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MOVING TIPS

Moving tips for consumers moving within Minnesota

Why a legal mover? Legal movers in Minnesota must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This gives consumers a third party if there is an issue with your mover. Minnesota law requires movers to have several things in place for the protection of their customers and the general public. 

 

  1. Legal movers must be registered with the US DOT and have a US DOT number. This is for identification purposes. 

  2. Legal movers are given a unique number from MN DOT when they register. If the carrier does not have this number, they are not authorized to move your personal property. This number can be checked by contacting MN DOT at (651) 366-3717. 

  3. Legal movers must carry liability and cargo insurance and file that information with MN DOT. 

  4. Legal movers must carry worker’s compensation insurance if they have employees. [If they do not have this coverage and one of their people gets hurt moving your goods, it could involve you in a worker’s comp case.]

  5. Legal movers must have a valid cab card for their vehicle (even if rented or leased) from MN DOT (safety purposes.)

  6. Legal movers must publish and maintain a publication (tariff) of the services they offer, the charges for the services, and other information for moving your goods. The mover is required to provide a copy to you upon your request. The mover may only charge for services listed in the tariff and must charge what is published in the tariff.

  7. Legal movers must issue a bill of lading for moving your goods prior to the move. You must be given the opportunity to read the bill of lading and the contract terms and conditions of the bill of lading. This is a contract between you and the mover. You must sign the bill of lading which will indicate that you have read it, understand it, and agree to it.

 

In addition, legal movers are required to provide information concerning: 

 

  • The Minnesota rule regarding liability limitations and if the mover offers different levels of liability. 

  • Information concerning loss and/or damage claims (this is important -- accidents can happen to anybody.)

  • Information concerning what forms of payment are accepted by the mover. 

 

One of my favorite sayings is:

 

“GOOD MOVERS ARE NOT CHEAP AND CHEAP MOVERS ARE NOT GOOD.”

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