Moving is ranked as one of the most stressful things a person will go through and it’s no wonder with multiple things required to know and do before your big “move day.”
To help ease the burden of moving, professional moving companies are required by law to provide you, the shipper, with information regarding your rights and responsibilities during a move. This information is set forth by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that both the shipper and the carrier are equally protected during a household move. Your primary responsibility as the consumer is to chose a reputable mover and to fully understand the terms and conditions of the moving contract.
Here is a link to the full “Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” provided by the FMCSA. This is a wonderful resource with a wealth of information regarding all things moving. At a glance, here are the key points to pull from this content:
- The moving company must provide a written estimate.
- Moving companies can provide a non-binding estimate which can vary from actual charges.
- The moving company must provide you with a Bill of Lading to sign. This is your actual contract with the moving company and you should verify the information before signing it. For more information regarding the Bill of Lading, click here.
- You are entitled to ask for availability of guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.
- You are encouraged to understand the difference between valuation and actual insurance and what the moving company is responsible for regarding loss and/or damage.
- For non-binding estimates, you should confirm with the moving company their methods of payment.
- Damage claim procedures should be discussed between the shipper and the carrier. In most cases the carrier (mover) will have an alternative means of settling without legal recourse.
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While in the process of researching moving companies or actually booking your move, you may come across industry lingo that you are unfamiliar with. Here is a list of some of the moving terminology to be familiar with:
Bill of Lading–The contract between the shipper and the carrier. This document should be kept handy at all times.
Carrier–The company physically moving your belongings.
Delivery window–The time frame given to the shipper for when they can expect the moving company to began the move. In most cases, it is a 2-4 hour block of time.
DOT Number–A serial number issued by the United States Department of Transportation to all commercial vehicles involved in interstate transportation.
Local Move–A move within the city of Chicago.
Minimum Carrier Liability–The minimum amount of liability the carrier is responsible to assume over the value of goods being transported, as set forth by the operating state.
Non-binding estimate–Free estimates and quotes serve as non-binding estimates of cost and will be finalized after the completion of the moving job.
Binding estimate–A flat rate that does not change regardless of time spent or items moved.
Off-peak–Specific dates during the month when it is less busy for a moving company which allows for discounted rates and booking flexibility, usually occurring mid-month.
Peak–Specific dates during the month when it is busiest for moving companies and hourly rates are at a higher cost. Peak dates tend to be at the beginning and end of a month.
Shipper–The customer in need of moving services.
Valuation Insurance–The degree of “worth” of the items being moved, as set by the shipper.
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Here at Aaron Bros. Moving System, Inc., we have spent considerable time researching a vast array of topics so you don’t have too!
If you are looking for even more information and advice on moving, look no further than this useful index of past blog topics. Each link will direct you to a previous post with information relevant to an upcoming move.
- Moving Checklist
- Moving on a Budget
- Preparing Your New Home for Movers
- What to Expect During Your Aaron Bros. Move
- Tips for Moving with Young Children
- 12 Tips for Packing a Kitchen
- What to Look for in a Moving Company
- Tips for Relocating to Chicago from Aaron Bros. Moving System, Inc.
- Tips for Moving with Pets
- 5 Tips for Moving in the Summer
- Mover’s Tips for Packing Electronics
- Moving Services for Senior Citizens
- Should You Tip Your Mover?
- Who to Notify When it’s Time to Move
- New Home Safety Checklist
- Packing 101
- Advanced Packing
- Your “Move-in” Checklist When Relocating
- Winter Moving Tips
- Preparing for your Move with Floor Plans
- Tips on Writing a Helpful Moving Review
- 5 Move In Organization Tips
- Fun Tips for Moving with Young Children
- Your “Moving Out” Cleaning Checklist
- 11 Tips for Planning Your Move
