By Relocation.com Staff
Congratulations -- you're moving!
Whether you're moving to Dayton from another city in Ohio, or you're moving to Dayton
from another state, the moving company you hire will have different regulations to adhere to.
This article explains what to look for in a mover whether you're making an interstate or intrastate move.
Moving to Dayton From Another State
This move is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part of
the U.S. Department of Transportation. Be sure the moving company you pick has
an USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport household goods between
states, and has enough insurance.
Do that by visiting www.protectyourmove.gov, or
calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. (This
article can take you step by step through
how
to check out a mover on the FMCSA website.)
Also check with the Better
Business Bureau to ensure the company doesn't have many unresolved complaints.
You're Moving to Dayton From Another City in Ohio
If you're moving within Ohio, you have important rights guaranteed by state law
and enforced by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
-- the information contained in this story comes from PUCO.
Dayton
moving companies must register with the PUCO, give cost estimates, and
provide cargo insurance.
You may contact the PUCO to verify the mover's license and insurance and check
any complaints that may have been filed about movers in Ohio.
Ask your mover for "Moving in Ohio" brochure, which is prepared by PUCO to
explain your options for Ohio intrastate moves.
Options on interstate moves are similar, but amounts differ. The time to make
the decision about this coverage is before your move begins.
Estimates
When selecting Dayton movers, you
will want the company to tell you how much it will cost to move you. This estimate must
be in writing unless your move is under $500 or less or if it's scheduled within 5
days. Be sure to read your estimate carefully, and don't assume something is included
in the estimate if it is not written there.
You have three options for estimates:
Nonbinding: May be more or less than the estimate.
Binding: Must be the amount on the estimate.
Guaranteed-not-to-exceed: Must be at or lower than the amount in the estimate.
Be sure you get estimates from at least 3 movers, and that they each do a
visual inspect of the items to be moved so you're comparing apples to apples.
Lost or Damaged Goods
All moving companies are responsible for the value of the goods transported. As a
result, companies must have cargo insurance in an amount equal to the declared value
of your shipment. Movers have the option of providing you with one of three levels
of reimbursement for lost or damaged household goods.
They are:
Minimal reimbursement: You get 60 cents per pound for anything lost or damaged during the move.
-
Depreciated value: You get the current value of your goods that you
previously declared or $2.25 per pound, whichever is greater. (This is the coverage you
get if you do not choose a different option.)
-
Replacement value: you are reimbursed for the replacement value you declared
previously or $4.00 per pound, whichever is greater.
There will be a statement on the
estimate that you will be required to initialize that acknowledges the level of
coverage you have chosen.
Some moving companies might give only depreciated value coverage.
You may purchase moving insurance separately, and you should check your
homeowners policy to see if you have coverage that way.
A moving company may also reserve the right to repair any damaged items prior to
replacing them regardless of the level of coverage you selected, but this must
be stated in your written estimate.
Claims
If your stuff is damaged, file a written claim for loss or damage with your moving
company. The moving company must acknowledge receipt of your claim, in writing, within
15 days after they receive it. The moving company must then offer a settlement, in
writing, within 60 days of receiving a claim.
If you're unable to resolve the dispute, call the PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826)
or file a complaint online.
For an interstate move, FMCSA has no authority to resolve claims. You can file a complaint against the moving company by calling FMCSA's 24-hour toll-free hotline at (888) 368-7238, or go to FMCSA's Web site. This complaint may spark a Federal enforcement investigation against the mover.
