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Responding to a petition filed by the American Moving and Storage Association and comments submitted by industry consultants from the Moving Pros Network, the Surface Transportation Board announced on March 8, 2012, that it had agreed to postpone the implementation date on a congressional directive to enhance consumer protection when loss or damage occurs during interstate household-goods (HHG) moves until May 15, 2012. 

The AMSA is the national trade association for the professional moving industry in the United States. The Moving Pros Network is comprised several moving industry professionals including former AMSA execs Joseph Harrison and Patricia Jennings.

History

On January 10, 2012, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the successor agency to the Interstate Commerce Commission housed within the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued new requirements that changes the way shipment valuation will apply when licensed household goods carriers or freight forwarders arrange the transportation of interstate shipments for individual (COD) shippers.

The STB ruling clarified a earlier decision issued January 21, 2011, which implemented a Congressional directive to enhance consumer protection in the case of loss or damage that occurs during interstate household-goods moves.

These changes are designed to help reduce shipper confusion over liability limits. Once implemented, consumers will be afforded an enhanced protection level which is more consistent with typical homeowner coverage on their personal property and possessions. The new mandate was originally scheduled to become effective April 2, 2012.

This one month delay in implementation will allow full service HHG movers and freight-forwarders more time to fully comply with the new valuation rules. May is normally considered National Moving Month and signals the traditional kick-off of the industry's peak moving season when consumer education in the media increases significantly.

AMSA has provided an in-depth explanation and summary of the new requirements for both their ProMover members and their customers at the association's business website here.

Related Resources:

Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of Household Goods (Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No. 5) Service Date -  MARCH 9, 2012 - Surface Transportation Board

Released Rates of Motor Common Carriers of Household Goods (Docket No. RR 999 (Amendment No. 5) – Surface Transportation Board

Customers to see new valuation rules from HHG movers – RELO Roundtable

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