Keep in Mind …

Some of your actions may limit your mover's liability. These include:

• Packing perishable, dangerous or hazardous materials in your household goods without your mover's knowledge.
• Packing your own boxes. You may consider packing your own household goods articles to reduce your costs, but if the articles you pack are damaged, it may be more difficult to establish your claim against the mover for the boxes you pack.
• Choosing Released Value coverage when your household goods are valued at more than 60 cents per pound per article.
• Failing to notify your mover in writing about articles of extraordinary value.

Do not sign a delivery receipt for your household goods if it contains any language about releasing or discharging your mover or its agents from liability. By law, you have nine months to file a written claim. Strike out this kind of language or refuse delivery until a proper receipt is provided.

Report loss and damage promptly. You have nine months following either the date of delivery, or the date on which the shipment should have been delivered, to file a written claim.

Interstate movers are required to participate in a dispute resolution or arbitration program to address your loss and damage claims. If your mover does not provide you with information on its program, ask for it – movers are required to provide a concise, easy-to-read summary.

Key Terms:

• Bill of Lading – The receipt for your household goods and the contract for their transportation.
• Extraordinary Value or High Value Article – An article of high or extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound.
• Hazardous Materials – Explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Many common household items are considered hazardous materials. These include nail polish remover, paints, paint thinners, lighter fluid, gasoline, propane cylinders, and automotive repair and maintenance chemicals.
• Intrastate Move – A move in which goods are transported from one point to another within the same State; no State borders are crossed.
• Interstate Move – A move in which goods are transported from one State to another.
• Tariff – A list of rules, regulations, available services and resulting charges. Each mover publishes its own tariffs and these must be provided to you upon request.
• Valuation – The designated dollar value of your shipment.