Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your area.
Moving is stressful enough without company problems. Whether movers damaged your furniture, held your belongings hostage, or charged far more than quoted, you have rights - and different rules apply depending on whether your move crossed state lines. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates interstate moves and provides consumer protections.
Interstate vs. Local: Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are federally regulated by FMCSA. Local moves within one state follow state law. Different rules, different protections.
Common Moving Problems
Damage and Loss
- Broken furniture and appliances
- Scratched or dented items
- Lost boxes or items
- Water or weather damage
- Items arrive at wrong address
Billing Issues
- Final bill much higher than estimate
- Hidden fees and charges
- Holding belongings hostage for payment
- Unauthorized credit card charges
- Surprise long-carry or stairs fees
Service Problems
- Late pickup or delivery
- No-show or rescheduling
- Subcontracting without disclosure
- Unprofessional or careless workers
- Items not reassembled
Interstate Moving Rights
Federal Protections
For moves crossing state lines, FMCSA regulations require:
- Written estimate before move
- Bill of lading (contract) at pickup
- Inventory of items
- Disclosure of liability coverage
- Delivery within agreed timeframe
Estimate Types
- Binding: Pay quoted price regardless of actual weight
- Non-binding: Final cost based on actual weight/services
- Binding not-to-exceed: Pay quoted or actual, whichever is less
Liability Coverage Options
- Released Value: Free, but only $0.60 per pound per item
- Full Value Protection: Repair, replace, or cash value
- Must be offered in writing
- Your choice - document it
$0.60 Per Pound: Under released value, a 50-pound TV worth $1,000 only gets you $30. Always consider full value protection for valuable items.
Filing Damage Claims
Interstate Moves
- File written claim within 9 months
- Company must acknowledge within 30 days
- Must respond within 120 days
- Document everything at delivery
What to Include
- Bill of lading number
- Detailed description of damage/loss
- Photos before and after
- Proof of value (receipts, appraisals)
- Repair estimates
At Delivery
- Inspect everything before signing
- Note any damage on inventory sheet
- Take photos of damage
- Write "subject to inspection" if rushed
- Never sign blank forms
Price Gouging and Hostage Situations
Holding Belongings Hostage
If mover refuses to deliver unless you pay inflated charges:
- Interstate: They must deliver for original estimate plus 10%
- Pay what you legitimately owe to get goods
- Dispute excess charges after delivery
- File complaint with FMCSA
- May be criminal extortion
Estimate Significantly Exceeded
- Get explanation in writing
- Review for unauthorized services
- Check if binding estimate was violated
- Dispute additional charges
- Credit card chargeback if applicable
FMCSA Complaint: File complaints about interstate movers at FMCSA.dot.gov. While they don't resolve individual disputes, complaints can lead to enforcement action.
Local Moving Disputes
State Regulations
- Rules vary significantly by state
- Some states require licensing
- Some have claim filing requirements
- Consumer protection laws apply
Contract Review
- Read terms carefully before signing
- Check liability limits
- Note dispute resolution procedures
- Understand estimate type
Resolving Disputes
Direct Resolution
- File written claim with company
- Include all documentation
- Set deadline for response
- Follow up in writing
Escalation Options
- FMCSA: Interstate moves
- State AG: Local moves, fraud
- BBB: All moving companies
- AMSA: If company is member
- Credit card dispute: If paid by card
- Small claims court: For damages within limit
Arbitration
- Interstate movers must offer arbitration
- Usually binding decision
- Lower cost than court
- May limit recovery
Preventing Problems
Before Hiring
- Get multiple written estimates
- Verify USDOT number (interstate)
- Check FMCSA complaint history
- Read reviews carefully
- Verify insurance coverage
Before the Move
- Create photo/video inventory
- Document condition of valuables
- Keep receipts for expensive items
- Understand your liability coverage
- Get estimate in writing
During the Move
- Be present at pickup and delivery
- Review inventory list carefully
- Note exceptions before signing
- Keep your copy of all documents
- Pay by credit card if possible
Rogue Movers: Beware companies with no physical address, very low estimates, large cash deposits, or generic truck names. These "rogue movers" cause most complaints.
Calculating Your Claim
Damage Claims
- Repair cost for fixable items
- Replacement cost or depreciated value
- Subject to liability coverage limits
- Document original value
Consequential Damages
- Hotel costs for delayed delivery
- Storage fees
- Emergency replacement purchases
- Lost wages (sometimes)
Documentation Needed
- Before/after photos
- Purchase receipts
- Repair estimates
- Replacement cost quotes
- Contract and bill of lading
Recover Your Moving Losses
Generate a demand letter for moving company damage claims and disputes.
Create Your Letter