By Relocation.com Staff
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Depending on whether you're moving to Cincinnati from another city in Ohio, or you're moving to
Cincinnati from another state, the movers you hire will have different regulations that they must follow.
This article explains the things you should look for whether you're moving interstate or intrastate.
Moving to Cincinnati From Another State
If you're moving to Cincinnati from another state, the move is governed by the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Make sure the
moving company you pick has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to transport
household goods between states, and has the proper level of insurance.
You can 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 moving company on the FMCSA website.)
Also check with the Better
Business Bureau to make sure the company doesn't have a long history of
unresolved complaints.
You're Moving to Cincinnati 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.
Cincinnati
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 Cincinnati 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.
Types of estimates:
Nonbinding: The final cost may be more or less than the estimate.
Binding: The final cost must be the amount on the estimate.
-
Guaranteed-not-to-exceed: The final cost must be at or lower than the amount
contained in the estimate.
Be sure you get estimates from at least 3 moving companies who do a visual inspect of the items to be moved.
Bill of Lading
A bill of lading will be issued as well as an estimate. A bill of lading is similiar
to a receipt -- it acknowledges the mover has taken possession of your goods to
be moved.
All estimates must be attached to the bill of lading. You may request an inventory of
your household goods when the moving company is loading them, but a moving company
may charge an additional fee for such service.
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.
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 you a settlement, in
writing, within 60 days of receiving the claim. The time you have to file a claim is
in your estimate.
If you can't resolve the dispute, call the PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826)
or file a complaint online.
For an interstate move, FMCSA doesn't have 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.
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