• Movers are required by law to establish and maintain liability insurance.trucks image by max blain from Fotolia.com
  
  Moving is always an adventure as the client looks to the future with hopes of promises to come in their new place. If a moving company is substandard, the move could be frustrating and leave the client with a bad experience. Moving companies must comply with regulations. These regulations can assist in making the move pleasurable for all.
  
  

Permit

• All moving companies are required by law to obtain a moving permit before performing actual moving duties. It is against the law to perform moving duties without this permit. Moving permit applications vary by state. Generally, a moving company permit is attainable through the Public Utilities Commission of a given state.
  
  

Insurance

• Along with a moving permit, the moving company must present a certificate of liability insurance and proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage. This insurance is needed whether or not workers are injured in the process of moving duties. If this in not applicable in a particular state, the moving company has the responsibility to present a certificate of exemption or letter that shows this type of workers' compensation is not required in that state.
  
  

Rates and Payment

• All rates and charges for transportation and services provided by the moving company must remain in accordance with the mover's applicable tariff. The company must agree to accept a charge or credit card as an optional payment method for goods upon delivery. Movers are bound by the payment provisions originally arranged---from the time of estimate until the completion of the moving transaction. For example, if the company agreed to accept a money order for the delivery of goods, it must stick to that agreement.
  
  Estimates must be provided in writing---even estimates made over the phone. During the estimation process the company must then determine any additional charges for incidents like elevators, long carries and stairs. If the company does not ask about such incidents these charges may not be tacked on, during or after the move. The moving company must also estimate final charges for the move during this process.
  
  

Terms of Moving Agreement

• The moving company must supply the client with a written disclosure of the moving contract. This includes completing an itemized list of inventory that will be moved and supplying them with an identification number. The disclosure also states client's obligations and the moving company obligations.