Moving Companies - Movers - Free Quotes For Maryland Virginia and Washington D.C.


by Cytnet - Date: 2007-09-25 - Word Count: 2859 Share This!


A Handy Guide

Introduction

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations protect consumers on interstate moves by defining the rights and responsibilities of consumers and movers. The pamphlet with these guidelines will be given to you by the mover. The mover will give you one more pamphlet stating its procedures for handling your queries. A contact number will be there in the pamphlet which may be contacted to get the information about the move.

All Compaines listed at www.myUsaMove.com are within the guidelines outlined by FMCSA. We are here to help you compare the quotes and estimates from several moving companies so you can make the most affordable choice for you move.

Estimates

A mover may give you an estimate which is either binding or non-binding.
Binding Estimates
The movers usually charge for providing binding estimates of total costs. It lists out all the services provided and their cost. You will not be required to pay more than this amount. But if additional services are availed like long carry charges, shuttle charges and extra stair charges, mover will charge you for that. A binding estimate is effective only when it is written and a copy will be available for you before your move.
By agreeing to a binding estimate you agree to pay the mover by cash, certified check, bank's check or travellers check. If you wish to extend the credit or pay by charge card you need to get prior permission from the mover. Otherwise the mover may put your goods in storage at your cost.
Non-Binding Estimates
These estimates are provided by the mover for free of cost. They give you an idea about the approximate cost of the moving. This doesn't bind on the movers. For shipping goods of specified weight to a particular distance the tariffs are fixed and almost same for all the movers. If you get different estimates it is enough that you pay the published tariffs. Eventually the non-binding estimate has no effect on the actual amount you pay.

Non-binding estimates should also be written describing the cost of shipment and all the services. This estimated amount should be entered in order for service and bill of lading. Ensure this before you sign in those forms.

If you agree to a non-binding estimate the mover may not charge you more than the estimated amount plus its ten percent. But if you avail additional services that are not listed in the estimate you definitely will be charged for those.

Special Service Options

Movers provide some special services at an additional charge. A service, for which a mover charges an extra amount, may be provided by another mover at no additional cost. You have to enquire about this.
Space Reservation
In this scheme you have to pay for a minimum number of every cubic feet in the shipping van irrespective of whether that space is occupied or not.
Expedited Service
By agreeing to this service the mover agrees to provide the shipment on or in between specific dates.
Exclusive Use of a Vehicle
Almost all the movers provide this service. In this your shipment will be moved on mover's trucks or trailers.
Guaranteed Service on or between Specified Dates
This is another customary service option most movers provide. By offering this service the mover agrees to that the pick up, transport and the delivery of the goods will be done within specified dates. If he fails on this account you can claim for the already agreed upon amount of compensation.

Tariff Inspection and Incorporation Notice
According to Federal law, the movers should advise shippers about tariff inspection. Bill of lading - the contract between you and the carrier - has the information about the carrier tariffs. This can be inspected at carrier's convenience or if you request he may furnish a copy of tariff provision with details like carrier's rates, rules and charges governing your shipment.

Incorporated tariff provisions include details like,
- Extent of carrier's liability and its main characteristics as described in the bill of lading.
- Stating the time periods for filing the claims as specified in Section 6 of the bill of lading.
- Carrier's right to demand additional charges for additional services provided

Two or more Trucks

Sometimes all your goods can not be accommodated in one truck the mover uses another truck to pick up the "leave behind". You should try to avoid this inconvenience by asking the mover to make required space calculations. Insist that the estimator uses "Table of Measurements" form for the calculations.
A binding estimate with space reservation service is suitable for this situation. It is always good to prioritize your goods so that the essentials are picked up by the first truck.

Order for Service

For each and every shipment it undertakes for an individual customer, the moving company prepares an order for Service in writing. If your move is delayed or cancelled or you had decided not to use the mover you should promptly cancel the order.
If there is a change in the agreed dates of the moving or any change in the non-binding estimate the mover usually prepares a written change to the order for service and attaches this with the order for service

Bill of Lading

This is the actual contract between you and the mover. What ever information is there in the order for service finds a place in the bill of lading too. When he comes to pick up the shipment, the driver should give you a copy of the bill of lading.
It is your responsibility to read the bill of lading thoroughly before signing. As this is an important document keep it safely until all the shipments are delivered, payments are made and claims or settled if any.

Inventory

When loading your shipment the driver usually takes stock of condition of each and every item. If it is not done so you prepare an inventory by yourself. You and the driver have to sign in each page of the inventory made.

When your shipment is delivered you can make a check and claim for missing or damaged items.

The copy of the inventory given to you by the driver at the time of delivery should be kept safely with the bill of lading. This is your receipt for goods.
In the driver's copy of the inventory make a record about the damages if there are any and then sign.

Minimum Weight and Volume Charges

If your shipment weighs less than a specified minimum the mover should advise you about this. In that case you have to pay the minimum amount. If the mover fails to inform you about the minimum charge you need to pay only the amount corresponding to the actually moved weight of goods.

Weighing Processes

The mover may weigh your shipment by any of these methods.
Origin Weighing
In this method weighing is done at the city from where you are moving. The truck is weighed before loading the goods. The truck need not be empty then. Usually it has dollies, pads, ramps, hand trucks and other equipments. This measurement is called tare weight. After loading the things the truck is weighed again. This second measurement is called gross weight. The actual weight of the shipment is obtained by subtracting tare weight from the gross weight.
Destination Weighing
The mover may perform weighing even at the destination place at the time of unloading. Before unloading the gross weight of the truck is measured. After unloading the tare weight of the truck is noted. Actual weight of the shipment is gross weight minus the tare weight.

When weighing is done the driver should obtain the weighing ticket with date and place of weighing, your name and shipment number and identification numbers of the truck. The person who made the measurement should also sign in the ticket. A single ticket with the necessary details is enough if gross weight and the tare weight are measured on the same scale. These weight tickets must accompany the copy of your freight bill.
You have every right to monitor the weighing process. If you intend to observe weighing you have to inform the mover well in advance may be at the time order for service is given.

Reweighing of Shipments

At the time of unloading if you feel that reweighing is necessary you can ask for that. The mover can not charge for this. If there is any discrepancy in the weights you may pay only the adjusted costs.

Loading and Unloading on Agreed Dates

You and your mover should agree on dates on which the pickup and the delivery are to be made. These agreed dates must be listed in order for service and bill of lading. If the mover wishes for change in dates he should intimate you that and suggest alternate dates which you may agree or not.

By loading your things mover accepts to provide the services mentioned in bill of lading. Only in situations beyond mover's control he may be exempted from providing those services. This is legally termed as "defence of force mejure".

If you wish a change in delivery date after the pickup of the shipment you may consult your mover. In such cases the mover will put your goods in storage at your cost.

If the mover fails to adhere to the agreed dates you can claim the incurred expenses. This claim is commonly termed inconvenience or delay claim.

Notification of Charges

At the initial stage when you are making arrangements for the move you may give the mover a phone number or address so that he can send you notification of weight and charges. This should be done at least one 24-hour weekday prior to the delivery. This condition does not apply when you are getting estimates or you do weighing at the destination.

Delivery Receipt
At the time of unloading you sign in mover's copy of the inventory. This is the receipt for delivery. Other than this the mover may make you sign a document which may relieve the mover from all liabilities like damage or loss claim etc. Don't sign in such documents.

Mover's Liability

Movers offer four different levels of liability for the value of goods which they transport. The amount of protection provided by the mover and the associated charges are according to the tariffs and guidelines provided by Surface Transportation Board's Released Rates Orders.
Released Value
This option offers minimal protection at no additional charges. In this the mover is liable only 60 cents per pound per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the weight of the article. This weight dependent protection option is the most economical one. To agree to this you have to sign a statement in the bill of lading.
Declared Value
In this option the liability value of your shipment is total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. The mover assumes liability for the entire shipment. The mover charges you $7 for every $1000 of the liability assumed. Any loss or damage claim is based on the depreciated value of the lost or damaged item. This option provides improved protection for an additional charge.
Lump Sum Value
If you feel that the real worth of your shipment is more than the declared value you may opt for extra protection. In this you specify a dollar value for your shipment. This value should exceed the declared value. That is the total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. The mover charges you $7 for every $1000 of the value you specify. If you think your shipment is of expensive items you may opt for this increased liability. Remember that everything should be in writing on bill of lading.
Full Value Protection
In this option if an item is lost or damaged it is repaired or replaced or settled in full value by cash. The liability value is approximately $8.5 for every $1000 declared value. The additional charge for this full value protection normally varies from mover to mover.

Articles of extraordinary value should be listed in the shipping documents. Otherwise the movers may restrict their liability for their loss or damage. Any thing whose value exceeds $100 per pound comes under this category. It is your responsibility to avail this classification and make the necessary declarations in the documents.
These liability levels are not insurance agreements and are not governed by insurance laws. They come under the control of Released Rates Order provided by Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other than these options the mover may advise you to get liability insurance from third party insurance company. In such cases loss and damage claim are shared by the mover providing minimal protection and the third party insurance company covering up to the maximum amount for which the insurance was purchased. In case you purchased liability insurance either from or through the mover, the mover has to issue a policy or other written record. If the mover fails to do so he is fully liable for the loss or damage claims.
Enquiries and Complaints
Any mover should promptly respond to your complaints and queries. First you should consult your local agent through whom you made the arrangements then the driver assigned to your shipment. If the response from them is unsatisfactory you can contact mover's head office with copies of all the documents related to your moving. The number (Move Number) given by the mover is the important one.
Interstate moving companies should offer neutral arbitration to assist solving consumer disputes over loss or damage claim or COD (Collect on Delivery) shipment. They should have a procedure laid out to handle customer's complaints and inquiries.

Payments
Payments of Transportation Charges
The mover will give you the freight bill listing the service provided and its associated charge at the time of payment of transportation charges. Some movers may provide you a separate freight bill while others may use the bill of lading as the freight bill.
If your shipment is transported on COD terms then you need to pay the full amount at the time of delivery. You may be exempted from this if the mover has provided you non-binding estimate and the total charges for the services provided exceed 110 percent of the estimated costs.
The mode of payment is another important issue. Movers accept payment by cash, certified check, bank check or travellers check. They normally don't accept personal checks. Payments by charge cards also are not acceptable by majority of the movers. Consult with the mover and decide on the mode of payment before hand.
If you don't pay the charges at the time of delivery the mover may refuse to deliver the goods and may put them in storage at your cost.
If there is any error in the charges you can get them corrected before payment by discussing with the mover's representative or the driver or mover's principal office. If you find error after payment you have to write to the mover asking for refunding.
Payment for Shipments Transported on Two or More Vehicles
Sometimes your shipment may need more than one vehicle. This always happens when an automobile is to be transmitted. In such situations the mover may require a part payment when unloading the first truck. So have a prior discussion with the mover and get clarified of the mover's requirements.
Payment for Shipments Lost or Destroyed in Transit
Movers take every precaution to ensure the safe transit of the shipment. But there are times when items or lost or destroyed. For such things you don't have to pay the transportation charges. At the unloading time you have to make the full payment. But when the loss or damage claims are settled the proportionate transport charges will be refunded to you. If whole shipment is lost or destroyed in transit you have to pay nothing to the mover except for that extra charge you agreed to pay for liability protection.
Filing Claims and Dispute Resolution Programs
When something is lost or damaged in transit you have to file a claim with the mover asking for money settlement. You have nine months from the date of delivery to make this claim. But do it as soon as possible (within 120 days). Else even if you win court action you may not be able to get back even the attorney fees.
The Federal Government may govern the processing of loss and damage claims. But it can not resolve those claims. In case of a dispute with the mover you may a file civil action to recover in court. For legal purposes you may use the name and address of the mover's agent. This information can be got from FMCSA.
Dispute Resolution Programs are there for the interstate movers. These programs necessitate that unresolved loss or damage claims to be submitted to a neutral arbitration for resolution. This way is economical and convenient for you to seek the recovery of your claim. Before accepting to transport the shipment the movers must provide details about this neutral arbitration program. If he doesn't, you can ask him to give information about the Dispute Resolution Programs.

Conclusion
The pamphlet the mover gives you normally answers all your questions. But in case you have any doubts you can get them clarified by consulting the mover's local agent or the driver or by contacting the mover's principal office.
For further help and assistance you can always approach FMCSA. Its address is given below for you.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Office of Public and Consumer Affairs (MC - PA)
400 7th Street S.W.
Washington D.C. 20590
















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