Ready to Move

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.
 C
 heck with the Better Business Bureau
regarding the mover.
 F
 ind out what the mover's responsibilities
are for damages that may occur to your
belongings.
 A
 sk if the mover has a dispute settlement
program.
 O
 btain estimates from at least three movers,
and compare cost and all other services to be
provided by the mover.
 C
 heck to determine whether the interstate
mover is registered with FMCSA, and has a
USDOT number.
 F
 ind out how and when pickup and delivery
of your household goods will occur.
 A
 sk the mover how they can be contacted
before the move, during the move, and after
the move.
 A
 dequately insure your belongings.

Moving Day
 B
 e present to
answer questions
and give directions
to the movers. Stay
until they finish.

 A
 ccompany the movers as they inventory
your household goods and resolve any
questions regarding the condition of
materials being moved.
 C
 arefully read the information on the 
estimate, order for service, bill of lading,
inventory, and all other completed documents
before you sign them.
 K
 eep the bill of lading until your goods are
delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims
are settled.
 B
 efore the moving van leaves, take one final
look throughout the house to make certain
nothing has been left behind.
 G
 ive the driver directions to your new home.
 Inform the driver and the moving company of
where you can be reached during the move.

Delivery Day
 B
 e present to answer any questions and give
directions.
 P
 ay the driver, according to the term of your
agreement, before your goods are unloaded.
 Supervise unloading and unpacking of your
goods.
 N
 ote on the inventory list all boxes or other items
that are damaged before you sign any documents.

Questions?
Q. W
 here can I get a copy of "Your Rights and
Responsibilities When You Move" and other
helpful consumer information?
A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov
Q. W
 here can I find out whether a mover is
registered with FMCSA?
A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov

Q. W
 here can I obtain information about
a mover, broker or freight forwarder’s
insurance and process agent?
A. V
 isit http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov or call 
(202) 385-2423.
Q. H
 ow do I get assistance to determine if
a mover has assessed the correct
transportation charges?
A. V
 isit http://www.stb.dot.gov or call the Surface
Transportation Board at 1-866-254-1792.
Q. W
 here may I file a complaint against a
mover?
A. V
 isit www.protectyourmove.gov or call 
1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)
Monday - Friday between the hours of 
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.

protect
your

Moving Checklist

memories.
money.
move.

Ready to
Move?
www.protectyourmove.gov

Q. In addition to FMCSA, are there other
authorities I should contact to report a
mover?
A. Y
 es. State attorneys general and consumer
affairs agencies are responsible for pursuing
suspected moving fraud.

Tips for a
successful
interstate
move...

Q. H
 ow can I learn more about movers and
transportation of household goods?
A. V
 isit www.protectyourmove.gov and
www.moving.org.
FMCSA develops, maintains, and enforces
federal regulations that establish safe operating
requirements for commercial vehicle drivers,
carriers, vehicles, and vehicle equipment. FMCSA
regulates interstate household goods movers and
requires them to register with the agency. Its
regulations assist consumers on interstate moves
and define the rights and responsibilities of
consumers and household goods carriers.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
1-800-832-5660 • TTY: 1-800-877-8339

www.protectyourmove.gov
FMCSA-ESA-03-005

Revised April 2006

U. S. Department of Transportation
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Know Your Rights and
Responsibilities Before
Selecting a Mover

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 Your Memories. Your Money.
Your Move.” 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.
For more information on interstate moves, visit the
FMCSA Web site at: www.protectyourmove.gov
You can also use this site to link to other government, law
enforcement and moving industry information sources.
This is very important if you’re looking for more detailed
State and local information, including how to file a
complaint.

Key Definitions
Broker:
A company that arranges for the truck
transportation of cargo belonging to others,
utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual
truck transportation. A broker does not assume
responsibility for the cargo and usually does not take
possession of the cargo.
Tariff:
A list of rates, rules, regulations, and available
services. Each mover publishes its own tariffs and
these must be provided to you upon request.

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. Copies of this brochure and booklet
can be downloaded from the Web site
www.protectyourmove.gov, which has
additional helpful consumer information.

Use Only
Registered Movers
Make sure the mover you select has been
assigned a USDOT number, is registered with
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 by accessing www.protectyourmove.
gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for
licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance.

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

The b est way t o av oid pr ob l e ms is t o b e in f o rm e d an d p lan ahe ad .

file a written
claim with the
mover within 9
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
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. EST. Your complaint may trigger
a federal enforcement investigation against the
mover.

D O NO T SIG N BL AN K D O CUM EN TS.