Do You Know Your Moving Rights?

When you hire professional movers for an interstate move, you are required by federal law to receive a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a pamphlet created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But receiving the pamphlet and actually understanding what’s in it are two different things. Read below for a breakdown of the most important provisions in the document and an explainer of what they mean for you.

Your movers are required to give you a written estimate

The written estimate you receive can be binding or non-binding

Estimates must include a statement outlining your two options of liability coverage

You are entitled to purchase third party cargo liability insurance

Circumstances that reduce your mover’s normal liability

The process for filing loss or damage claims

Movers must provide you with an Order of Service

You must receive an inventory of your shipment

Agreeing on dates for pickup and delivery of shipment

Protecting your moving rights starts with knowing what they are. For local moves, the American Moving and Storage Association advises you check with your state moving association or state consumer affairs office for information on how movers are regulated in your particular locality. For an even more thorough understanding of your rights for federal moves, download “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” online and read through it prior to receiving the pamphlet from your movers. The more you know ahead of time, the better protected you’ll be.