Using Arbitration

Movers customarily take every precaution to make sure that while your shipment is in their possession no items are lost, damaged or destroyed. However, despite their efforts, articles are sometimes lost or damaged during the move.

If any of your household goods are damaged or lost,report the facts promptly and in detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the inventory sheet before you sign it. A claim for loss or damage must be filed within nine months after delivery (keep the cartons and packing material until the mover has inspected the damage). However,it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days, and must deny or make an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim. When making a claim or considering an offer, bear in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment.

If you are unable to get your claim with your mover settled to your satisfaction, you may want to consider using arbitration as a means of obtaining a resolution.

Participation in an arbitration program is a requirement of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for all interstate movers. Under the regulations, ALL interstate movers, including movers who are not members of AMSA, must agree to offer shippers neutral arbitration as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage and certain types of disputed charges. Your mover must provide you with information on the availability of its arbitration program, including how their program works and how much it costs, before your move takes place. If you don't receive this information - ask for a copy from your mover.

To maintain a fair and neutral position, AMSA's program is administered by the National Arbitration Forum (Forum). The Forum is a completely independent, nongovernmental organization that is not affiliated with either the American Moving and Storage Association or with any mover.The Forum has been recognized for many years as the leading independent arbitration organization in the country. It is a public service, non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the resolution of disputes of all kinds. All AMSA mover members participate in the AMSA arbitration program.

If you are not familiar with the arbitration process, or would simply like more information, our Web site is www.moving.org