Moving involves a lot of paperwork – moving estimates, moving contracts, moving inventory sheets, etc. – and paperwork tends to be confusing, overwhelming, and boring. Yet, it’s extremely important as it sets the conditions of your move and outlines both yours and your movers’ rights and responsibilities, eliminating misunderstandings and unpleasant surprises during the relocation process.
The Bill of Lading is considered the most important moving document – it acts as a contract between you and your mover and details all the terms and conditions you have agreed upon (services, timeframes, prices, etc.). You need to sign the Bill of Lading before the move can happen.
Bill of Lading definition
First question first: What does bill of lading mean? By definition, a bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment. It serves as a document of title, a receipt for the shipped goods, and a contract between the carrier and the shipper. Historically, the term is related to carriage by sea, but today it is used for all types of shipment – including the transportation of household goods by an authorized motor carrier (professional mover) to a new location.
So, when moving house, the Bill of Lading serves as a contract between you and your chosen moving company – it is prepared on the basis of the order of service (the document that details the terms and conditions of your move) and should match it fully. The movers are required to give you the Bill of Lading on moving day and it is your responsibility to carefully read the document and make sure it is thorough and accurate.
What needs to be on a bill of lading?
By Federal Law, your Bill of Lading must include:
- The moving company’s contact details and licensing information – the name, address, and phone number of your chosen movers, as well as their USDOT number (for cross country movers) or state license (for intrastate movers) (See also: How to check a DOT number);
- The names and addresses of any other movers (or subcontractors) that will take part in the transportation of your shipment;
- The ID(s) of the moving vehicle(s) in which your goods will be transported;
- Your contact information;
- The origin and destination addresses of the shipment;
- The pick-up and delivery dates – For “guaranteed” service, the mover must state the exact pickup and delivery dates and the due compensation in case of delays. For “non-guaranteed” service, the mover must state the agreed period of time (time window) within which the move will happen;
- The requested moving services and their rates – All services that will be provided by the movers (including requested and/or necessitated additional services) must be clearly stated in the document, along with their rates. Any specific requirements and special conditions you have agreed upon must also be explicitly laid out in the contract;
- Payment details – The terms and conditions for payment, including notice of any minimum charges and fees and/or extra charges and fees, deadlines, and accepted payment methods. If you have chosen a binding estimate, the final cost of your move will be stated in the document. If you have chosen a non-binding estimate, the bill of lading won’t include a final calculation of charges, as it cannot be determined until your shipment is weighed (the maximum amount your mover will demand from you upon delivery, however, should be stated). All payment details must be the same as specified in the estimate (See also: Types of moving estimates);
- Insurance information – Your chosen valuation protection plan (Full Value Protection or Released Value Protection), as well as proof of any additional insurance you have bought from a third party (together with the insurance provisions and the amount of the premium). See also: Moving insurance options;
- Dispute settlement information (See also: How to resolve a dispute with your mover)
The original moving estimate, the order of service, and the inventory list are part of your moving contract – each of them must be attached to the Bill of lading.
Must-read: What you need to know about moving company paperwork
What to look for on a bill of lading?
Now that you know what a bill of lading includes, you need to make sure that all the information is clear and correct.
Go over the document line by line and confirm that all the charges and fees, services and timeframes, terms and conditions listed in it match what you agreed upon with the movers – and what is written in your original price estimate and order of service.
If there are any discrepancies, ask for explanation. If you don’t understand some of the terms in the document or don’t grasp the meaning of a certain clause or condition, ask for clarification. Ask as many questions as necessary to prevent misunderstandings and ensure your peace of mind. (See also: How to make sure my movers are qualified?)
Read the fine print very carefully and make sure you agree with everything stated in the document before signing it.
If all is as it should be – and it will be if you hire trustworthy moving professionals – and you sign the Bill of Lading, your mover will also sign it and will give you a copy of the document. Be careful not to lose or misplace your copy – it is a proof of your agreement with the moving company.
Once the Bill of Lading is signed, the movers will get down to work and will ensure your smooth and successful relocation experience.
Must-read: What to expect from professional movers
