Mover Safety Center
Moving Claims and Complaints: How to File and Where to Report
If something is lost or damaged, you have the right to file a claim. If a mover treats you unfairly, you can report it.
By Move Out of California Editorial Team · General information, not legal advice.
Filing a loss or damage claim
- File your claim in writing with the mover within 9 months of delivery.
- Include enough detail to identify the shipment, the items, and the amount you're claiming.
- Attach photos, the inventory, receipts or repair estimates.
- Keep damaged items and packaging until the claim is resolved.
How claims are handled
The mover must acknowledge your claim in writing within 30 days and pay, deny, or make a firm settlement offer within 120 days. If they can't, they must tell you why in writing, and update you regularly after that. If you can't agree, you can use the mover's arbitration program.
Where to complain
- FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov) or 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).
- Your state attorney general's consumer protection office.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Official sources: FMCSA Protect Your Move · 49 CFR Part 375 · FMCSA complaint database
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Frequently asked questions
General information, not legal advice. Rules can change — always confirm with FMCSA's official resources.
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