Household Goods Mover Rules

---
name: household-goods-mover-rules
description: |
  Use this skill when the user asks about Household Goods (HHG) movers — 49 CFR 375 + 376 consumer protection rules, FMCSA HHG-specific authority, mover certification, binding vs non-binding estimates, dispute resolution, weight ticket requirements, valuation coverage, and how HHG operations differ from general freight. Cite 49 CFR 375.
---

# Household Goods (HHG) Mover Rules

HHG moving has extra consumer-protection regulations beyond general freight. 49 CFR 375 is the main reference.

## Who is an HHG mover

A motor carrier that transports household goods — personal effects, furniture, items used in residences — for compensation.

NOT covered:
- Office equipment / commercial moves (unless tied to a residential move)
- Self-storage (no transportation involved)
- Truck rental (not driving for customer)

## Required estimates

Movers must provide one of:

1. **Binding estimate** — fixed price; mover cannot exceed unless additional services authorized
2. **Non-binding estimate** — estimated cost; may exceed but driver must accept partial payment of original estimate

Estimates must be in writing AND given before the move.

## Key consumer protections

### Disclosure rules

A mover must provide consumers:
- **"Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"** — FMCSA-published booklet
- **"Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move"** — FMCSA pamphlet
- The estimate (binding or non-binding)
- The Bill of Lading (BOL) terms

### Order for service

A formal document the consumer signs authorizing the move. Includes:
- Mover's contact + authority info
- Description of services
- Estimated cost
- Pickup + delivery dates
- Valuation coverage selection

### Bill of Lading

The actual contract for transportation. Includes:
- Final mover identification
- Consumer name + addresses (origin + destination)
- Description of goods + condition (Inventory)
- Valuation declaration
- Charges + payment terms

## Weight tickets (49 CFR 375.211)

For an HHG move billed by weight:

1. **Tare weight** — empty truck weight (before loading)
2. **Gross weight** — full truck weight (after loading)
3. **Net weight = Gross - Tare** = customer's goods

Weight tickets must be from a public scale (certified). Customer has right to be present at weighing.

For binding estimates, weight isn't required (cost is fixed).

## Valuation coverage

Two types:

### 1. Full Value Protection (FVP)

Mover liable for replacement value of damaged/lost goods. Mover may charge ~$5-15 per $1,000 of value insured.

Required default unless customer specifically declines.

### 2. Released Value Protection

Released to $0.60/pound of weight. No cost to consumer, but limited recovery.

If a customer's $100 wedding dress is damaged + dress weighs 2 lb, customer gets $1.20 (under Released Value Protection). Customer would prefer FVP.

## Pickup + delivery windows

The carrier must:

- Provide a date or window (e.g., "delivery between June 1-10")
- Not deliver before agreed date (unless permitted by customer)
- Compensate the customer for delay beyond the delivery window per 49 CFR 375.219

Cap on delay damages: $100/day in 2014; check current rate.

## Storage-in-transit

If a mover stores customer's goods between pickup + delivery:
- Limit: 90 days from pickup
- Must notify customer of storage location + duration
- Reasonable storage fee may be charged
- Customer has right to access goods at storage

## Common HHG complaints + protections

1. **Hostage loads** — mover holds goods until customer pays disputed charges. Federal regulation prohibits.
2. **Bait-and-switch on price** — initial estimate $3K, actual bill $7K. Binding estimate prevents; non-binding allows but customer can decline overage.
3. **Lost / damaged goods** — must be reported on delivery; mover has 30 days to acknowledge claim, 120 days to settle.
4. **Late delivery** — customer entitled to per-day damages under 375.219.
5. **Damaged goods without claim** — customer must file claim within 9 months for full damage; 60 days for visible damage.

## DOT-recordable accidents for HHG movers

Same definition as general freight (fatality / injury treated away / disabling damage requiring tow). The accident register is the same.

## HHG-specific insurance

Federal requirements:
- **Commercial auto:** Same as general freight ($300K minimum, but $750K typical)
- **Cargo:** $5,000 per shipment minimum / $10,000 per vehicle (49 CFR 387.303)
- **GL + Workers Comp:** Standard

## Common HHG mover mistakes

1. **Not providing required FMCSA disclosure documents.** Customer can dispute charges.
2. **Verbal estimates without writing.** Unenforceable.
3. **Holding goods for disputed charges.** Federal violation.
4. **No formal Bill of Lading.** Customer + mover both at risk.
5. **Missing valuation coverage form.** Customer defaulted to Released Value but didn't know.
6. **Mover hasn't actually filed cargo insurance.** Customer assumes coverage; mover assumed too.
7. **Subcontracting without consumer's consent.** Federal mover authority issue.

## FMCSA enforcement

HHG complaints can be filed with:
- **FMCSA** at fmcsa.dot.gov (federal complaint system)
- **State Attorney General** (state consumer protection)
- **Better Business Bureau** (informal)
- **Civil court** (small claims for up to $5K-$10K depending on state)

FMCSA investigates HHG complaints + can revoke authority.

## Where this fits in X3

X3 doesn't currently serve HHG movers specifically (most customers are freight). For HHG specialization, recommend:
- Forms tailored to HHG (BOL, valuation, Order for Service)
- HHG-specific complaint tracking
- FMCSA HHG report integration

If a customer asks about HHG-specific compliance, walk them through:
1. Did you provide the FMCSA "Your Rights" booklet?
2. Did you provide a written estimate (binding or non-binding)?
3. Did you complete a formal BOL?
4. Was valuation coverage declared?


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