Your Move: Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities
Planning a move can feel like a big task, but knowing your rights and responsibilities is a great way to set yourself up for success. When you’re moving across state lines, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations in place to protect you throughout the process. The goal of this guide is to make those rules as clear and simple as possible, so you know what to expect and how to stay in control.
Here’s everything you need to know to make your move easier to manage and less stressful.
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
If you’re planning an interstate move, one must-have resource is the guide called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.“ It explains your rights as a customer and what your moving company is responsible for. This guide is helpful for answering common questions and breaking down the key steps of the moving process.
Reputable movers are required by law to provide this document to you if you are moving across state lines. If a mover doesn’t offer it—or seems unsure about your rights—that’s a red flag.
Stay on Top of Key Documents
Documents are an important part of any move. They help make sure you and your moving company are on the same page and that everything is handled according to your agreement. Here’s what you need to know about the main pieces of paperwork involved.
Estimates
Your moving estimate is the first step to figuring out costs and keeping your budget on track. Movers have to give you a written estimate if you ask for one, but it’s important to know there are two main types to look out for.
- Binding Estimates: These are fixed prices, meaning what’s on the estimate is the amount you’ll pay—no surprises later.
- Non-Binding Estimates: This type of estimate is more flexible. The final cost might turn out to be higher if your shipment weighs more than expected or additional services are needed. Movers are allowed to ask for up to 110% of the original estimate at delivery, with any remaining balance due later.
For non-binding estimates specifically, it’s important to confirm with your mover in advance and in writing what form of payment you will use on the day of delivery, be it cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card.
Want to learn more about how estimates work? Check out these helpful guides to Making Sense of Your Move Estimate and How to Compare Moving Estimates.
Reminder: Reputable moving companies provide estimates free of charge. If anyone tries to make you pay for an estimate, that’s a red flag.
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (BOL) serves as your written agreement with the moving company. It acts as a contract, outlining the services to be provided, the cost, and the mover’s payment and liability responsibilities.
Make sure these details are included before you sign:
- The mover’s name, address, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number (a unique company identifier).
- What forms of payment are accepted at delivery (e.g., check, credit card, etc.).
Make sure to keep a signed copy of the BOL—it’s your proof of what was agreed upon. Just like the estimate, take the time to fully understand it before you sign. Once it’s signed, be sure to save a copy for your records.
Partially Complete Documents
Sometimes your mover may give you documents that aren’t completely filled out. Don’t sign them without reviewing and confirming they’re as complete as possible. It’s okay if the shipment weight or some charges aren’t finalized, but the FMCSA advises customers to never sign a blank document.
Is Your Mover Really a Mover?
When planning your move, it’s important to know exactly who you’re dealing with. Is the company a household goods motor carrier (mover), the ones who actually transport your belongings? Or are they a household goods broker, who sets up a mover for the job but doesn’t move your belongings themselves?
It’s important to know the difference because your experience—and your protection—can vary depending on who’s handling your move. Make sure you know whether the company you’re working with is a household goods motor carrier or a broker, and check if they’re registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Only companies registered with the FMCSA are legally allowed to operate.
To double-check this info, head over to www.protectyourmove.gov. You can search for a company by name or USDOT number to see if they’re registered as a motor carrier or broker and confirm their status.
Why Does It Matter?
Understanding whether you’re dealing with a mover or broker gives you a clearer idea of who’s responsible for your goods and the terms of your agreement. Brokers typically connect you with movers, but they may not oversee the transport or handle issues like delays or damages. Movers, on the other hand, are directly responsible for your belongings from pickup to delivery.
Pro Tip: If a company is vague about their role or their FMCSA registration, that could be a red flag.
What Happens if Something Goes Wrong? Understanding Liability and Protection
No one wants to think about their belongings getting damaged during a move, but it’s a good idea to be prepared just in case. Interstate movers are required to offer two levels of liability coverage. Here’s what they mean and how they work.
Types of Liability Coverage
- Full Value Protection (FVP): This is the most comprehensive coverage. If something is lost or damaged, the mover is responsible for repairing the item, replacing it with a similar item, or paying its current value. Liability is usually capped at $6.00 per pound of your shipment unless you declare a higher value. While FVP comes with an added cost, it’s ideal if you’re moving high-value items.
- Released Value Protection: This option is the free, basic level of coverage. It compensates you based on weight rather than value—60 cents per pound per item. For example, a 10-pound item that’s worth $1,000 would only be reimbursed at $6.00 under this plan.
If neither option feels adequate, ask about third-party insurance for additional security. For more info, take a look at Questions to Ask When Selecting a Moving Company.
Pro Tip: For high-value items like jewelry or artwork, ask your mover for a high-value inventory form to ensure they’re handled with extra care.
Your Rights as a Moving Customer
When you’re moving, it’s good to know what protections are there to keep you and your belongings safe. Here are your top rights to know about.
- Dispute Settlement Program: Interstate movers are required to offer a neutral dispute resolution program. This is designed to help resolve claims related to damaged goods, delivery delays, or billing issues without going to court.
- Inspecting Tariffs: Want to know how movers determine charges? You have the right to review their tariff, which is a document explaining their rules, rates, and fees. Don’t hesitate to ask about it if you have questions.
- Request a Reweigh: If the weight of your shipment seems off, you can request your mover to reweigh it so the charges align with the actual weight.
- Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Dates: When time is of the essence, you can confirm in writing that specific pickup and delivery dates are guaranteed.
- Access to Complaint Records: The FMCSA lets you look up a moving company’s complaint history, so you can make informed decisions before booking.
Who Follows These Rules?
These protections apply specifically to interstate moves—those that cross state lines. If you’re moving within the same city or metro area, those rules might not apply, though good moving companies tend to follow similar best practices to keep their customers happy.
Pro Tip: Planning an interstate move? For tips on budgeting accurately, check out How Much Does a Move Cost?
Partnering With ADSI
Now that you’ve got the basics down for protecting yourself during your move, you’re ready to take the next steps with confidence. Moving shouldn’t feel overwhelming, and with the right support, it doesn’t have to be.
Looking for more tips? Head over to our blog or get in touch with us to find a moving plan that works for you. Let us handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on settling into your new place.
Get a free quote today and see how ADSI can make your move smooth and stress-free.