What's actually in a moving contract.
Bill of lading, valuation coverage, binding versus non-binding estimates. Here is what every moving contract should clearly state and what to watch for.
The Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is the legal contract between you and the moving company. It is also the receipt for your shipment. Every interstate moving company is federally required to issue one. State-regulated movers in New York issue equivalent paperwork.
Read the bill of lading before signing on move day. Confirm the names match, the addresses match, the inventory is correct, and the price matches your quote.
Binding vs non-binding estimates
A binding estimate locks the price for the inventory listed. The mover cannot charge you more on delivery day for the same goods.
A non-binding estimate is an educated guess. The final price can be more or less depending on actual weight or volume. Federally, non-binding charges cannot exceed 110% of the estimate at delivery, but you may be billed the rest within 30 days.
Reliable Movers writes binding flat-rate contracts. The price quoted is the price paid for the inventory we agreed on.
Valuation coverage
Valuation is not insurance. It is the moving company's contractual liability for your goods. Federal law gives interstate movers two valuation options.
- 01Released value protection: Free, but limits liability to 60 cents per pound per item. A 50-pound TV would be valued at $30 regardless of replacement cost.
- 02Full value protection: A paid option (usually 1 to 2 percent of declared value). The mover repairs, replaces, or pays the current market value of damaged or lost items.
- 03Third-party moving insurance: Available from companies like MovingInsurance.com or Baker International. Covers what valuation does not.
Red flags in a contract
- No USDOT number printed on the document for interstate moves
- A blank or vague inventory list
- No firm pickup or delivery dates
- Open-ended price language ("subject to additional charges as needed")
- Required cash or money-order payment only
- Large deposit required at signing
What you should keep
After every move, keep the signed bill of lading, the inventory sheet (with any damage notations), the valuation declaration, and the final paid invoice. Keep them for at least nine months. Federal claims windows for interstate moves are nine months from delivery. State windows vary.
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