Your rights under federal moving regulations

What federal moving law requires interstate movers to provide

• A written estimate before the move, clearly stating whether it's binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed
• A copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" — a required consumer information booklet covering estimates, liability, and dispute processes
• Clear disclosure of valuation coverage options (released-value vs. full-value protection) before the move
• An inventory list of your belongings at pickup
• A process for filing and resolving damage or loss claims

Practices that violate federal moving regulations

• Holding your belongings "hostage" for additional payment beyond what was agreed in a binding estimate
• Operating without valid USDOT/MC registration
• Failing to provide a written estimate or the required rights booklet
• Misrepresenting whether they're a carrier or a broker

If you experience any of these, you have grounds to file a formal complaint — see our guide on how to report a moving scam.

Interstate vs. local protections

These federal protections specifically apply to interstate moves — crossing state lines. Local, intrastate moves fall under state regulation instead, and the specific protections and licensing requirements vary by state. Some states mirror federal standards closely, while others have minimal oversight. If your move is entirely within one state, check that state's transportation or consumer protection agency for the applicable rules. You can usually find this information through the state attorney general's office or the public utilities commission.

How to use your federal moving rights before you have a problem

Ask for the 'Your Rights and Responsibilities' booklet at the time of your estimate, not after something has gone wrong — most movers provide it automatically, but it is worth confirming. Keep a copy alongside your written estimate and inventory list. File it with your other moving paperwork where you can grab it quickly if a dispute comes up. Knowing these rights exist before booking makes it much easier to recognize a violation in the moment, rather than only in hindsight after a problem has already occurred. A driver who refuses to unload until you pay an unexpected fee, for instance, is a red flag you can challenge on the spot if you have read the rules in advance.

The two valuation coverage options movers must offer under federal law

Federal rules require interstate movers to offer two distinct valuation coverage options and explain both before your move:

• Full Value Protection — the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost, damaged, or undelivered items, either by repairing them, replacing them, or paying their current market value. This is the default coverage — if you don't actively select Released Value instead, your shipment is automatically covered at Full Value Protection.
• Released Value — offered at no additional charge, but it limits the mover's liability to 60 cents per pound, per article, regardless of the item's actual value. A 25-pound television lost or destroyed in transit would net you just $15 under this option. You have to actively sign a specific statement choosing Released Value — it isn't the default.

(Source: FMCSA)

The second required document: the "Ready to Move" brochure

The "Your Rights and Responsibilities" booklet isn't the only document movers are federally required to give you. They must also distribute FMCSA's "Ready to Move" brochure, which includes practical checklists for before your move, moving day, and delivery day. By rule, carriers must give you the rights booklet before an order for service is executed, and the "Ready to Move" brochure when they provide your written estimate — so you should have both in hand well before moving day. (Source: FMCSA)

Your rights around the mover's arbitration program

Federal rules require movers to disclose their arbitration program before you ever sign a bill of lading — not just offer it after a dispute arises. That disclosure has to include a summary of how arbitration works, any costs involved, and the legal effect of choosing it. Critically, a mover cannot require you to agree to arbitration before a dispute exists — you get to decide that only once you actually have a claim. If you do choose arbitration for a claim of $10,000 or less, the decision is binding, the mover can't charge you more than half the total arbitration costs, and the arbitrator has to rule within 60 days of being notified. (Source: 49 CFR § 375.211)

Your right to a working complaint channel

Movers are also required to maintain a real system for handling your questions and complaints — not just a general customer service line. That means a working telephone number reaching their principal place of business, and a written log of every inquiry or complaint you raise, however you raised it. You're entitled to a clear, written description of that complaint procedure on request, so you know exactly how a company is supposed to handle your case if something goes wrong. (Source: 49 CFR § 375.209)

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

• All interstate regulations guides
• How to file a claim for moving damage
• How to report a moving scam