Your Bill of Lading

The bill of lading is the contract between you and your mover. All Dallas moving companies are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every move they handle. The information on your bill of lading should be the same information as the ones on your written estimate, if you received one. The crew leader on your move (driver) should give you a copy of your bill of lading at the time of them loading your furniture.

As the customer it is your responsibility to read and understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something or understand it then do no sign it until you are satisfied with the correction or have an understanding. Call the office and discuss any and all questions with someone, the is the best way to make sure you are getting what it is that you requested from the movers. The bill of lading requires that the moving company you hire to provide the services that you have requested; you are also required to pay the charges that are set forth on the bill of lading.

The bill of lading is an important document. Do not lose or misplace your copy.

The bill of lading must have the following 14 items:

1. Your mover’s name and address.
2. The names and addresses of any other motor carriers, when known, who will participate in the transportation of the shipment.
3. The name, address, and telephone number of the office of the motor carrier you must contact in relation to the transportation of the shipment.
4. The forms of payment that your mover will honor at the time of delivery.
5. Your name, address, and telephone number where the mover will notify you of the charges.
6. For non-guaranteed service, the agreed upon date or period of time for pickup for the shipment and the agreed upon date or period of time for the delivery of the shipment. The agreed upon dates or periods for pickup and delivery entered upon the bill of lading must conform to the agreed upon dates or period of time for pickup and delivery entered upon the order for service of a proper amendment to the order for service.
7. For guaranteed service, the dates for pickup and delivery and any penalty or per diem entitlements due you under the agreement.
8. The actual pick up date.
9. The identification number(s) of the vehicle(s) in which your mover loads your shipment.
10. The terms and conditions for payment of the total charges including notice of any minimum charges.
11. The maximum amount your mover will demand from you at the time of delivery for you to obtain possession of your shipment, when your mover transports under a collect-on-delivery basis.
12. Your movers level of liability should any damage occur to your household goods or residence.
13. Evidence of any insurance coverage sold to or procured for you from an independent insurer, including the amount of the premium for such insurance.
14. Each attachment to the bill of lading. Each attachment of the bill of lading is an integral part of the bill of lading contract.


A copy of the bill of lading will accompany your shipment at all times while in possession of your mover or its agents. Your moving company will keep a copy of your bill of lading on file for twelve months, and so should you in case you have any issues or need to file a claim.