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Texas law requires all movers to provide a moving services contract to their
customers prior to loading any shipments of household goods. A contract may be
in the form of a bill of lading, work ticket or other receipt. It sets out your
responsibilities as well as the mover’s responsibilities. For instance, the
contract authorizes the mover to load a shipment of household goods on a
particular day. Additionally, it records important information about a shipment
of household goods.
The contract between you and the mover must list certain information about your
move, including: your name, the mover’s name, and the mover’s limitation of
liability for loss or damage to your goods. Once you sign the contract, the
agreements recorded on the proposal for moving services become part of the
contract. Before you sign the contract, make sure the contract and proposal
offered by the mover are filled out as much as possible. You should also review
the documents for accuracy. Make sure the name of the mover you intend to hire
is shown on the documents. It is also important to make sure that all agreements
that are important to you are listed on the contract. For example, if you must
move out of your residence before a particular date, you should ensure the
pickup date shown on the contract is on or before that particular date. Do
not rely on any verbal agreements.
Because moving day can be quite hectic, consider asking the mover for a blank
copy of the contract before moving day. Read the entire contract. Reading the
entire contract before the move will help you make more informed and
less-hurried decisions. If you have any questions about the contract be sure to
ask the mover before your shipment is loaded.
The mover must obtain your signature on the contract prior to loading your
shipment. Additionally, the mover must obtain your signature on the contract
upon delivering your shipment. The only exception to obtaining a delivery
signature is if, prior to loading, the mover obtains your signature authorizing
delivery to a location where you will not be present.
When you sign the contract, make sure it lists all the items to be moved and
services to be performed. After the contract is signed, you may find you have
additional items to be moved, or you may need additional services performed
during the move. Adding items to be moved and services to be preformed can
increase the cost of your move. Although the mover may be able to accommodate
your additional needs, the additional labor, time and equipment usage may result
in a higher cost for the move than expected. If you and the mover agree to add
items or services to the contract, you must sign and date the changes on the
contract.
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