North Carolina moving company rules

Estimates

If you ask, the mover must give you a free written estimate on a Commission-approved form, unless you ask less than five business days before the move or the shipment is under 500 pounds. On a non-binding estimate you can pay 110 percent of the estimate at delivery and the rest within 30 days. Binding guaranteed and binding not-to-exceed estimates are also allowed.

Liability for loss or damage

You choose valuation before the move: basic protection at no charge, limited to 60 cents per pound per item, or full value protection at 75 cents per $100 of value with a minimum value of $4.00 times the shipment weight. Items worth more than $100 per pound must be listed in writing. Particle board furniture is limited to 60 cents per pound or $50 per item, whichever is greater.

Insurance or bond

The Commission requires movers to carry auto, cargo, and general liability insurance, including at least $50,000 in cargo insurance. If the move is booked, the mover must give you a certificate of insurance naming you as holder on request.

Where to complain

• Public Staff, North Carolina Utilities Commission, Submit a Complaint (utility or transportation)
• North Carolina Department of Justice, File a Complaint

Other North Carolina rules to know

• Moves of 35 miles or less are billed by the hour; longer moves are billed by weight and distance.
• Storage in transit is limited to 180 days; storage beyond that is not regulated by the Commission.
• The certificated carrier list is updated monthly, so a recent change may not appear until the next update.
• Interstate, commercial, and new furniture delivery moves are outside the Commission's jurisdiction.