More than 40 million Americans move each year for personal reasons and career opportunities. It's a
significant event in anyone's life. Your money, your memories are at stake. It can also be stressful,
even under the best of circumstances. Know how to avoid one of the most stressful situations that can
arise; protect yourself from dishonest, "rogue" movers.
Most moving companies are legitimate businesses that do quality work. But in recent years, a growing
number of complaints have been filed against interstate movers-and many of those complaints spring
from the fraudulent practices of a small percentage of dishonest movers known as rogue movers. It
stands to reason that if we can teach you how to spot a rogue mover, the odds that you will become a
victim of one are greatly reduced. Fortunately, there are several logical steps you can also take to
help ensure that you are choosing a reputable mover.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), of the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT), has initiated a partnership with other Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies,
consumer groups, and the moving industry to make sure you have the information you need-and answers to
your questions-to "Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move." from fraud.
Doing Your Part
The Federal government, State and local law enforcement agencies, and the legitimate moving industry
have joined forces to combat moving fraud, but you have an important role to play as well. If you're
planning to move, it's important to learn as much as you can about
your rights and
responsibilities.
You can also use this site to link to other
government, law enforcement and moving industry information sources. This is very important if you're looking for more detailed State and local
information, including how to file a complaint.
Know your rights and responsibilities. Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move.
Red flags for spotting rogue Movers
Rogue movers typically work like this: Without ever visiting your home or seeing the goods you
want moved, they give a low-ball estimate over the phone or Internet. Once your goods are on their
truck, they demand more money before they'll deliver or unload them. They hold your goods hostage
and force you to pay more-sometimes much more than you thought you had agreed to-if you want your
possessions back. Your best defense is to recognize a rogue mover before they have your goods.
Here are the "red flags" to look out for:
- The mover doesn't offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an
estimate over the phone or Internet-sight-unseen. These estimates often sound too good-to-be-true. They
usually are.
- The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
- The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of
"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of
interstate moves.
- The company's Web site has no local address and no information about licensing or insurance.
- The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance.
- When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic "Movers" or "Moving company," rather
than the company's name.
- Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or nonexistent.
- On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck.
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Questions About How to Protect Yourself from Fraud?
Q. How do I learn more about choosing a mover?
A. Start at the Choose a Reputable Mover section of this brochure for information and resources
on choosing a mover.
Q. What if I think a rogue mover has taken advantage of me?
A. Visit http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov/HomePage.asp, or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) to file a complaint;
your report could become part of a Federal investigation against the company. But remember-you
should file a complaint directly with the mover before doing so with FMCSA.
Q. What is the difference between an intrastate move and an interstate move?
A. An intrastate move is one in which goods are transported from one point to another within
the same State; (i.e., no State borders are crossed). An interstate move is one in which goods are
transported from one State to another. FMCSA has jurisdiction over interstate moves; State and
local authorities have jurisdiction over intrastate moves. Learn more in the section of this Web
site entitled
"What is an Interstate Move?"
Q. How do I insure my property when I hire a mover?
A. There are two options: valuation coverage and insurance. When you sign your bill of lading,
the mover automatically provides valuation coverage, which assumes liability for no more than 60
cents per pound per item for interstate moves. Some movers may also offer to sell or procure for
you separate liability insurance from a third party insurance company. If you purchase this
insurance from or through your mover, the mover is required to issue a policy or written record of
the purchase.
Q. In addition to FMCSA, are there other authorities I should contact to report a mover?
A. Yes. State attorneys general and consumer affairs agencies are responsible for pursuing
suspected moving fraud.
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Choosing a reputable mover
Here's an important "to do" list to help you select the right mover:
- Get a written estimate from several movers.
The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your household goods.
- Make sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority.
For moves from one State to another, a U.S. DOT number is issued by FMCSA. You can double-check a mover's
license on www.protectyourmove.gov. For moves
within a State, requirements vary. Check with your
State, county or local consumer affairs agency or your State attorney general.
- Remember your priorities when choosing a mover.
If you hire a mover based solely on the cheapest price, you may be sacrificing other things that are
actually more important, such as getting your possessions moved and delivered on time. And remember,
movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than ten percent above the price of a
non-binding estimate. This is known as the 110 percent rule.
- Do your homework.
Read
"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," a booklet from the Federal government that your
mover is required to give you if you are moving from one State to another. This booklet also has
information you'll need if your goods are lost or damaged during the move. Finally, check the mover's
complaint history with the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency at 903-3430 or other consumer
advocacy organizations such as the Better Business Bureau
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