Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move Internationally

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The US government requires that all domestic movers provide customers a brochure called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." For international moves, the framework is more complex — but your rights are real, and knowing them protects you.

The Bill of Lading: Your Core Contract

The bill of lading is the fundamental contract between you and your mover. It documents the origin and destination, the inventory being shipped, the agreed price, the service level, liability terms, and insurance coverage. Read every line before signing. Once signed, disputing terms you agreed to is extremely difficult. If anything is blank or "TBD" on your bill of lading at signing, do not sign until it's filled in.

Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

• Binding estimate: Your price is guaranteed not to exceed the quoted amount, provided your inventory doesn't change materially. Requires an in-home or video survey. This is what you should seek for an international move.
• Non-binding estimate: The final price is calculated after actual weight/volume is determined at loading. It can, and often does, exceed the original quote. Be cautious with non-binding quotes, especially from movers you haven't thoroughly vetted.

FMCSA Registration (US Domestic Portion)

For the domestic leg of your international move (the US pickup and any US delivery), your mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any mover's US operating authority and safety record at protectyourmove.gov. Movers must provide their USDOT number on quotes and contracts. A mover who refuses to provide their USDOT number is a red flag.

The Claims Process

• Note any visible damage in writing on the delivery receipt before the delivery crew leaves. Once they're gone and you've signed without noting damage, your claim is much harder.
• Photograph all damage immediately, from multiple angles.
• File a formal claim promptly. Most policies require notification within 7–14 days of delivery. Missing this deadline can void your claim entirely.
• Keep all original packing materials until your claim is resolved. Insurers and movers may want to inspect them to determine cause of damage.
• Claims for loss (missing items) must also be filed promptly — do a full inventory check against your packing list within days of delivery.

Dispute Resolution

For FIDI member companies, a formal complaints process exists through FIDI's arbitration procedures. For IAM members, similar mechanisms exist. For US-registered carriers, the Surface Transportation Board handles certain disputes. Ask any mover before signing what their dispute resolution process is — reputable movers offer binding arbitration for claims under a specified amount. A company that has no clear answer to this question should give you pause.

Your Responsibilities as the Shipper

• Provide accurate inventory — undisclosed high-value items or specialty items discovered on pack day are your liability, not the mover's
• Ensure someone with authority is present at pickup and delivery
• Have all documentation ready (customs paperwork, inventory lists) before the crew arrives
• Do not include prohibited items in your shipment — you are responsible for the consequences
• Provide accurate delivery address details, including any access restrictions