Interstate moving paperwork describes the services requested, the property being transported, the contract terms, and the condition of the shipment. Review it before pickup—not after a disagreement.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Protect Your Move program is the primary consumer resource for interstate household moves.
1. Written estimate
The estimate should identify the mover, shipment, services, and charges being offered. Confirm:
- Legal company name and USDOT number.
- Origin, destination, and requested dates.
- Inventory or weight assumptions.
- Packing, crating, storage, shuttle, stairs, elevators, and long-carry services.
- Valuation or liability option.
- Whether the estimate is binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed when applicable.
FMCSA advises consumers not to accept verbal estimates and not to sign blank or incomplete estimates.
2. Order for service
The order for service confirms what you asked the mover to perform. Compare it with the estimate and verify:
- Contact information.
- Pickup and delivery information.
- Services and requested dates.
- Valuation selection.
- Payment terms.
- Any broker or carrier relationship.
Correct errors before the shipment is loaded.
3. Bill of lading
FMCSA describes the bill of lading as the contract between you and the mover and a receipt for your belongings. Read it before signing.
Check that the company, addresses, dates, services, valuation, and charges are consistent with the documents you already approved. Keep your copy available during transit and delivery.
4. Shipment inventory
The mover prepares an inventory that lists the shipped property and notes observed condition. Walk through the inventory rather than signing automatically.
- Confirm that major items are present.
- Ask questions about condition codes you do not understand.
- Photograph valuable or already-damaged property.
- Keep your signed copy.
- Use the inventory again at delivery.
5. Rights and responsibilities information
Interstate movers must provide federally required consumer information. Read it before moving day so you understand estimates, delivery, payment, claims, disputes, and mover responsibilities.
FMCSA’s moving checklist is a useful companion to the formal documents.
6. Valuation selection
Valuation is not the same as ordinary homeowners or renters insurance. Review the available mover-liability options, what each costs, exclusions, and the process for high-value items.
Declare high-value property as required by the agreement. Keep receipts, appraisals, serial numbers, and photographs where appropriate.
7. Pickup and delivery records
Record the driver’s or dispatch contact, shipment reference, pickup date, and delivery information. At delivery:
- Check item numbers against the inventory.
- Note missing or visibly damaged items using the required process.
- Do not sign language you do not understand.
- Keep copies of delivery and payment records.
Keep one move file
Store digital and paper copies of every document, photograph, receipt, email, and payment record. Do not place the only copy inside the moving shipment.