SELF-MOVE PLANNING

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After you have received either your Standard or Conditional Relocation Approval, you can begin the process of planning your relocation and selecting a moving company for your Self-Move. The first action you should take is to schedule a Relocation Planning Appointment.

The appointment with a Transition to Service relocation specialist will help ensure you have a smooth move. The information gained during the appointment will also help to ensure that you only incur allowable expenses during your relocation.

Note: At any point in the relocation process, please contact your assigned relocation specialist to discuss questions or concerns you may have related to your mover or other move-related questions. This includes concerns during the days of your packing, loading, or delivery.

In addition to the Relocation Planning Appointment, it is essential that you review this webpage and then access and review the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

It is recommended that you obtain three estimates from validated moving companies. The Moving Company Validation page, which is located under the Relocation Tab, provides the information required to validate that the companies you select for estimates are capable of properly completing your move.

The four most important things to understand for an interstate move and future reimbursement are outlined below. Please read the associated sections in the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move” pamphlet:

• The types of estimates offered,
• The mover’s liability in the event of loss or damage, and
• The required shipment documentation for reimbursement and a smooth move: The Bill of Lading, Order for Service, and the Inventory.
• Is the Mover a Reliable and Capable Moving Company. Read details on Mover Validation within the Mover Validation Page.

Movers offer different types of estimates – binding and non-binding. The type of estimate you select determines how the final charges for your shipment will be calculated. The types of estimates are described in more detail in the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet starting on pages 5.

The estimate provided by your mover will notify you of the two liability coverage options: Option 1 - Full (Replacement) Value Protection and Option 2 - Waiver of Full (Replacement) Value Protection (60 cents per pound). The mover’s liability is described in detail in the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Your program recommends you select Option 1 – Full (Replacement) Value Protection.

It is important to understand the implications of an estimate provided to you by a household goods broker. A household goods broker may only provide an estimate on a mover’s behalf if it has a written agreement with the mover and uses the mover’s published tariff. It is important to review the information in the SELF-MOVERS: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! section of this website.

FMCSA requires movers provide you with written estimates. Do not accept verbal quotes of charges because they are not an official (legal) estimate. Each moving company estimate must include a written estimate of all charges including transportation, accessorial and advanced charges (which are defined at the end of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet). The written estimate of the company you select becomes a required part of your shipment documentation for future reimbursement by Transition to Service and must be dated and signed by you and the mover. 

If you are moving from a location within a 50-mile radius of your mover’s (or its agent’s or broker’s) place of business, the estimate must be based on a physical survey of your household goods, unless you waive this requirement in writing. The virtual estimate should be completed by using FaceTime or a similar video application so the company can visually review your move requirements. 

The estimate must be completed, reviewed by you as the shipper, and then signed by both you and the shipper before your shipment is loaded.