Arkansas moving company rules

Estimates

On request, a mover must give an estimate on a form headed 'Estimated Cost of Services', made after seeing your goods whenever practical, or by phone if an inspection is impractical. The form must list the services, the basis of the price and whether it was made in person or by phone, and you sign a receipt for it. The estimate is not binding, but if actual charges run more than 10% over it, you pay the estimate plus 10% at delivery and get 15 more days (not counting weekends and holidays) to pay the rest.

Liability for loss or damage

Unless you write '60 cents per pound per article' on the bill of lading, the mover's maximum liability is the greater of your declared lump-sum value or $1.25 times the shipment's weight in pounds. If you release the shipment at 60 cents per pound per article, the mover owes no more than that for each lost or damaged item. When the shipment is not released at 60 cents, the mover must sell you a certificate of insurance for its maximum liability.

Insurance or bond

Movers must file public liability and property damage insurance with the Highway Commission. The state minimum for each vehicle hauling property is $50,000 for injury or death of one person, $100,000 for all injuries or deaths in one accident, and $30,000 for damage to others' property in one accident.

Where to complain

• Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Complaint
• ARDOT Legal Division, intrastate authority contact

Other Arkansas rules to know

• A mover may not advertise that 'all loads are insured' unless its tariff makes it fully liable for all loss or damage.
• Before the move you should get a one-page 'Notice to Shippers', and the bill of lading must tell you not to sign until you have read it.
• Movers must carry blank claim forms with each household goods shipment and give you one at delivery if you ask.
• Household goods rates are published in a tariff approved by the Arkansas State Highway Commission, and actual charges are based on the shipment's weight and mileage.
• A carrier that stays within its commercial zone around a city does not need intrastate authority, so some very local moves may fall outside the permit requirement.