INTERSTATE moves, when they are performed by licensed movers, are typically based on the weight of all the items being moved, but under some circumstances may be based on volume.
If the charges are based on weight, the truck is placed on a commercial scale before your household goods are loaded, and again after it’s been loaded with your furniture. The cost is based on a price per pound, plus additional fees, for such things as packing, additional services or other items.
Remember that many factors may cause the weight of a vehicle to vary. A truck with fully loaded fuel tanks will weigh considerably more than a truck with empty tanks. If your goods are moved to a different trailer, or if a trailer is hooked up to a different tractor-trailer, the total weight will vary.
If the weight is based on volume, the number of square feet that your property takes up will determine the charges. Remember that many different factors can affect this charge. An unscrupulous mover will load empty boxes, place small items in large containers, or add on exceptionally high charges for packing material.
The federal agency also requires these companies to let you inspect their “Tariff,” which spells out all provisions of their fees. Be wary of any company that refuses to give you a copy of their tariff.
Under federal rules, interstate moving companies can give you two different types of estimates, binding or non-binding.
A binding estimate specifies the precise cost of the move in advance, based on the weight of the items to be moved and any additional services requested. A non-binding estimate allows a moving company to demand payment for additional charges but they can require only 10 percent more than the original estimate when they complete delivery.
If the charges on a non-binding estimate exceed these limits, the company will bill a customer for any additional charges within 30 days of completing the move.
There is one exception to the rule on non-binding charges. A company can specify in its Tariff that it can collect 15 percent more than a non-binding estimate in cases where “impracticable operations,” such as a shuttle, is needed to complete a move. Once again, if they are due more than that amount, they must send you a bill within 30 days of completing the move.
None of these scenarios allow a moving company to refuse delivery until they are given full payment in cash, or to hold your property hostage. The FCSMA document spells out your rights regarding payment. Be wary of any company that demands full payment in cash.
If Weights and Measures gets involved in a dispute, our investigators will require consumers to make the appropriate payment, based on the appropriate charge based on weight or volume. The moving company will be instructed that they must complete the delivery.
BEFORE HIRING AN INTERSTATE MOVING COMPANY:
DO
C Investigate the moving company before signing a contract.
C Make sure you understand the methods used to determine all costs. Ask to see a copy of the company’s Tariffs. Remember that each company’s Tariffs may be different.
C New federal rules state that a mover must offer you the option of purchasing Full Value Coverage, which usually stipulates a payment for damage that is based on a dollar amount per pound. A carrier must offer full-value coverage for movers at a certain cost. If you decline to pay for that coverage, they must have you sign a written waiver declining Full Value Coverage.
C Unless you purchase Full Value Coverage, be aware that most company insurance policies base reimbursement on the weight of your goods. If a box of expensive crystals or antique china is broken in a move, you will be offered a reimbursement based on how many pounds those items weighed, not on their value.
C Tell the moving company that you want to base your charges on weight instead of cubic volume. While most movers are reputable, there are many ways that an unscrupulous mover can use volume to inflate the cost.
C Many consumers find it’s best to work directly with a moving company.
C Remember that FMCSA rules state that a consumer has a right to know if a company is a broker that will turn the actual move over to a different company. When you are soliciting quotes, ask if the company is a moving company or a broker. If a company is a broker, be careful.
C Make sure the moving company doesn't charge you for the truck weight. Have the company weigh the truck without your merchandise on it, and then ask to see a weight ticket for the truck after it is unloaded.
C Have someone present when your goods are picked up, and have someone present when your household goods are delivered.
C Read all the documents you are given. A moving company must supply you with a copy of your rights, a receipt or bill of lading that specifies the weight or volume of your goods, the origin and destination points, and the number of boxes being transported.
C Be present when the weight of your household goods is established. There are many ways for a moving company to increase the “Tare” (empty) weight of a moving van. For example, the weight of a truck can vary by as much as 1,000 pounds based on whether the fuel tanks are full or empty.
C You can find a licensed weighmaster in Arizona by calling 602-255-5211 or 800-277-6675. A list of weighmasters is also available on the Department website. Get a certified Arizona weight ticket for your records. Make sure the weight ticket has a certified weighmaster seal. Contact the Department if you have any questions.
DON'T
D
D Don’t sign blank documents.
D Don’t hire a mover who requires a down payment. Most reputable movers do not demand such a payment in advance.
D Don’t make final payment until all contractual obligations are met and you're satisfied that you have been charged for the correct weight and service. Be careful when you are asked to sign documents once your property has been delivered.
D If a moving company is attempting to withhold delivery, call the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures at 602-255-5211, or 800-277-6675.
D Don’t use a mover to transport confidential information, such as credit card statements, bank statements, blank checks, canceled checks, or other valuables, such as cash, or jewelry. Transport these items yourself.
D Don’t wait until your move has concluded to file a complaint. The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures cannot offer assistance if its investigators are not present at time of delivery. They must be on site to determine the actual weight of your household goods, or the amount of space they take up on a truck.
INTRASTATE (In-state or local) MOVING
Charges for Intra-state (in-state) moves may differ from the methods used by an Interstate (state-to-state) move.
Some in-state moving companies employ pricing methods based on:
· An hourly labor rate. This could include a minimum charge of two or three hours. It may include a “one-time trip charge” for the cost of sending a moving company crew to the pick-up location and then back to the moving company from the drop-off location. Additional charges may be added for moving large items (pianos, etc.).
· A flat rate, which will reflect the items to be moved and any special conditions encountered at the pick-up or drop-off point. These special conditions may include the pick-up and drop-off addresses, stairs, and any unusual distances that items have to be carried between the moving van and the loading and unload sites. The moving company may bill you on the day of your move for additional items that were not covered in the original quote or confirmation.
The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures cannot intervene if the charges are based on an hourly rate. However, if the charges are based on weight or volume, the Department can help to resolve a dispute if you call the department before your household goods are delivered.
If you want the Department to intervene on a move to an Arizona address, see the Help section below to find out how to file a complaint.
BEFORE HIRING AN INTRASTATE (local) MOVING COMPANY:
DO
C
C Ask if a company is a broker that will turn the actual move over to a different company. If a company is a broker, be careful.
C Make sure you understand all methods used to determine costs.
C Ask for a written confirmation that outlines all charges. If the move is based on an hourly rate, ask the moving company to put the hourly rate, trip charges and any other fees in writing.
C Ask about the company’s insurance and repair/replacement policy on items that are damaged by the movers. Some policies pay as little as 60 cents per pound for any damaged items, without regard to their actual value.
C Find out in advance about the company’s policy on payment. Be wary of companies that demand payment in cash only.
C Have someone present at your pick-up. Be aware of any additional stops. Make sure someone is on site when the movers deliver your household goods.
C Ask for an exact price in writing. If you request that any additional items be moved, or if the movers say that conditions differ from your quote or confirmation, make sure you get a written statement detailing all those charges.
C Read all the documents you are given. A moving company should supply you with a copy of your rights, a receipt or bill of lading that specifies the weight or volume of your goods, the origin and destination points, and the number of boxes being transported.
C Go over your items as they are delivered. Make sure you document any missing boxes or items. Note any damage.
DON’T
D Don’t hire a company that requires payment in cash.
D Don’t hire a company that isn’t registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission to conduct business in this state.
D Don’t hire any anyone who refuses to put a quote and/or confirmation in writing.
D Don’t let a company move anything until you have a written copy of any additional charges.
Here’s How We Can Help
Be Prepared. Have copies of all your documents and correspondence ready. You will be asked for copies of your receipts, bill of lading, company Tariff and any other documents you received. You will also be asked to show proof of any payments you have already made.
The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures suggests you file complaints with other state or federal agencies, including agencies in another state, if you are involved in a state-to-state move. This will help target unscrupulous movers who operate in more than one jurisdiction.
If the Department can help, an investigator will show up when the movers deliver the furniture. Often other agencies or the local law enforcement organization may be called in as well.
The Department may inspect the driver’s logbooks and other paperwork. If the move was based on weight, the investigator will order the driver to bring his vehicle to a weighstation when it is loaded and again after it has been unloaded to determine the weight of the items being delivered.
The Department will enforce all applicable contracts. Consumers must be prepared to pay all charges, which may exceed the original estimate by up to 10 percent on a non-binding estimate. The moving company will be compelled to complete the delivery.
Investigate the company before you sign an agreement with them. Check their Better Business Bureau rating. Check with the Arizona Corporation Commission to make sure the company is registered to conduct business in Arizona. Don’t sign a contract requiring payment in cash! Many companies demand cash payments, so establish these terms when you are getting estimates. It’s best to use a credit card company that will reimburse you if a fraudulent transaction occurs.