California New York Express

Moving 101: Glossary of Moving Terms - R

Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
A document prepared by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) to inform consumers of their rights and responsibilities as a shipper of household goods.

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Reasonable Dispatch
The performance of transportation on the dates, or during the period, agreed upon by the mover and the individual shipper and shown on the Order For Service/Bill of Lading. For example, if a mover deliberately withholds any shipment from delivery after an individual shipper offers to pay the binding estimate or 110 percent of a non-binding estimate, the mover has not transported the goods with reasonable dispatch.

The term "reasonable dispatch" excludes transportation provided under a mover's tariff provisions requiring guaranteed service dates. The mover will have the defenses of force majeure, i.e., superior or irresistible force, as construed by the courts.

Released Value
This is the most economical protection option available. This no-additional-cost option provides minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound ($1.32 cents per kilogram), per article.

Loss or damage claims are settled based upon the pound (kilogram) weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents per pound ($1.32 cents per kilogram).

For example, if your mover lost or destroyed a 10-pound (4.54-kilogram) stereo component valued at $1,000, your mover would be liable for no more than $6.00.

Obviously, you should think carefully before agreeing to such an arrangement. There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it.

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