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Mover's Liability
Your mover has a basic liability of 60¢ per pound per article. This means if
your 50 pound television is damaged, your mover is liable for a maximum of only
$30. Although your mover cannot reduce his liability below 60¢ per pound per
article, he may agree in writing to assume a higher level of liability. Your
shipment will be valued at 60¢ per pound per article unless you and your mover
agree to a higher level of liability on your moving services contract. Your
mover may assess additional fees (sometimes referred to as a valuation fee) for
assuming the higher level of liability. Noting a higher level of mover liability
(valuation) is not the same as purchasing transit insurance.
The Difference Between Valuation and Insurance
You may wish to purchase transit insurance to cover loss or damage to your
goods. Your mover may offer to sell you this type of policy or it may be
purchased directly from an insurance company. Transit insurance is not regulated
by TxDOT or the Texas Department of Insurance, so be sure to read the transit
insurance policy and understand the coverage and any deductibles. Your mover is
required to provide you with a copy of the policy or other appropriate evidence
of insurance purchased through them.
Packing and Loading
Depending upon your agreement with your mover, you may be doing some of the
preparation for your move. If you're doing you own packing, be careful about
overloading cartons. Be sure to use appropriate cartons so your goods will
arrive safely. Carton tops should be flat and taped securely for easy handling
and safe stacking in the track. To avoid damage, do not pack fragile items and
heavy items in the same carton. Mark fragile cartons.
Do not pack valuables (such as jewelry or money), medications, or important
papers to be carried in the mover's truck. The mover is not responsible for
these items. Also, remember that it's first in, last out when unloading any
truck. Keep toiletries, medicines, and other necessities with you. Your mover
may have additional tips for preparing for your move. Don't be afraid to ask.
Delivery
Be at the destination site at the time agreed upon for delivery. If you are not
there and delivery cannot be made because of your absence, your property may be
put in storage. You will be responsible for any storage charges.
Check the condition of your property before signing a delivery receipt or
inventory. This includes checking any boxes that you do not intend to unpack
immediately. If there is damage or loss, make a written notation on the
inventory or moving services contract. Be specific, and make sure notations
appear on both your copy and the mover's copy.
Payment of Charges
You should be prepared to pay the maximum amount of money shown on the written
proposal provided by your mover. The proposal must explain when you will be
required to pay your mover and what forms of payment are accepted, such as
personal checks or credit cards. Remember that the last amended contract or
written proposal lists the total price that you may be required to pay at
delivery.
Keys to a Successful Move
The best way to avoid problems is to plan ahead and be prepared. No two moving
companies are the same, and some are better than others. It is worth your time
and effort to do the following.
- Choose your mover carefully. Only use movers that are properly registered with
TxDOT as required by state law. Ask the moving company to provide its
registration number (the number should be printed on all advertising and
paperwork), and use that number to check the mover's compliance and complaint
record by calling TxDOT at 1-800-299-1700 (option 3 from the automated menu).
- Get and keep a signed written agreement.
- Be ready when the mover arrives.
- Accompany the mover to make up an inventory.
- Understand and agree with the bill of lading or moving services contract before
you sign it.
Before your move, ask the moving company to explain its limits of liability and
your options for loss and damage protection.
- Be at the destination at the time agreed upon for delivery.
- Check the condition of your property before you sign a delivery receipt or
inventory.
- Keep copies of all documentation pertaining to your move.
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