Moving is considered as the third most stressful event in one’s lifetime (after death in the family and divorce). That’s pretty much when we add the fact that about 35 million people move yearly. Unfortunately, there are moving companies, large and small, that go too far, crossing any possible limit that they can afford to without being held responsible – from the rude and unprofessional attitude to overcharging and outright stealing.
As we are engaged to provide in-depth moving tips and guides, this time we will say a word about how to file a complaint against a rogue moving company. Making a call will make a difference. Of course you are already frustrated because of the fact that you have been on the hook of some scam movers and last thing you want is this horror to continue, but filing a complaint against your movers is your right and a matter of responsibility too.
File a complaint against movers with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
First and the most important step you have to take upon is to give notice to the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can complain against movers in cases such as – unlicensed or uninsured operating status, final overcharging (over 110% of non-binding estimate), issues about damaged or stolen items, failure in keeping the agreed time frame of the move etc.
You can file a moving company complaint through the Household Goods Consumer Complaint form easy and fast. You have to fill in the form with:
- Your name, address, and telephone number
- Name, address, and telephone number of the mover/broker
- Bill of Lading Number
- Origin and destination of your shipment
- Mover’s DOT number and MC number
- Specific violations claim
Another option is to call the hotline at (888) 368-7238. The operation hours are Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm EST. A qualified government representative will assist you with the filing of the complaint against movers.
Making a call will make a difference. Contact the US Department of Transportation when you want to file a complaint against a moving company.
Once your complaint against movers is entered into FMCSA’s consumer complaint database it is used for analytical and statistical purposes. Your complaint will be noted in the carrier’s public record. And if the FMCSA decides to take measures against the mover in accordance to your moving company complaint letter, they may reach you for more information.
If you are dealing with issues concerning hazardous materials, you must, by all means, inform the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration immediately. You can call their emergency line at (800) 424-8802, or file an incident report through their online reporting tool.
Filing a complaint against a moving company with the American Moving & Storage Association
You can also file a complaint against moving company at the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) website through their “submit complaint” section, but only in cases of shipment delay or moving service performance.
If you are into filing a complaint against a moving company concerning lost or damaged items during your move, or overcharging (in excess of 110% of a non-binding estimate), you have to do it through the Request for Arbitration form within the AMSA Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program, but take into consideration that the arbitration program is paid. The administrative fee depends on the amount of the claim.
Filing a complaint against movers by submitting a form with your contact information and moving company info and a specific claim is up to you. Just beware that AMSA is not a governmental institution and cannot put the moving company under any obligation to undertake any action in order to solve the particular issue. Here is some more information on the moving associations.
Complain against movers with the BBB
Another option for you to resolve an issue with a moving company is to complaint against movers within the Better Business Bureau program through their online complaint section, or to go to the nearest to you office. This works best with accredited BBB moving companies. The dispute settlement procedure involves a few steps.
After filing complaint against a moving company, BBB sends the record to the company within two days. Next, movers will be addressed to reply within 14-day deadline. If an acknowledgment is not received, a second request will be sent. BBB representative will contact you to inform you about the moving company response (or the lack of such). Movers complaints within BBB are usually finished in 30 business days.
In order to file moving company complaint letter concerning discrimination claims about the quality of safety measures, or legitimate services within the BBB, you have to fill in your contact information, movers information and the particular violation details. Once again, the BBB organization cannot oblige movers to undertake particular action concerning reimbursement as this is not a governmental institution.
Notice to the local Public Utilities Commission
Do not forget to send a notice to the local Public Utilities Commission for any kind of safety violations. Make sure that you keep a copy of all documents such as receipts, moving service agreements, and movers contact information.
Write a moving company review
Another important step to do is to write a review on your company online. Here at My Moving Reviews, you can write your moving review and submit it to the public. The moving company can answer to your review publicly and explain its side of the story. If you resolve your issues with the company or agree on a settlement, you can always request to remove your moving review.
Contact the Attorney General
It is highly recommended that you contact the local Attorney General for additional help. Here is the full contact list of Attorneys General to whom you may lodge a complaint. Contact the one in your state.
Small Claims Court
If you are unhappy with the resolution of your claim with your moving company or you are unable to resolve your argument with the movers, you can also seek resolution in court.
Resolve your issue by communicating with your mover
The best way to resolve your problems with the company is to contact them and to try straighten everything up. Don’t get angry or aggressive during the moving claim process. You want results, not a defensive moving company’s employee. The movers should respond with a compensation based on your moving valuation you’ve agreed on prior to your move.
If you have any other questions, ask the experts at My Moving Reviews. We are always engaged to provide you with the best moving tips and tricks to relocate easier and smoother. Have another suggestion? Share it now!
