Your rights and responsibilities when you move

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is all about looking for ways of improving customers’ experience during relocations. By learning what your rights and responsibilities when you move are, you will actually learn how to protect yourself from potential scammers and how to deal with bad moving experiences. This is why it is so essential to learn about this matter. Worry not, our professional movers in Greater Philadelphia area have pointed out some of the key things that will help you understand your position during the move. So, keep reading and you will find all the information you need right in this article.

You have many rights and responsibilities when you move

Are you getting ready to relocate soon? Then this is the article that will help you prepare for this process the right way. As we have already mentioned, getting informed about the documents you need to prepare for the move or how to deal with scammers is of the utmost importance. But don’t get us wrong. This isn’t something you should know only when you are not certain how reliable is the moving company you want to hire. Even if you hire some of the best Glenside PA movers, you will still want to know what your right and responsibilities when moving are. You know what they say – better safe than sorry!

So, let’s go through moving documentation and a process of scheduling move, just to help you understand better how you can protect yourself and stay away from companies of average or low quality. Here is how to go through all of these steps like a pro!

Getting a written moving estimate

Let’s say you have searched online for “moving services” or “climate-controlled storage near me” and you found a company that has everything you need. So what do you do? You research it thoroughly and, if everything is fine, you ask for a moving estimate. You need to get informed about moving estimates to make sure you won’t pay more than you have planned on your relocation. And, if you have been reading our blog carefully, then you already know there are two types of moving estimates.

• Binding moving estimate – An exact cost of moving services. You will have to pay the full price even if it turns out that your moving costs will be lower or higher than it is estimated.
• Non-binding estimates – The prediction of the final cost of your move. The final cost can change on the day of your relocation which is why you need to be very careful to avoid overpaying for services.

When it comes to rights and responsibilities when you move, movers must give written estimates. However, they aren’t obligated to give binding estimates. It is important to point out that if you get a non-binding estimate, your movers won’t be able to charge for their services more than the amount of the original quote, plus 10%. Then, you will have the right to take care of any remaining charges, 30 days after your relocation.

Understanding a moving contract

Ah, paperwork… probably one of the most boring parts of your relocation will be dealing with all the pre-move and post-move documentation. This can be a bit challenging, not just because there is lots of documentation, but also because you have to understand your moving contract before signing it.

The bill of lading is the contract between you and the moving company you are hiring. Your movers are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every relocation. The information on the bill of lading needs to be the same as the information shown on the order for service. It is one of your rights and responsibilities when you move, to read the bill of lading before you accept it. If you notice any irregularities, you will have the right to file a complaint against your movers. Bill of lading is a very important document. Make sure to keep it in a safe place until your move is over.

Movers’ liability and your complaints

All moving companies are required by law to assume liability for the value of the goods they are transporting. However, you need to know there are four different levels of liability that provide different amounts of protection. These levels of liability are:

• Released Value
• Declared Value
• Lump-Sum Value
• Full Value Protection

Moving companies are permitted to limit their liability for damage or loss of items of extraordinary value unless you list these items on the shipping documents. An item of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound. So, it is your responsibility to study this matter thoroughly. In case your items get damaged during the move, or they get lost, you will know what to do. This can also help you with dealing with fraudulent moving companies and keeping you protected from them.

Are there any other rights and responsibilities when you move?

As you can see, you can’t just expect others to keep you safe during the relocation. You need to learn about the relocation process and about the rights and responsibilities when you move. With the help of a reliable moving company, you will have access to a lot of information. You have the right to compare moving companies, their prices, and services, also, the right to calmly read every word of every contract. By doing this, you will have a hassle-free move and you will find a company that suits you the most. Do you have any questions regarding your move? Or maybe you are in need of reliable movers in Greater Philadelphia? If that is the case, feel free to contact us at any time. We will gladly help you in any way we can.