The Packed Rabbit
Movers damaged or lost something?
See the last day to file a written claim, when the mover has to answer, and get a claim letter that covers what the federal rules ask for.
Where did the move go?
What was damaged or lostOne line for each item, with what it would cost to repair or replace.
For the letter (optional)These stay on this page. They go in the link only after the # sign, which browsers never send to a website.
- Your deadline to file
- What the claim must sayUnder 49 CFR 370.3, a written claim must give enough facts to identify the shipment, say the mover is liable for the loss or damage, and ask for a specified or determinable amount of money. The letter below does all three.
- A note at delivery isn't a claimDamage written on a delivery receipt or freight bill doesn't count as a claim by itself (49 CFR 370.3). Write it on the inventory before you sign, then send the claim.
- When the mover has to answer
- How much they payThat depends on the protection (valuation) shown on your bill of lading. A household goods carrier settling a claim starts from the replacement cost and takes off depreciation to reach the item's current value (49 CFR 370.9).
The app keeps a photo of what went in each box and its condition when it arrived, so a claim has proof attached. No account, and it works with no signal.
How this works
The deadline. For an interstate move, FMCSA says to file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery. We count 9 calendar months from the date you type. Your bill of lading may state the time too, so check it, and don't wait: photos, receipts and memories are easiest to gather in the first weeks.
Within one state. The federal claim rules on this page are for interstate moves. A move inside one state follows that state's rules and your contract, so read the contract for a claim deadline and ask your state's consumer protection office. Sending the claim early, in writing, is a safe step either way.
The mover's clock. Once the mover receives your claim, it has 30 days to acknowledge it in writing (49 CFR 370.5) and 120 days to pay, decline or make a firm offer in writing. If it can't, it must tell you in writing why, at the end of every 60 days after that while the claim is open (49 CFR 370.9).
What to attach. Photos of the damage and of the box it came in, the inventory with your delivery notes, the bill of lading, and receipts, a repair estimate, or a link to the same item for sale. Keep the damaged item and its packing until the mover has had a chance to inspect it.
Not legal advice. Rules change. Each rule above names the federal regulation it comes from, linked below, so you can check the current text.
More on this: how long you have to file a claim.
Still before the move? Try check your mover before you pay or check a moving quote.
Sources: 49 CFR Part 370, Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Voluntary Disposition of Loss and Damage Claims (eCFR, up to date as of October 23, 2026): 370.3 what a claim must contain and that notes on delivery papers alone are not a claim, 370.5 written acknowledgment within 30 days, 370.9 answer within 120 days, status every 60 days, replacement cost less depreciation. The 9 months from delivery is from FMCSA Protect Your Move, Moving Checklist and Ready to Move. Counting 9 calendar months, using the expected delivery day when nothing arrived, and the advice on what to attach are our own. Checked November 2026.
Made by someone moving, for people moving. Not a moving company, broker or lead site: we never sell your details and never take a commission from movers, and nothing you type here is sent to us.