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Add an incident report to our federal safety tracking directory. Your submission updates the carrier's public safety rating and warns other families.
Understanding Your Rights During a Move
When hiring an interstate carrier, your move is protected under federal consumer laws administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Knowing the regulatory baselines can help you identify rogue mover extortion and safeguard your household goods:
1. What is a Hostage Load?
A hostage load is an illegal moving industry scam where a carrier loads your belongings onto their truck, transports them to the destination (or a holding facility), and then demands extra fees that exceed the original binding estimate before they will unload your goods. Under federal law (49 CFR § 375.407), movers are prohibited from holding your shipment hostage if you pay 100% of a binding estimate or 110% of a non-binding estimate.
2. Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
A **Binding Estimate** guarantees the final price of the move based on the inventory list agreed upon. A **Non-Binding Estimate** is an approximation of the cost based on the weight or volume of your items, and the final price can fluctuate. If a mover tries to adjust a binding estimate on moving day after loading your truck, they are violating federal regulations.
3. Steps to Take if You Have Been Scammed
First, file a formal complaint with our database here to update the carrier's public profile score. Next, file an official report with the federal government at the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) or call the FMCSA safety hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT. If your goods are currently held hostage, contact local police to file a report and consult a transportation attorney to draft a formal demand letter.