1. Verify the mover before reviewing the documents
Interstate household-goods movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Use FMCSA’s Protect Your Move resources to check the company’s USDOT record and complaint information. Confirm that the legal or trade name on that record matches the name shown throughout your paperwork. Also ask whether another carrier will transport the shipment and make sure any role played by a broker is clearly identified. Source: FMCSA — Protect Your Move: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move
2. Compare the estimate with the order for service
The estimate describes anticipated charges based on the shipment and services disclosed during quoting. Check the pickup and delivery details, inventory assumptions, packing, stairs, long carries, storage, bulky-item handling, access limits, and any separately listed charges. Note whether the estimate is binding or nonbinding and what conditions permit an adjustment. The order for service records the services authorized for the move. Compare it line by line with the estimate before signing. Names, addresses, requested services, dates or delivery window, valuation selection, and charging method should agree. Do not rely on a verbal promise that conflicts with the written terms; request a corrected document instead.
3. Review the bill of lading and protect the inventory
The bill of lading is the transportation contract and receipt for the shipment. Read it before loading begins, retain a copy, and check the mover’s identity, shipment addresses, services, charges or rating method, valuation choice, and pickup and delivery information. Never sign a blank or materially incomplete document. The mover’s inventory and condition records can become important if an item is lost or damaged. Confirm that the item count and identifying numbers are accurate, inspect notations describing existing damage, and record disagreements before signing. Take dated photos of valuable or fragile belongings and keep your own room-by-room list. Carry the bill of lading, inventory, photographs, receipts, and essential records with you rather than placing them on the truck.
4. Confirm valuation terms and preserve claim rights
Valuation establishes the mover’s contractual liability; it is not automatically the same as insurance. Interstate movers must offer federally prescribed liability options, including Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Review the written explanation of each option, the declared shipment value if applicable, deductibles or other terms, exclusions, and treatment of owner-packed or unusually valuable items. FMCSA materials explain these federal protections and the required consumer information, including the rights and responsibilities booklet. Before signing, confirm that you received the booklet and understand how to report loss or damage. At delivery, compare the shipment with the inventory and note visible loss or damage on the delivery records without delaying any safety issue. Photograph damage and retain packing materials when practical. Then follow the bill of lading and claims instructions exactly. Identify the written filing deadline, required documents, submission address, and delivery method; do not assume a verbal report preserves your rights. Source: FMCSA — Protect Your Move: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move