Moving Terms: Tariffs and Bills of Lading

Since moving is stressful enough, when it comes to hiring the right moving company you are most likely looking for a professional mover that you can trust. Every year, thousands of complaints are filed with the Better Business Bureau against moving companies. Many people who move suffer from the same unfortunate experiences; one way that these mishaps can be prevented is by knowing everything you can about the legality behind the moving process.

If you are moving to Corpus Christi, professional moving company All My Sons Moving & Storage wants to provide you with the necessary knowledge in order to have a pleasant moving experience. Much like car salesmen, if you do not do ample research before hiring a mover you can end up with one who tries to rip you off due to your lack of understanding.

The Tariff is easily the most overlooked document that homeowners forget to read when researching moving companies. Your Corpus Christi mover’s Tariff will outline their fees, rules, and regulations. While this is not a legal document that the moving company has to file with the government, it does have to be available to the public. Since every company has different rules and fees for their services, the Tariff is important to read.

A Bill of Lading is the most important piece of documentation for your move. Your Bill of Lading is your receipt and the contract between yourself and your mover. It is important to keep in mind that the Bill of Lading is a legal document – if a mover gives you a moving quote and never gives you a Bill of Lading to sign, then absolutely do not go with that company.

Since the Bill of Lading is your receipt, it is important to make sure that you read everything that it details. If any of the fees and charges do not reflect what the mover originally quoted you, then do not sign. Also make sure that you read all of the terms and conditions before signing. This means making sure that there is no fine print that the mover added to the bottom which would alter the agreement. Your Bill of Lading should also have a reference number listed at the top. Keep record of this number so that you can track the movers and/or refer to your transportation order if need be.

There are three types of Bills of Lading that All My Sons Corpus Christi wants you to be aware of:

Binding Estimates – If you are moving to Corpus Christi from long distance, this is the Bill of Lading that you will receive. Binding Estimates are the most common Bill of Lading for long-haul, long-distance and/or interstate moving.
Hourly Rate – If you are moving locally, the local mover that you hire will most likely only charge you per hour and your Bill of Lading will be tailored towards it.
Moves Charged Per Pound – This Bill of Lading will be provided in the event that the moving company charges by weight. It will detail the weight of the truck before your belongings are loaded, and the weight after. Then, you will be charged per pound for the load. Bills of Lading of this kind may quote the highest possible price and can end up lower, but never higher, than the quoted price.

Your Bill of Lading should be a priority during your move. If the moving company tries to deviate from the legal agreement, you have the grounds to not pay them anything extra, to file a complaint, or even to file suit against them.