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Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move

Any household move that crosses a state line falls under federal FMCSA rules. Here's what you're owed at each stage, summarized in plain English. Your mover must also give you the official booklet.

  • Before booking, loading and delivery
  • Claims and arbitration
  • Links to the regulation text

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Your route

Moves that cross a state line only. No obligation.

Before you book

  • The mover's ads must show its U.S. DOT number.
  • You should get a survey of your belongings before a written estimate, in person or by video, unless you waive it in writing.
  • With your written estimate, you must get "Ready to Move?" and "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move", as copies or links. If you receive links, the mover needs your signed, dated receipt.
  • A non-binding estimate must be free. A binding one may cost money.

Before loading

  • You get the bill of lading at least 3 days before scheduled loading, and may cancel it without penalty within 3 days of signing.
  • You should also receive a notice that the mover's tariff is available, a summary of its arbitration program and a summary of its complaint procedure.
  • Nobody may make you sign a blank document.
  • An itemized inventory is prepared at or before loading, and you may watch and verify it.
  • Choose your valuation: Full Value Protection applies unless you waive it in writing.

At delivery

  • On a non-binding estimate, the mover must release your shipment if you pay up to 110% of the estimate, plus services you added after signing and capped impracticable-operations charges.
  • You may check your belongings against the inventory and note any missing or damaged items.
  • A delivery receipt must not release the mover from liability. Don't sign one that does.
  • If your shipment is priced by weight, you may request a reweigh before delivery.

Your responsibilities

  • Read everything you sign, and keep copies.
  • Be available at loading and delivery, or send someone you've authorized.
  • Tell your mover about added items or services.
  • Pay the amount required at delivery, and any remaining balance when billed.
  • File any claim promptly.

Claims and arbitration

  • Filing: at least 9 months from delivery to file a written claim.
  • Response: the mover must acknowledge within 30 days and pay, decline or make a firm offer within 120 days.
  • Lawsuits: at least 2 years to sue, counted from written notice that the claim was disallowed.
  • Arbitration: for claims of $10,000 or less, it's binding on the mover if you request it.

The regulation text

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. The regulation text controls.

Questions

Do these rules apply to in-state moves?

No. They're federal rules for interstate moves. In-state moves follow state rules.

Can I cancel after signing?

You can cancel a bill of lading without penalty within 3 days of signing.

How long do I have to file a claim?

At least 9 months from delivery.

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