Choosing your Mover
You
will have many choices of household goods movers. Since the prices and
services offered vary from mover to mover, you may want to shop around
before hiring a mover. Additionally, you may wish to call TxDOT to
verify whether your mover is properly registered. TxDOT can also give
information about the mover's complaint history and annual report. You
may also want to contact other sources such as the Better Business
Bureau for information.
Proposal for Moving Services
Prior
to loading, your mover must provide a written proposal. The proposal
must provide the maximum amount you will be required to pay at the
delivery. The proposal must be one of two types: binding or
not-to-exceed. A binding proposal states the exact price of the move. A
not-to-exceed proposal states the maximum price of the move, but allows
the mover to charge less than the maximum. Informing your mover of all
items to be moved and services you expect the mover to provide will
assist the mover in making the proposal. If possible, you should find
out exactly what services you will need the mover to perform at your
destination. Services at the destination may include “stair carries,”
“long carries,” and “elevator” use. Due to the additional labor
required to provide these services, additional fees may be charged by
your mover. Informing the mover before the move of all items to be
moved and services to be provided will help avoid misunderstandings and
help prevent the need to amend the proposal.
Mover's Liability
Your
mover has a basic liability of 60˘ per pound per article. This means if
your 50 pound television is damaged, your mover is liable for a maximum
of only $30. Although your mover cannot reduce his liability below 60˘
per pound per article, he may agree in writing to assume a higher level
of liability. Your shipment will be valued at 60˘ per pound per article
unless you and your mover agree to a higher level of liability on your
moving services contract. Your mover may assess additional fees
sometimes referred to as a valuation fee) for assuming the higher level
of liability. Noting a higher level of mover liability (valuation) is
not the same as purchasing transit insurance.
Transit Insurance
You may wish to purchase transit insurance to cover loss or damage to
your goods. Your mover may offer to sell you this type of policy or it
may be purchased directly from an insurance company. Transit insurance
is not regulated by TxDOT or the Texas Department of Insurance, so be
sure to read the transit insurance policy and understand the coverage
and any deductibles. Your mover is required to provide you with a copy
of the policy or other appropriate evidence of insurance purchased
through them.
Payment of Charges
You
should be prepared to pay the maximum amount of money shown on the
written proposal provided by your mover. The proposal must explain when
you will be required to pay your mover and what forms of payment are
accepted, such as personal checks or credit cards. Remember that the
last amended contract or written proposal lists the total price that
you may be required to pay at delivery.
Pickup and Delivery Dates
In
scheduling your move, consider the dates and times for pickup and
delivery. Advise your mover of any deadlines that you might have with
regard to pickup and delivery. To ensure that there is no confusion,
note these deadlines either on your written proposal or moving services
contract. If you are not available at the agreed times, the pickup and
delivery may be delayed, and you may be charged additional fees.
Inventory
Your mover may offer to prepare a descriptive inventory of the
shipment. The inventory will list your goods and note their condition.
The mover may charge a fee for this service only if you agree to the
preparation of the inventory. The mover will ask you to sign the
inventory after loading and possibly after unloading. As with any
shipping document, you should review it for accuracy when your shipment
is picked up and delivered. Important: Since inventories are often used
during the claim process, inspect your shipment carefully. Make sure
all boxes and items are accounted for at delivery. If there is obvious
loss or damage, note this on the inventory at delivery.
Moving Services Contract
Your
mover will prepare a moving services contract. The moving services
contract may be in the form of a bill of lading, work ticket, or other
receipt. This contract lists important information about your move,
including your name, the mover's name, and the mover's limitation of
liability for loss or damage to your goods. The agreements on your
written proposal provided by your mover become part of your contract.
Be sure all agreements between you and your mover, including services
to be provided at the destination, are written on the moving services
contract. Do not rely on any verbal agreements. Make sure all documents
offered by the mover for your signature are filled out as much as
possible before you sign.
READ THE DOCUMENTS BEFORE YOU SIGN YOUR NAME.
Mediation by TxDOT
If you wish to file for mediation through TxDOT, you must submit your
request within 30 days after any portion of your claim is denied.
Additionally, if your mover has not paid or denied your claim or made a
firm settlement offer within 90 days of receiving your claim, you have
30 days to request mediation through TxDOT. The mediation will be held
by telephone conferences, by written submissions, or in person at TxDOT
facilities in Austin, Texas. The cost of the mediator is paid by TxDOT.
If you and the mover agree to a solution to your claim during
mediation, your dispute may be resolved. If you and your mover do not
reach an agreement through mediation, you may pursue your claim through
a court of law.
Contacting TxDOT
You
may contact TxDOT at any time for information on household goods moves
within Texas. Claims are filed with your mover, and TxDOT does not
settle claims. However, TxDOT can advise you on the claims handling
process and does coordinate the mediation of disputes. If you have
questions about moving within Texas or wish to make a complaint about a
mover, you may contact TxDOT at 1-800-299-1700 (Select Option 3) or
through our website at www.dot.state.tx.us. Movers who transport
shipments across state lines follow the guidelines of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. You may contact the U.S. Department of
Transportation at: Licensing & Insurance Division (HIA-30), Office
of Motor Carrier Information Analysis, Federal Highway Administration,
400 Virginia Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, or by telephone at (202)
358-7027.
Claims
If you have a dispute about the charges or loss/ damage to your goods,
you should first file a written claim with your mover. Include in your
claim the specific amount of money or other solution you are seeking.
List enough information for the mover to investigate your claim.
Provide your mover with any shipping documents and other information
requested. You must ensure that your mover or his agent receives your
claim within 90 days of delivery of the shipment. If your mover does
not receive the claim on time, your claim could be denied. If your
claim involves damaged goods, you should preserve the containers and
any damaged goods so your mover may inspect them.
Mover's Response
to a Claim Your mover must contact you within 20 days (excluding
Sundays and holidays) of receipt of your written claim. Your mover has
a right to inspect containers or damaged goods within 30 days of
receiving your claim. Your mover must pay or deny your claim, or make a
firm settlement offer, within 90 days of receiving your claim. If you
are not satisfied with your settlement, you can contact TxDOT for
mediation or you may pursue the claim in a court of law. Some movers
may have mediation or binding arbitration programs. Before using a
program of this type, be sure to determine if it restricts your right
to pursue your dispute with TxDOT or through legal action.
