bill of lading Archives

How to break down your moving documents? Because moving is one of the most stressful things you can do, signing all of the paperwork can be daunting and confusing. This paperwork, on the other hand, is essential for ensuring that you and your moving company are on the same page when it comes to price, shipment timelines, and general moving standards.

When there’s a lot to examine, it’s easy to lose track of the details of each component of your documentation. We’ve split down the documents for your move below so you can quickly find the complicated paperwork you’ll need to sign.

The Moving Estimate in Writing

The written estimate is the first significant document you’ll study for your upcoming move. This will be created during your initial consultation with an estimator, during which you and the estimator will walk through your home in person or virtually. You and your estimator will go through everything you want the moving firm to transport during this walkthrough.

Written estimates define your final cost rates, include any necessary taxes or deposits, and any other add-on services you’ve chosen (like storage fees and packing). One of two forms of written estimates can be expected to be reviewed:

Non-binding estimate: This sort of estimate is less specific than a binding estimate and deals with a variety of charges. Depending on the actual weight of the maneuver, it may change.
Binding estimate: This is the most common of the two, and it provides fixed rates based on your itemized merchandise and expected shipment weight. You’ll pay exactly what was quoted at the start of the move as long as your itemized inventory matches what the movers load on moving day.

Before signing your written estimate, make sure you read it completely. Make sure you don’t sign a blank or partial estimate.

Learn More: Rules and Definition of Binding & Non-Binding Moving Estimate

Coverage for Your Selected Valuation

Your valuation coverage for household products is just as crucial as your written estimate. The amount you can claim for reimbursement if your household goods are damaged in transit is determined by valuation coverage in the moving industry. Your chosen valuation coverage, which is established by you rather than your estimator, will frequently be included in your written estimate.

Take the time to read through the valuation paperwork thoroughly so you understand how it applies to your move. You’ll have to choose between three possibilities:

Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection: The mover bears responsible for the released value of 60 cents per pound per piece by selecting this valuation option.
Third-party insurance: Third-party cargo liability insurance is also available.
Full (Replacement) Value Protection: This is the most thorough option for covering your valuables, but it will raise your moving costs.

Also Read: How to Claim Loses and Damages and How to Avoid

Your Rights and Responsibilities in Writing

“Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which comes in the form of a 30-page booklet, is exactly what it sounds like: it’s your key to understanding the rules and regulations that you and your mover must follow.

What you and your mover must do throughout your relocation is governed by federal law, and the pamphlet you receive is your guide to knowing all of the laws and regulations. It covers everything from estimates to useful definitions and is worth at least one thorough read to understand why moving businesses operate the way they do.

It may provide you peace of mind because you’ll have a better grasp of the procedures that moving firms utilize to ensure that your belongings are delivered safely.

Bill of Lading and Order for Service

Your chosen mover will create a service order as well as a bill of lading for your shipment. The bill of lading is the billing contract for the services you’ve requested, and the order for service is a written confirmation of the services you’ve requested.

The following items must be present in both the order for service and the bill of lading, and they must be identical:

The most your mover will ask for at the time of delivery (which is based upon the written estimate).
A detailed description of any desired add-on services or adjustments to the shipping volume.
Your shipment’s identification number, which your mover assigns to it.
If you’ve been given a non-binding estimate, your mover’s reasonably accurate estimate of charges.
If you’ve been given a binding estimate, the actual amount of charges your mover will collect.
Indicates whether you’ve requested notification of charges prior to delivery of your shipment.
The name, address, and assigned USDOT number of your mover.
Your full name, address, and phone number.
The name, location, and phone number of the agent closest to your shipment’s destination.
A phone number you can call to reach out to your movers.
The agreed-upon pickup and delivery date or the assured pickup and delivery time frames.
Any additional motor carriers who will be involved in the delivery of your shipment, including their names and addresses.
The method of payment that your mover will accept at the time of delivery.
The terms and circumstances for paying the total charges set forth by the moving business.

Once your order for service and bill of lading has been prepared, you can obtain copies. Because you and your mover both sign the order for service, double-check that what you see there is clear and true and that it corresponds to what you’ve discussed earlier. You have three days from the time you sign these forms to cancel your order. If you cancel your move after those three days have passed, you may be charged a fee.

Also Read: Why is it Very Important to Ask for A Moving Quotes

Inventory that is itemized

When the mover loads your belongings, they will create an itemized inventory of everything you own. They’ll note any damages or wear to any items they’re loading here in order to document the pre-existing conditions of your belongings before they’re delivered to their final destination. Additionally, when computing your written estimate, estimators consider your itemized inventory. You’ll end up paying what you were quoted as long as everything shipped matches what was specified in the itemized inventory.

Once this inventory is completed, both you and your mover will sign it. Make a thorough inspection of the inventory and make a note of any discrepancies. This document is significant because it will be referred to by both you and your mover if something is damaged in transit or missing from your shipment.

There will be some reading required

Once you begin the process of planning your move, you’ll quickly discover that the above material covers every aspect of your transfer. After reviewing your moving documentation, you’ll know how much you’ll have to pay, how long your shipment will take to arrive, and who you should contact if you have any further issues.

This paperwork is necessary to protect both you and your mover. Request copies of these forms for your records, and go back to this guide if you have any questions about your moving documents.

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It may appear that only an experienced lawyer understands all of the moving rights and responsibilities that your relocation may entail. In reality, we should all be aware of the legal implications of a move. It will not only save us time and money, but it will also make the relocation more efficient and smooth.

All moving companies are required to provide you with a booklet titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When Moving.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is in charge of this (FMCSA).

Your Moving Rights and Responsibilities

Read it carefully when you get it from your mover. You will understand what types of insurance a moving company can provide, how to limit a mover’s liability for your belongings, the difference between a binding estimate and a non-binding estimate, and much more. Each mover is required by federal law to provide you with a booklet titled “Rights and Responsibilities,” which you can find a summary of here.

Your Relocation Rights

Movers must provide written estimates, which may be binding. Estimates that are not legally binding should not always be relied upon; actual charges may exceed the estimate.
The mover should not ask you to sign documents that are blank or incomplete.
Before signing, the document should be as complete as possible. With the exception of the actual shipment weight and any other information required to determine the final charges for all services performed, this document contains all relevant shipping information.

Also Read: Rules and Definition of Binding & Non-Binding Moving Estimate

When you move, you have the right to be present each time your shipment is weighed and to request a re-weigh.
As an alternative to settling loss or damage claims, moving companies must provide a dispute resolution program.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you may request complaint information about movers from FMCSA; however, you may be charged a fee to obtain this information.
You can request that your moving company provide you with guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.
Moving insurance is not the same as valuation coverage. Before you move, do some research on valuation coverage to find out what it does and does not cover. You have the option of requesting an explanation of the distinction between valuation and actual insurance.

Your Rights and Responsibilities During A Move

Your Relocation Responsibilities

You should understand the distinction between an actual mover and a household goods broker. A household goods broker only arranges transportation and should not be mistaken for a mover. Trucks are not owned by a household goods broker. You should be aware that a household goods broker usually does not have the authority to provide you with an estimate on behalf of a specific moving company. If a household goods broker provides you with an estimate, it may not be binding on the actual mover, and you may be required to pay the actual charges assessed by the mover. A household broker is not liable for any loss or damage.
When you relocate, your primary responsibility is to avoid disclosing any information about their competitors to the various moving companies.

Also Read: What’s The Difference Between PODS & Self-Storage Units

Before you relocate, make sure you read the FMCSA‘s booklet. There are additional items there that we have not mentioned here, such as requirements for the “Bill of lading,” important information about the delivery receipt, and much more. Don’t forget to check that the moving company you choose provides you with your “Rights and Responsibilities”! Determine your moving company’s DOT number to ensure you are not dealing with a fake mover. Some movers include short or long-term storage as part of their relocation package. If you intend to restyle your new home before moving in, this is a good option.

Also Read: Moving Fraud: How to Claim Loses and Damages and How to Avoid

When it comes to your rights and responsibilities when moving with WoMover, you should not be hesitant. Contact us today and our team of professionals will be happy to assist you in making your upcoming move a reality! We value both your time and your money. Quality service, commitment to our work, and expert care.