Moving industry know-how
"Your Rights and Responsibilities" and "Ready to Move"
The two federal booklets every interstate household-goods customer must get, the other notices that go with them, and when to give them.
- 2 min read
- Checked against MoveBoard
- For owners & admins, sales
Before an interstate household-goods move, the mover must give the customer certain information (49 CFR 375.213). The two best known are FMCSA booklets.
The two booklets
- "Ready to Move?" — a short guide to planning a move and choosing a mover. Given with the estimate.
- "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" — the customer's rights: estimates, valuation, weighing, delivery, payment and claims. Given with the estimate, before the move.
A mover with a website may give them as links on the site, as long as the customer can read and print them; otherwise on paper.
The other required notices
Along with the booklets, before the move:
- A summary of the mover's arbitration program — see Arbitration for interstate claims.
- A notice that the mover's tariff is available to inspect — see Tariffs.
- The mover's complaint and inquiry procedure, with a phone number to call.
- The FMCSA's complaint line and website (1-888-368-7238, nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov), where customers can file a complaint about any mover.
Why it matters
These notices are part of what a mover must do before taking the job. Giving them — and being able to show you gave them — protects you in a dispute.
In MoveBoard
- MoveBoard's long-distance order for service default includes the federal notices: the two booklets, the tariff notice, the arbitration summary and the complaint procedure, with a line where the customer confirms they received them. You can edit its words in Settings › Documents & bill of lading › Estimate & order for service.
- The customer signs it online when they book — the signed copy is kept on the order. See Order for Service and estimate signing.
- A Canadian company's long-distance default points to the Office of Consumer Affairs' moving advice and the Canadian Association of Movers instead.
Related guides
- Moving industry know-howFMCSA, USDOT and MC numbersWho the FMCSA is, what a USDOT number and MC operating authority are, when a mover needs them, and where they must appear — including in MoveBoard.
- Moving industry know-howArbitration for interstate claimsWhy interstate household-goods movers must offer arbitration, when it is binding, what the customer must be told, and how it fits with your claims process.
- Moving industry know-howBinding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimatesWhat each kind of moving estimate promises the customer, the 110% rule at delivery, and how to set each one up in MoveBoard.
- Booking & paymentsOrder for Service and estimate signingThe documents a customer signs to book — which one fits which move, how to edit them, and where the signed copy goes.
- SettingsEstimate & order for serviceThe documents a customer signs to confirm an estimate and to book — their words, and which moves, services and estimate types each is for.
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