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The mover may offer to prepare a descriptive inventory of your shipment. An
inventory is a list of the items from your household that will be transported.
If you agree to the preparation of an inventory, the mover may charge you for
this service. An inventory can help you and the mover make sure all items arrive
at your destination.
An inventory also describes the condition of the items in your shipment. The
mover may use abbreviations to describe the condition of the items in your
shipment. Reviewing the explanation of the abbreviations on an inventory will
help you understand the description of your items. For example,
"dresser/SC+R+12+10+2," in the condition column may mean that at origin the
dresser was scratched and rubbed on the edge, top and bottom. Talk to your mover
if you do not understand or agree with the abbreviations.
Because an inventory documents the condition of your shipment before and after
the move, it is important that you take the time to review the inventory for
accuracy. Make any necessary corrections by writing additional information on
the inventory. For example, if your mover indicates on the inventory that your,
"Dresser is scratched", you may want to be more descriptive by adding, "2 inch
scratch on the top left corner". By clarifying the description of the
pre-existing damage to your dresser, you will make an accurate inventory that
will be more helpful to you and the mover.
The mover may also use abbreviations to note on the inventory whether a
particular box or container was packed by you or by the mover. For example, the
mover may use the abbreviations "PBO" and "CP" to indicate whether a box was
packed by the owner (the consumer) or carrier packed (the mover). Additionally,
the mover may accept less responsibility for damage to items that you pack,
since the mover is not able to ensure that the items are appropriately padded
and packed. Talk to your mover about any questions you have concerning
responsibility for boxes that are not packed by the mover.
The mover will ask you to sign the inventory after loading and possibly after
unloading. If you disagree with the mover’s description of the condition of an
item, do not sign it until you have noted your exception on the inventory.
Inspect your shipment carefully. Make sure all boxes and items are accounted for
at final delivery. If there is obvious loss or damage, note this on the
inventory at the time of final delivery. Remember, the time spent inspecting
your household goods for lost or damaged items at the time of delivery could be
a major factor in collecting for such loss or damage.
If any of your items are damaged during your move, you and the mover may use the
inventory to decide when the damage occurred. For this reason, you should take
an active role in noting obvious loss or damage to your shipment both at origin
and destination. If you sign the inventory and later discover hidden damage or
lost items while unpacking, you may still file a claim with the mover.
Even if the mover does not offer inventory services, you may choose to make your
own inventory of your shipment. Making your own inventory may help you assure
all your items are delivered.
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