When you or a moving company moves your household goods over the interstate, there are certain rights and responsibilities that you and the moving company have, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Although moving companies are not required to provide an estimate, you may ask for one. If you request a binding estimate, and the mover is willing to provide one, they has the right to charge you for a detailed estimate. A binding estimate must clearly describe all moving, shipping and other services provided. With a binding estimate, you are not required to pay more than the amount on the estimate, however, should anything change or need to be added, that is not clearly on the estimate, the charges may change. To ensure that the binding estimate is effective, it must be in writing and a copy must have been available to you before you move.
Every mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for any shipment it transports. The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover. The information that is listed on the bill of lading is required to be the same as that on the order for service, which is required as well. You must be provided with a copy of the bill of lading before the mover loads your furniture. You have the responsibility to read the bill of lading before you accept it.
As a customer, if the moving company doesn’t write an inventory of everything in the shipment, you should do one yourself. As part of the inventory, list the condition of all items. Companies that create an inventory will usually ask you to sign each page to ensure that everything is correct. If you disagree with anything, make a note on the inventory and initial it. You should receive a copy of this inventory. At the time of delivery, check the inventory to verify that everything was delivered in the same condition in which it was picked up.
Moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of any goods that they transport. There are, however, different levels of liability. Make sure you are aware of these levels and the cost for each one.
For more information or for an estimate for residential or commercial moving services in the Tulsa, OK area, contact Mike Ellingson or Mike Steinberg at Relocation LLC at 918-459-6683 or www.relocationllc.net.
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