Guide: federal mover rules
Interstate mover rules, in plain words
What a household goods mover must give you in writing, what you pay at delivery, and how claims work. The parts that matter before you sign.
- 110%
- Pay this much of a non-binding estimate and the mover must deliver
- 9 months
- To file a loss or damage claim in writing
49 CFR part 375 and appendix A, read Oct 2, 2026. See source
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Where these rules come from
These rules come from 49 CFR part 375, the federal regulation for household goods moves between states, and its appendix A, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"1. They apply to household goods motor carriers on interstate moves.
This guide is a plain summary, not legal advice. The regulation text is the final word.
Estimates: always in writing
Your mover must give you a written estimate of all charges, based on a physical survey of your goods. The survey can be on-site or virtual (live or recorded video), and you can waive it only in writing. A verbal quote is not an official estimate1.
Binding estimate. Guarantees the total cost based on the items and services listed. The mover may charge you for preparing it1.
Non-binding estimate. The mover's approximation; the final bill is based on the actual weight and the mover's tariff. The mover may not charge for providing it1.
The 110 percent rule. On a collect-on-delivery move with a non-binding estimate, if you pay at least 110 percent of the estimate at delivery, the mover must hand over your goods. Remaining charges are billed after delivery1.
The two liability options on every estimate
| Option | What the mover owes for loss or damage | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Full Value Protection1 | Replacement value of lost or damaged goods, up to the declared value of the shipment | Unless you waive it in writing |
| Released value (waiver)1 | 60 cents per pound per article | Only if you sign the waiver |
At 60 cents per pound, a 10-pound item that is destroyed is worth $6 under the released value option, whatever it cost. Arithmetic from the regulation's rate.
If something is lost or damaged
Step 1
Note damage at delivery
Write visible damage on the delivery paperwork before you sign.
Step 2
File in writing within 9 months
Claims go to the mover or its third-party insurer, in writing, within 9 months of delivery1.
Step 3
Expect an answer on a clock
The mover must acknowledge your claim within 30 days and decide within 120 days, with written notice of any 60-day extension1.
Step 4
Use arbitration if you disagree
Movers must run an arbitration program for loss and damage disputes and tell you about it before you sign the bill of lading1.
Paperwork your mover must give you
Written estimate
Binding or non-binding, with both liability options stated.
"Ready to Move?" booklet
A copy or a link to the federal publication, with the estimate.
"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"
A copy or a link, with the estimate.
Notice of arbitration
Before the bill of lading is signed.
Bill of lading
The contract and receipt, including the mover's registered name and the USDOT numbers of participating carriers when known.
Source: 49 CFR part 3751.
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