Ohio moving company rules

Estimates

An estimate must be in writing unless the move will cost $500 or less or is scheduled within five days. The estimate must say whether it is nonbinding (the final cost can be higher or lower), binding (the final cost must equal the estimate) or guaranteed-not-to-exceed (the final cost must be at or below the estimate). All estimates must travel with the bill of lading while your goods are on the truck.

Liability for loss or damage

Movers offer up to two levels of protection: minimal reimbursement at 60 cents per pound for a lost or damaged item, or replacement value up to the value you declare. A mover that offers the 60-cents option must also offer replacement value, and you initial your choice on the estimate. If the mover never has you choose, you are entitled to full replacement value. You get at least 60 days to file a written claim; the mover must acknowledge it in writing within 15 days and make a written settlement offer within 30 days.

Insurance or bond

PUCO says movers must carry cargo insurance equal to the declared value of your shipment. Its registration guidance lists at least $20,000 of cargo insurance for each truck used for household goods, plus liability insurance filed on Forms E and H. The same guidance lists the liability minimum as both $350,000 and $750,000, so confirm the current figure with PUCO.

Where to complain

• PUCO complaint form (or call 800-686-7826)

Other Ohio rules to know

• Laborers who only load and unload, and never haul your goods, are not regulated by PUCO, so a separate truck operator may still need to be PUCO-registered.
• Unlike most for-hire truckers, household goods movers must renew their PUCO registration every year.
• If a mover charges by weight, it must weigh the shipment on a certified scale and give you the chance to be present.
• You may ask for an inventory at loading, but the mover may charge for it.
• Leasing a rental truck does not exempt a company from registering with PUCO as a household goods mover.