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Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
Still having conundrums? You're invited to hobnob with the pros at the RELO RoundTable Forums, or join me at the Moving and Relocation page at Examiner.com where we discuss a wide range of topics about local, intrastate, interstate and international relocation issues.
How to Find a Reputable Mover: Dispute Resolution
One of the biggest considerations shoppers often overlook while researching moving or storage service options is the kind of dispute resolution programs each company participates in. This can be important when relocating since logistic problems and handling issues occasionally result in loss, damage or delay in service.
Interstate household goods motor carriers and property brokers licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must, by law, have an arbitration program for individual shippers to resolve disputes about property loss and damage and applicable charges. Some states and metropolitan areas have similar legal requirements for motor carriers and storage operators within their jurisdiction.
Many interstate and some intrastate moving companies participate in the American Moving and Storage Association’s (AMSA) Dispute Resolution Program which is administered by the National Arbitration Forum – an independent, non-governmental organization that’s not connected to the AMSA or any household goods moving company. Normally there is a $500 fee to arbitrate most cases for disputes up to $10,000. You may be expected to pay half.
Since most interstate logistic and general freight outfits, do-it-yourself ‘U-Pack, We Drive’ moving services, and mobile/portable storage transportation companies do not qualify as household goods (HHG) motor carriers under the U.S. Code, they are not subject to the same FMCSA consumer protections as properly licensed HHG carriers, move brokers and freight forwarders and, therefore, are not required to participate in mandatory arbitration.
If the company that you’re considering is a member of the Better Business Bureau they may qualify to participate in the BBB’s Moving and Storage Dispute Resolution Services program.
You always have legal recourse to fall back on if a problem arises. Pursing that option, however, may be a very long, expensive process that involves high attorney fees and court costs. Unscrupulous rogue movers use this financial hurdle to repeatedly scam budget conscious shoppers. They know most people can not afford to take them to civil or criminal court.
That’s one reason many customers involved in disputes with their mover may opt for arbitration. Whereas a judge and jury are bound by legal principles, an arbitrator is more likely to decide based on the merits of the case and what’s fair as compared to what’s “legal”.
Consumers are always encouraged to register a complaint with the appropriate federal, state or local authorities if a mover refuses to discuss or resolve their claim according to the contract terms or applicable laws. Recurring reports about similar issues are more likely to place the company under scrutiny. In most cases, however, enforcement officials will not get directly involved in civil disputes.
Regardless of which option is used, you will become less frustrated and realize more success if you’re prepared. Keep copies of all forms and paperwork and maintain a detailed log of who you talked to and what was discussed. Avoid aggressive posturing. Most responsible companies are interested in retaining the goodwill of their customers and will negotiate a settlement in good faith.
The trick to a successful move is doing the research to find the best relocation options before you begin.
Still at your wit’s end? Join me at RELORoundTable – a gathering place where interested visitors can participate in a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment that deals with the trials and tribulations of movin’.
Interstate household goods motor carriers and property brokers licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must, by law, have an arbitration program for individual shippers to resolve disputes about property loss and damage and applicable charges. Some states and metropolitan areas have similar legal requirements for motor carriers and storage operators within their jurisdiction.
Many interstate and some intrastate moving companies participate in the American Moving and Storage Association’s (AMSA) Dispute Resolution Program which is administered by the National Arbitration Forum – an independent, non-governmental organization that’s not connected to the AMSA or any household goods moving company. Normally there is a $500 fee to arbitrate most cases for disputes up to $10,000. You may be expected to pay half.
Since most interstate logistic and general freight outfits, do-it-yourself ‘U-Pack, We Drive’ moving services, and mobile/portable storage transportation companies do not qualify as household goods (HHG) motor carriers under the U.S. Code, they are not subject to the same FMCSA consumer protections as properly licensed HHG carriers, move brokers and freight forwarders and, therefore, are not required to participate in mandatory arbitration.
If the company that you’re considering is a member of the Better Business Bureau they may qualify to participate in the BBB’s Moving and Storage Dispute Resolution Services program.
You always have legal recourse to fall back on if a problem arises. Pursing that option, however, may be a very long, expensive process that involves high attorney fees and court costs. Unscrupulous rogue movers use this financial hurdle to repeatedly scam budget conscious shoppers. They know most people can not afford to take them to civil or criminal court.
That’s one reason many customers involved in disputes with their mover may opt for arbitration. Whereas a judge and jury are bound by legal principles, an arbitrator is more likely to decide based on the merits of the case and what’s fair as compared to what’s “legal”.
Consumers are always encouraged to register a complaint with the appropriate federal, state or local authorities if a mover refuses to discuss or resolve their claim according to the contract terms or applicable laws. Recurring reports about similar issues are more likely to place the company under scrutiny. In most cases, however, enforcement officials will not get directly involved in civil disputes.
Regardless of which option is used, you will become less frustrated and realize more success if you’re prepared. Keep copies of all forms and paperwork and maintain a detailed log of who you talked to and what was discussed. Avoid aggressive posturing. Most responsible companies are interested in retaining the goodwill of their customers and will negotiate a settlement in good faith.
The trick to a successful move is doing the research to find the best relocation options before you begin.
Still at your wit’s end? Join me at RELORoundTable – a gathering place where interested visitors can participate in a mutually supportive but commercially neutral learning environment that deals with the trials and tribulations of movin’.
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