Choosing your Mover - You will have many choices of
household goods movers. Since the prices and services offered vary from
mover to mover, you may want to shop around before hiring a mover. You may
want to contact sources such as the Better Business Bureau for information.
Proposal for Moving Services - Prior to loading, your mover
must provide a written proposal. The proposal must provide the maximum
amount you will be required to pay at the delivery. The proposal must be one
of two types: binding or not-to-exceed. A binding proposal states the exact
price of the move. A not-to exceed proposal states the maximum price of the
move, but allows the mover to charge less than maximum. Informing your mover
of all items to be moved and services you expect the mover to provide will
assist the mover in making the proposal. If possible, you should find out
exactly what services you will need the mover to perform at your
destination. Services at the destination may include “stair carries”, “long
carries”, and “elevator” use. Due to the additional labor required to
provide these services, additional fees may be charged by your mover.
Informing the mover before the move of all items to be moved and services to
be provided will help avoid misunderstandings and help prevent the need to
amend the proposal.
Pickup and Delivery Dates - In scheduling your move,
consider the dates and times for pickup and delivery. Advise your mover of
any deadlines that you might have with regard to pickup and delivery. To
ensure that there is no confusion, note these deadlines either on your
written proposal or moving services contract. If you are not available at
the agreed times, the pickup and delivery may be delayed, and you may be
charged additional fees.
Inventory - Your mover may offer to prepare a descriptive
inventory of the shipment. The inventory will list your goods and note their
condition. The mover may charge a fee for this service only if you agree to
the preparation of the inventory. The mover will ask you to sign the
inventory after loading and possibly after unloading. As with any shipping
document, you should review it for accuracy when your shipment is picked up
and delivered. Important: Since inventories are often used during the claim
process, inspect your shipment carefully. Make sure all boxes and items are
accounted for at delivery. If there is obvious loss or damage, note this on
the inventory at delivery.
Moving Services Contract - Your mover will prepare a moving
services contract. The moving services contract may be in the form of a bill
of lading, work ticket, or other receipt. This contract lists important
information about your move, including your name, the mover’s name, and the
mover’s limitation of liability for loss or damage to your goods. The
agreements on your written proposal provided by your mover become part of
your contract. Be sure all Agreements between you and your mover, including
services to be provided at the destination, are written on the moving
services contract. Do not rely on any verbal agreements. Make sure all
documents offered by the mover for your signature are filled out as much as
possible before you sign. READ THE DOCUMENTS BEFORE YOU SIGN YOUR NAME.
Mover’s Liability - Your mover has a basic liability of 60
cents per pound per article. This means if your 50 pound television is
damaged, your mover is liable for a maximum of only $30. Although your mover
cannot reduce his liability below 60 cents per pound per article, he may
agree in writing to assume a higher level of liability. Your shipment will
be valued at 60 cents per pound per article unless you and your mover agree
to a higher level of liability on your moving services contract. Your mover
may assess additional fees (sometimes referred to as a valuation fee) for
assuming the higher level of liability. Noting a higher level of mover
liability (valuation) is not the same as purchasing transit insurance.
Payment of Charges - You should be prepared to pay the
maximum amount of money shown on the written proposal provided by your
mover. The proposal must explain when you will be required to pay your mover
and what forms of payment are accepted, such as personal checks or credit
cards. Remember that the last amended contract or written proposal lists the
total price that you may be required to pay at delivery.
Claims - If you have a dispute about the charges or
loss/damage to your goods, you should first file a written claim with your
mover. Include in your claim the specific amount of money or other solution
you are seeking. List enough information for the mover to investigate your
claim. Provide your mover with any shipping documents and other information
requested. You must ensure that your mover or his agent receives your claim
within 90 days of delivery of the shipment. If your mover does not receive
the claim on time, your claim could be denied. If your claim involves
damaged goods, you should preserve the containers and any damaged goods so
your mover may inspect them.
Mover’s Response to a Claim - Your mover must contact you
within 20 days (excluding Sundays and holidays) of receipt of your written
claim. Your mover has a right to inspect containers or damaged goods within
30 days of receiving your claim. Your mover must pay or deny your claim, or
make a firm settlement offer, within 90 days of receiving your claim. If
there are continuing problems, please contact your state's household goods
mover D.O.T.