Your Movers
Broke Something.
Prove It.
Photograph your belongings before the truck arrives. If anything gets damaged, we compare the photos and generate a claim letter citing the federal law that governs what movers owe you. $9.99.
Three steps. One claim letter.
Before the move: photograph everything
Go room by room. Photograph each valuable item from multiple angles. Timestamp matters — take them the day of the move, before the crew touches anything.
After the move: photograph the damage
As soon as you notice something broken or scratched, photograph it in the same position. Note the item name and describe what happened.
We generate the claim letter
We compare before and after, total your claim, and generate a formal demand letter citing the Carmack Amendment or your Bill of Lading — whichever applies.
What to photograph before the truck arrives
The more you document before, the stronger your claim after. Focus on items with real replacement value — these are the ones movers dispute.
Electronics
- —Television (all sizes)
- —Desktop / laptop computers
- —Monitors
- —Gaming consoles
- —Stereo equipment
Furniture
- —Couch and sectional
- —Bed frame and headboard
- —Dining table and chairs
- —Dressers and nightstands
- —Bookshelves and cabinets
Appliances
- —Washer and dryer (if owner-supplied)
- —Refrigerator
- —Microwave
- —Small appliances (mixer, espresso machine)
- —Air conditioning units
Artwork & Mirrors
- —Framed artwork
- —Mirrors of any size
- —Sculptures or decorative pieces
- —Framed photos and prints
Fragile Items
- —Glassware and stemware
- —Ceramics and pottery
- —Musical instruments
- —Collectibles
- —China and dishware sets
Boxes
- —Number and label every box
- —Photograph each box closed
- —Note the box contents on label
- —Mark 'FRAGILE' boxes clearly
Federal law says movers are liable. Most people never find out.
The Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) makes interstate moving carriers liable for the actual loss or damage to goods in their custody. It isn't optional. It isn't buried in fine print. It's federal law.
Movers will tell you the maximum they owe is 60 cents per pound. That's the released rate — a contractual limit that only applies if you were clearly offered full-value protection and declined. If that didn't happen, the 60-cent cap may not stand.
Carmack Amendment
Moving carriers are liable for actual loss or damage to goods. This applies to all interstate household moves.
Claims Resolution Timeline
Movers must acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it (pay, deny, or offer settlement) within 120 days.
Your Contract
The Bill of Lading is the contract governing your move. The liability section defines what they owe — and what documentation they require.
Questions you'll have after the movers leave
What is the Carmack Amendment?
The Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706) is a federal law that governs moving company liability for interstate moves. It establishes that movers are liable for actual loss or damage to goods in their custody. Many movers don't advertise this.
What if the moving company says I can only claim 60 cents per pound?
That's the released rate — a liability cap that only applies if you agreed to it in writing and were given the option to purchase full-value protection. If the mover didn't clearly offer you that choice, the per-pound cap may be unenforceable under the Carmack Amendment.
How long do I have to file a claim?
For interstate moves, federal regulations (49 C.F.R. § 370.9) require movers to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. File your claim as soon as you discover damage — don't wait.
Do I need photos before the move?
Yes. Without before photos, the mover can claim the item was already damaged. Even timestamped smartphone photos taken right before the movers arrive are legally credible documentation.
Does this work for local (intrastate) moves?
Yes. While interstate moves are covered by federal law, local movers are subject to state transportation law and their own Bill of Lading. The claim letter works for both — we adjust the legal citations based on move type.
Start documenting before the truck arrives.
One-time. $9.99. Photo storage included. Claim letter generated if anything gets damaged.
Start Documenting — $9.99Also useful: security deposit photo documentation and renters insurance comparison.