Oregon moving company rules

Estimates

Estimates must be free, in writing, and given only after an in-person or live or recorded video look at your goods; phone estimates are not allowed. All estimates are non-binding, and binding estimates or guaranteed prices are illegal on in-state moves. Added services require a signed addendum estimate. If the tariff charges run more than 10 percent over the estimate plus addenda, you pay the estimate plus 10 percent at delivery, the mover must release your goods, and you may defer the rest for 15 days, not counting weekends and holidays.

Liability for loss or damage

Movers must offer at least Released Value, at no extra charge, paying 60 cents per pound per article, and Replacement Cost Protection, priced on a declared lump-sum value or at least $3.50 per pound. If the mover fails to get your written choice on the bill of lading, you get Replacement Cost Protection at your expense. Ready-to-assemble furniture moved assembled is at your risk, with mover liability capped at $75 per article. File claims in writing within three months of delivery; the mover must acknowledge within 30 days and pay, settle or deny within 120 days.

Insurance or bond

Carriers must file liability insurance of at least $750,000 per collision and cargo insurance of at least $10,000 with ODOT.

Where to complain

• ODOT Intrastate Household Goods Complaint (Form 9976), emailed to CCDHouseholdGoods@odot.oregon.gov or faxed to 503-378-2183
• ODOT Commerce and Compliance Division household goods page
• Oregon Department of Justice, Consumer Protection

Other Oregon rules to know

• Each certificate limits where a mover may work, such as named commercial zones or city limits, so check that the mover's authorized service covers both ends of your move.
• Moves wholly inside certain listed cities are exempt from economic regulation, but a mover doing local moves there still needs an ODOT permit.
• Pack-and-load businesses that provide only labor are exempt, but Oregon law does not let them supply the truck; be wary if a labor-only company offers a truck.
• Movers must run criminal background checks every three years on workers who enter homes, and people with recent felony or certain misdemeanor convictions may not do that work.
• ODOT does not settle damage claims, but it enforces the claim response deadlines; movers must send ODOT a copy of any delayed-claim letter.