Please feel free to reference this Ready To Move Brochure. It can assist you in all aspects of the moving process. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact Moving Authority. One of our moving experts can assist you with any aspect of the moving process.

Before the Move Checklist

-Secure the Ready to Move brochure form Moving Motor Carrier Authority. Also, check out our Rights and Responsibilities brochure. Both are great resources for helping you move.


-Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives about recommendations for movers. This way, you can find the best mover for your situation.


-Call the Better Business Bureau to find out more information about the mover.


-Ensure you know your mover’s responsibilities when it comes to potential damages. This way, you can plan on protecting your belongings.


-Ask your mover if the company has its own dispute settlement program.


-Get estimates from at least three separate movers. Then, compare the costs of all services that each mover provides.


-See if your potential interstate mover has official FMCSA registration. All interstate movers should also have a USDOT Number.


-Figure out the date, time, and process of pickup and delivery for the household goods.


-Ask your mover how you can contact the business before you move. Plus, figure out contact details for while the move happens and after the move.


-Make sure that all your belongings get insured.

Moving Day Checklist

-Show up to give the movers crucial directions and answer their questions. Stay near the movers until they load every household good.

-Stay with the movers while they create an inventory of all your household goods. Also, try to resolve any questions about the condition of moved items.

-Read information word-for-word on all completed documents before signing them. This includes the order for service, estimate, inventory, and bill of lading.

-Hold onto the bill of lading until every single household good gets delivered. Also, keep the bill of lading until charges get paid and a settlement of claims takes place.

-Say that your moving van or truck is about to leave. Take a final look inside your house. Make sure that the movers did not leave anything behind.

-Provide the driver with directions for how to get to your new house.

-Let the moving company know how to reach you during the move. Also tell the driver how he or she can contact you throughout the move.

Delivery Day Checklist

-Show up to provide directions and answer any questions.

-Pay your driver. Do so before your goods get unloaded. And make sure that the payment adheres to the term of your agreement.

-Supervise as the movers unpack and unload the goods.

-Were some of your items damaged during your move? If so, note that damage took place using the inventory list. Reference each item or box that’s in poor shape. Do so before signing any moving documents.

Common Questions

Q. Where do I find a copy of the Rights and Responsibilities moving brochure?

A. That moving brochure's featured on the official Moving Authority website.

Q. How do I know if a mover has official FMCSA registration?

A. Access the FMCSA website. It should feature a database with information about each moving company.

Q. Where do I find information about a mover’s process agent and insurance agent?

A. The FMCSA website also features this information. It also has insurance/process agent information about brokers and freight forwarders.

Q. How do I find out if my mover assessed correct charges for transportation?

A. You might need to contact the DOT or Surface Transportation Board. If you have trouble getting through, you're welcome to call Moving Authority for help.

Q. Where should I file a complaint against my mover?

A. You can file a complaint using the DOT website and phone number. If you have trouble getting through, you're welcome to call Moving Authority for help

Q. Are there authorities besides the FMCSA and US DOT Number that I can report a mover to?

A. Yes. We recommend that you report your situation to US consumer affairs agencies. You can also file a report with any state attorney general. Do so if you want authorities to pursue potential moving fraud.

Q. How do I learn more about the transportation of household goods and finding movers?

A. Please contact the experts at Moving Authority.

What Is the FMCSA?

“FMCSA” refers to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the US government. It enforces all sorts of federal regulations that affect moving companies. There are FMCSA operating rules for carriers and commercial vehicle drivers, trucking authority pack. But FMCSA rules also apply to vehicles and vehicle equipment.

The FMCSA focuses on regulating interstate household goods movers. That’s why every US interstate mover has to register with the agency. Many FMCSA regulations assist the consumers involved with interstate moves. FMCSA BOC-3 policies define your rights and responsibilities. Plus, the FMCSA defines the responsibilities of household goods carriers.

So, Are You Ready to Move?

Moving Authority exists to help ensure the success of your upcoming move. That’s why our experts stay in contact with the FMCSA UCR Registration. Plus, we also pay close attention to US Department of Transportation (DOT) policies. Our mission is to give you the right information so that you can have a successful move. Plus, we're here to help you prevent (and fight against) moving fraud. That’s why we can help you find a moving company with a first-rate reputation.

Keep in mind that the majority of household moves go well. But there are rogue and dishonest movers out there. If you suspect something, do not hesitate to contact our experts. You're also welcome to contact Moving Authority MC Number. This way, we can provide you with more interstate moving info. We can do it all. From helping you file an FMCSA complaint to providing access to crucial information.

Understand Key Rights & Responsibilities Before You Hire a Mover

It’s best for you to know your rights and responsibilities before hiring a mover. After all, there are many rules and regulations associated with moving household goods. Moving Authority CA number in California can inform you or a moving company about those rules. Plus, we can go over the information that your mover should give you by law. This way, you’ll know the exact documents to sign through a mover Texas Dot. Our experts can also go over rights associated with lost or damaged household goods. Please give us a call today to access moving consumer information.

Hire Registered Movers

A key first step is to ensure that your mover has a USDOT number assigned. Plus, the mover must have active registration with the FMCSA Hotshot Authority. Otherwise, the mover cannot engage in interstate household goods transportation. Also, your mover must have the correct level of insurance. Do you need help figuring out if your mover has FMCSA registration? If so, please call Moving Authority now.

Recognize the Information That Your Mover Provides

Listed below are common documents that your mover should provide. You're welcome to call Moving Authority if you have any questions. Our experts can explain any of these documents to you over the phone.

Moving Estimates

A moving estimate is crucial to any moving process in the US Claims Package. Each estimate must have clear descriptions in writing. The descriptions relate to the services that your mover plans on performing. Try to ensure that your estimate gets signed by your mover. Never accept verbal estimates.

The Order for Service

An order for service is a crucial moving-related list warehouse receipt. It summarizes all services that a mover performs. Plus, it lists the dates that household goods get picked up and delivered.

Bill of Lading

Think of the bill of lading as a moving contract. After all, it functions as an agreement between you and your mover. The bill of lading also serves as the receipt for your belongings. Under standard processes, you should receive a copy of the bill of lading. This should take place before your mover leaves the origin of the move. If the bill of lading isn’t complete at this point, that’s okay. The mover will complete it once the company arrives at the destination.

An Inventory List

An inventory acts as a moving receipt. It displays each shipped item and the condition of every item. Make sure that you're provided with a written copy of your inventory. This should take place once your household goods get loaded. Then, you can agree or disagree with the written description of the goods’ condition.

Dispute Settlement Program if There Is a Problem With Your Move

Each interstate mover must give you information about its dispute settlement program. This needs to happen before your household goods get moved. Every US mover has to provide a neutral dispute settlement program. This style of program is a means for settling loss or damage disputes. Any interstate mover transporting household goods must have active program enrollment.

The Damage or Loss of Goods

Say that your goods are missing or damaged at the time of delivery. That’s when you should ask for a company claim form from your mover. Then, you can fill out the form as best you can. Your mover will tell you where to mail the form. You have within nine months of delivery to file a written claim against the mover.

Each claim must take place in a written format. Moving Authority recommends sending claims information to the mover on a direct basis. You can do so through certified mail. Say your mover offers a settlement but the settlement doesn’t meet your expectations. That’s when you can submit a loss and damage claim. You’ll need to do so through your mover’s dispute settlement program. Or, you can seek other legal options such as arbitration.

Moving Transportation Charges

So, where must charges that a mover assesses for services get contained? Inside a published tariff. The mover must make the tariff available to you, should you request to view it. But say that you believe that your mover has overcharged you. That’s when you should contact the Surface Transportation Board.