Illinois moving company rules

Estimates

A licensed mover must give a free written estimate and a signed copy of it. The estimate is not binding; your bill follows the mover's filed tariff. At delivery you can be required to pay up to 110 percent of the written estimate; if charges run higher, the mover must release your goods and give you 30 days to pay the rest.

Liability for loss or damage

A mover's liability is the greater of 60 cents per pound per article or a lump-sum value you declare in writing on the bill of lading. A declared value only counts if you pay the valuation charge; otherwise you get 60 cents per pound per article. Claims must be filed in writing within 90 days of delivery, and movers must acknowledge them within 30 days and act within 120 days.

Insurance or bond

Movers must file proof of liability and property damage coverage at the federal minimums in 49 CFR 387.303T and cargo coverage at the federal household goods level, unless they file an affidavit that they never carry cargo worth more than $5,000 and tell each customer in writing that they lack that coverage. Movers that take C.O.D. shipments need $10,000 in C.O.D. coverage.

Where to complain

• ICC File a Complaint
• ICC transportation complaint form (by mail)

Other Illinois rules to know

• It is against the law to hire an unlicensed mover in Illinois.
• Moves under 50 miles, or entirely within Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, may be billed by workers and hours; longer moves are billed by weight and distance.
• Outside Cook County, the ICC does not regulate rates for moves within one incorporated community and the area 10 miles beyond it, but the mover must still be licensed.
• The ICC offers mediation and, if that fails, binding arbitration for a $25 fee; choosing arbitration gives up your right to go to court.
• For weight-and-distance moves, the mover must give you an inventory at no extra charge.