Some of the materials most common to household use are indicated below:

• Combustible liquids: alcohol (rubbing), lubricants (motor oils), anti-freeze compounds.
• Corrosives: acids, drain cleaner, photographic acids used in developing film, bleach, batteries (wet or dry), dry purifying houseagents used in swimming pools.
• Explosives: fireworks, small arms ammunition, flash bulbs.
• Flammables: lighter fluid, matches, wood oil stains, petrol-chemical based garden sprays, paint of varnish, paint or varnish removers, butane / propane / gasoline / (garden equipment), signal flares, charcoal briquettes
• Compressed gasses: aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, scuba diving tanks
• Please contact your mover if you have any questions about the above items

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MOVER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ABOVE ITEMS

Word of caution: Oral estimates are illegal, not binding and should not be accepted.

A carrier holding a valid permit from the Commission has a lien on your goods to secure payment of the moving charges you agreed to in writing before the move began plus the charge for any additional services you requested on a bona fide Change Order For Services. (The lien does not apply to food, medicine, medical devices, items used to treat or assist an individual with a disability, or items used for the care of a minor child.) Once you pay these authorized charges, the lien is extinguished and the carrier must release all of your goods. If the driver requires payment greater than the authorized charges, you should contact the mover about what may be an overcharge. If the matter cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, call the PUC for assistance at 1-800-FON-4PUC (1-800-366-4782).

If you do not request Storage-in-Transit, or if your storage period exceeds 90 days, your goods will be subject to rates, terms, and conditions set by the local warehouse and the service will be under a separate contact with the warehouseman and not regulated by the PUC.

1. write the home office of the carrier and describe the loss or damage;
2. list separately the lost or damaged items;
3. note the exact amount you are claiming for each lost or damaged item;
4. give the date of your move, the origin and destination and the carrier’s order number.

If the damage is to packed items, you should retain the box, it’s contents and the packing materials. This is especially important if you did the packing since you will have to show that bad packing was not the cause of the damage.

Providing copies of documents such as store receipts for the lost or damaged items and professional estimates for repair will speed the processing of your claim.

You should also retain copies of all correspondence with the moving company. In addition, all correspondence addressed to the moving company should be sent by Registered Mail, return receipt requested, to evidence receipt of your claim by the carrier.

Your claim must be filed, in writing, within nine (9) months after delivery of the goods or within (9) months after a reasonable time for delivery has elapsed. Specific rules are set forth in Maximum Rate Tariff 4. The carrier is required to acknowledge claims in writing within 30 days and must pay, decline to pay or make a firm compromise settlement within 60 days of receipt of your claim. If some reason beyond the carrier’s control delays action for a longer time, the carrier is required to notify you in writing within 60 days of receipt of your claim as to its status and the reason for delay (with a copy to the PUC) and again every 30 days thereafter until final action is taken. If the carrier fails to respond to your claim within the time limits and in the manner described in this paragraph, you should contact the PUC immediately at 1-800-FON-4PUC (1-800-366-4782). (See maximum Rate Tariff 4, Item 92 for more information on filing claims.)

The PUC has no authority to compel carriers to settle claims for loss or damage and will not undertake to determine the carrier’s liability for such loss or damage. If both you and the carrier consent, the claim may be submitted to an impartial arbitrator for resolution. You may also commence a suit in small claims court or other court of law. If arbitration or civil action result in a decision in your favor and the carrier fails to comply, contact the PUC.

If you intend to file a claim for loss or damage to your goods, be aware that one of the required documents in support of your claim is a copy of the freight bill. This means that before you may file a claim with the carrier for loss of or damage to your goods, you must pay the carrier for all charges due for transportation services. This is because the handling and settlement of a loss or damage claim is a matter separate from the performance of and payment for the transportation service itself. If you do not pay the transportation charges, the carrier may not honor your claim.