Plan before moving to prevent damage to household goods

Moving a household can be an overwhelming experience. Your move is made easier if you choose the right moving company and receive proper service while relocating.

Select your moving company carefully. Get references from friends or family. Check the reputation and complaint history of various companies with the Department of Public Safety for in-state movers, the Better Business Bureau, the Georgia Movers Association and the American Moving and Storage Association. You might also want to visit the MovingScam. com web site.

Always obtain a written, on-site estimate of the cost of the move. Verify the insurance coverage and licensing of a moving company before you hire it. Remember an unlicensed mover operating outside the law generally provides little or no protection for loss or damage to your property.

When your goods are picked up and delivered, compare your inventory with the movers’ and note any and all damaged items. It is imperative that you only sign the inventory after you have inspected the shipment upon delivery.

All household goods shipments are moved under limited liability. You may purchase additional liability coverage from your mover if desired.

State and federal laws are in place to help protect you from unscrupulous movers.

Moving companies in Georgia are required to hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. The Georgia Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Division (“DPS”) is the state agency responsible for certifying movers and enforcing state regulations regarding the handling and moving of your household goods. The DPS’ authority extends to ensuring that an intrastate company is operating within the transportation rules and the tariff. The rates of licensed professional movers must not exceed those published in the Maximum Rate Tariff. Visit the DPS webpage for more information and to see a listing of licensed movers.

Should you have a grievance concerning your move within the state of Georgia, you must first submit a written claim within 90 days to the carrier, which in turn has 90 days to resolve the matter. If your complaint against a Georgia moving company is not resolved, the DPS can assist you unless:

The point of origin and destination are within the city limits of the same incorporated municipality. In this situation, if you have pursued a claim unsuccessfully with the carrier, your complaint must be dealt with in magistrate court or through a private attorney.