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Slide 1: Protect your goods by choosing a trustworthy moving company Find out your rights and responsibilities before selecting a mover A reputable mover has to give you a brochure and a booklet entitled to your rights and responsibilities when you move. Read the brochure properly and find out what documents that a mover will ask you to sign. In the brochure, you will also get information what your rights are if your household goods are lost or damaged. Go in with registered movers While selecting a moving company in San Francisco or any other state or city, find out whether they are assigned a USDOT number and are registered with FMCSA for interstate transportation of household goods and provide proper insurance. Read all the instructions provided by the moving company Make sure that moving company provides you all the basic documents required: 1. Estimates:
Slide 2: Make sure that that you get estimate in writing with all charges for services. The estimate should be signed by the mover. Do not accept oral estimates. 2. Order for service: Order of service means the list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked and delivered. 3. Bill of lading: In simple terms, bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover and a receipt of your belongings. Make sure you get a copy of the bill of lading before the mover leaves your residence. 4. Inventory list: An inventory list is nothing but a receipt of the items that are shipped and in what condition it was shipped. Make sure you get a written copy of the inventory after your household goods are loaded. What to do if problem persists? Dispute settlement Program: It is compulsory for interstate movers to provide you with information regarding their dispute settlement program. Movers should provide a neutral dispute settlement program to settle disputes that may arise concerning loss of damage of your household goods. Loss or damage of goods: If your goods are damaged during delivery, you can request a company claim form from the mover. Complete the claim form to the best of your ability. Mover will tell where to mail the completed form. You should file a written claim within 9 months of delivery. It would be better if you send the claims information to the mover by certified mail. Applicable transportation charges: Make sure you get moving charges list in a published tariff, which must be made available to you upon request. If you feel that a mover has overcharged you, you can contact the Surface transportation Board. Filing a complaint: FMCSA cannot resolve claims against a moving company. Your complaint may trigger a Federal enforcement investigation against the mover. Source: San Francisco Movers