service: The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will perform 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 item 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 a neutral 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 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 you upon request. If you feel that a mover has overcharged you, you can contact the Surface Transportation Board at 1-866-254-1792 to obtain further assistance.
Filing a Complaint: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not have the authority to resolve claims against a moving company. However, you may file a complaint against a mover by visiting www.protectyourmove.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. ET. Your complaint may trigger a Federal enforcement investigation against the mover.
- Moving Checklist
Before You Move
Obtain the brochure Ready to Move?
and the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
from the mover.
Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and relatives regarding the mover.
Check with the Better Business Bureau regarding the mover.
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.
Obtain estimates from at least three movers, and compare cost and all other services to be provided by the mover.
Check to determine whether the interstate mover is registered with FMCSA, and has a USDOT number.
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
Be present to answer questions and give directions to the movers. Stay until they finish.
Accompany the movers as they inventory your household goods, and resolve any questions regarding the condition of materials being moved.
Carefully read the information on the estimate, order for service, bill of lading, inventory, and all other completed documents before you sign them.
Keep the bill of lading until your goods are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
Before the moving van leaves, take one final look throughout the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
Give the driver directions to your new house.
Inform the driver and the moving company of where you can be reached during the move.
Delivery Day
Be present to answer any questions and give directions.
Pay the driver, according to the terms of your agreement, before your goods are unloaded.
Supervise unloading and unpacking of your goods.
Note on the inventory list all boxes or other items that are damaged before you sign any documents.
- 10 Relocation Tips For Across Town or Around the World
- Protect Your Stuff!
- Helpful Tips for Finding Your First Apartment
