Interstate Moves: Your Rights and Responsibilities When Moving

Interstate moving comes with important protections, responsibilities, and paperwork. Understanding them before moving day can help you avoid surprises, protect your belongings, and choose a reputable mover with confidence.

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What You Should Know Before an Interstate Move

When you move across state lines, federal regulations help protect you as a consumer. These rules outline what movers must provide, what your rights are, and what responsibilities you have throughout the moving process. The most important step you can take is understanding your contract, reviewing your estimate carefully, and working with a legitimate mover registered for interstate transportation.

Your Responsibilities Before Moving Day

As the customer, you also play an important role in protecting your move. Your responsibilities include:

Reading all moving documents carefully

Being available for pickup and delivery, or appointing a representative

Filing claims promptly if loss, damage, or delays occur

Making payment in the agreed amount and form

Letting your mover know if dates, inventory, or shipment details change

Being informed before moving day can make the process smoother and reduce the risk of disputes later.

Understanding Moving Estimates

Two of the most important parts of any interstate move are your estimate and your liability coverage. Movers are required to provide written estimates for every shipment. Verbal quotes are not official estimates. Your estimate should include transportation charges, accessorial services, and any additional applicable charges. It must also be dated and signed.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate means you cannot be required to pay more than the amount listed, unless you add items or request additional services. If the estimate is not changed in writing before loading, the original binding estimate remains in effect.

Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is an approximation of the final cost. Your final charges are based on the actual weight of the shipment, services provided, and the mover’s tariff. At delivery, the mover cannot require payment of more than 110% of the original estimate, with any remaining balance billed later.

Important Reminder

Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. Doing so could allow the terms or price of your move to be changed without your knowledge.

Worker holding a clipboard and pen, taking notes while another worker is in the background.

What are your options?

Liability Coverage Options

Every interstate move includes liability coverage options. Your mover must provide written notice of these options in your estimate.

1.

Full Value Protection

This is the most comprehensive protection option. If an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed while in the mover’s custody, the mover may repair it, replace it with a similar item, or compensate you for the repair or replacement cost. This option generally increases the total cost of your move.

2.

Released Value

This is the most economical option, but it provides minimal protection. Under this option, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound, per article. For higher-value items, this level of coverage may not be enough.

Extraordinary Value Items: Some items, such as jewelry, antiques, rugs, silverware, china, furs, and software, may be considered articles of extraordinary value. If an item exceeds $100 per pound in value, you may need to declare it in writing to receive full protection.

Claims for Loss, Damage, or Delay

Even with careful handling, problems can happen during a move. If items are lost or damaged, you have the right to file a written claim. In most cases, claims must be filed within 9 months from delivery, or from the date the shipment should have been delivered if the entire shipment is lost. Once your claim is submitted, the mover has 30 days to acknowledge it and 120 days to provide a disposition, with limited extensions in some cases.

If your move included guaranteed service dates, delay claims may also apply according to the terms listed on your bill of lading.

Watch for Red Flags

To help protect yourself, avoid movers or brokers that:

Are not registered for interstate moves

Refuse to perform a physical survey when required

Demand cash-only transactions

Ask you to sign blank or incomplete documents

Choosing a reputable mover and reviewing all documents carefully are some of the best ways to protect your move.

Moving Paperwork Matters

Before signing anything, confirm that your moving paperwork is complete. One of the most important documents is the Order for Service, which includes key details like contact information, move dates, payment terms, delivery information, and any special services requested.

Carefully reviewing your paperwork before move day helps ensure everyone is working from the same expectations.

What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate guarantees the listed amount unless services or inventory change. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, and final charges are based on actual shipment details.

Do interstate movers have to provide a written estimate?

Yes. Movers must provide a written estimate for every interstate shipment. A verbal quote is not considered an official estimate.

What happens if my belongings are damaged during the move?

You may file a written claim for loss or damage. Your mover’s liability depends on the protection option you selected.

How long do I have to file a claim?

You generally have 9 months from delivery, or from the expected delivery date if the entire shipment is lost.

What should I never sign?

Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate or moving document.

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Move Forward With Confidence

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is one of the most important parts of planning a successful interstate move. Take time to review your estimate, ask questions, and make sure you are working with a reputable moving company before moving day.

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Interstate Moves: Your Rights and Responsibilities When Moving

What You Should Know Before an Interstate Move