Receiving My Shipment
How do I check-in my items when I receive them?
It is your responsibility to make sure that all the items that were removed from your home at origin are now received in the same count and condition as when they were loaded. DO NOT RELY ON THE MOVER TO POINT OUT LOSS OR DAMGE to you. So lets take this step by step…
STEP #1 Ask the driver for the original copies of the inventory so you may check of all the items as they are brought into the residence. Make sure there are duplicate pages of the inventory so that you receive copies.
STEP #2 Get situated! It is usually best if you situate you self at the main entrance, that will enable you to watch as the goods are removed from the truck. We realize that may not be possible when moving into an apartment building or complex, in that case, stay right at your front door. Be prepared to stay there during the entire unloading process, unfortunately this is what it takes.
STEP #3 As the movers bring the goods into the residence, check off the inventory by the inventory number and visually take notice of the condition of that item. If new damage is observed make sure to make notations directly onto the original copies of the inventory. For ex, if a carton comes in that is crushed, mark down “CRUSHED CARTON” on the original inventory. That will protect you in the event any of the contents of that carton are damaged.
STEP #4 Recheck all the furniture as they are put in place at your new residence. Also check to make sure that no damage was done to your property such as scraped walls, torn or damaged wall paper, torn rugs or linoleum, broken door knob or any other type of property damage. If such damage does occur, make sure to write down the nature of that damage on the inventory as well.
STEP #5 Be 100% sure that all items have been accounted for, DO NOT RELY on the movers to say “Yes, its here”. Visually see it for yourself. Make sure that you are satisfied that all items have been accounted for. Also, make notations for all loss and/or damage on the inventory.
STEP #6 Now you are ready to sign the inventory. After you sign it, the mover will also sign in the appropriate place. MAKE CERTAIN YOU RECEIVE A COPY for your records (you must receive one copy of the inventory after loading, and another copy after delivery).
NOTE: If for any reason you are not able to inspect your goods at destination, sign off with your signature and write SUBJECT TO INSPECTION. You have 270 days after delivery within to file a claim for loss or damage.
However, your best chance for recovery of lost or damaged goods is proper documentation, without it, you have a very diminished chance of compensation.
What if items have been lost or damaged?
If there is any loss or damage, you must file a claim in writing with your moving company. The quicker you can discover and file your claim, the better the chance you have of compensation. The best proof of your claim is to inspect your goods and make notations on the inventory and bill of lading at time of delivery. The longer you wait the harder it’s going to be to collect. Nonetheless, you have 9 months in which to file your claim.
Federal DOT regulations require that written claims be acknowledged within 30 days after receipt. At that point, the mover is required to either pay, decline, or compromise a settlement with the shipper within 120 days of receipt of the claim. If the mover is not able to settle within 120 days, they must notify the shipper every 30 days thereafter, in writing, of the status of the claim and the reasons why it has not been resolved. If you feel that the company is not handing your claim properly, the Federal DOT can be of assistance to you by authorizing the moving company to take timely action on your claim.
If you cannot settle the claim, you may file a civil action suit to recover damages. If your mover participates in a dispute resolution program, you may want to submit your action to arbitration. This program is usually a more convenient way to seek recovery. Make sure to find out before hand if they subscribe to such a program.
If you fail to file a claim within 120 days of delivery and decide to take legal action after the elapsed time, you may not be able to recover your attorney fees even if you win the court action. |
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