In cases where household goods are lost, damaged or destroyed, consumers are entitled to file an arbitration claim against the moving company through arbitration. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires that disputed claims for loss or damage in the amount of $10,000 or less be submitted to arbitration.
The American Arbitration and Mediation Organization (AAMO), a non-profit trade association, offers a Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program to assist consumers and USMA member moving companies in the resolution process. Their chosen program administrator is AAMO. Disputes are reviewed and decided by independent and neutral arbitrators.
By managing the process for USMA, AAMO makes it easier for customers and moving companies to have their disagreement resolved in a manner that is affordable and fair.
Disputed claims for loss or damage to household goods in the amount of $10,000 or less must be submitted to arbitration. For amounts greater than $10,000, the consumer and the moving company must mutually agree to submit the dispute to arbitration. Consumers may also request arbitration for disputes regarding the mover's charges; specifically, whether the mover's charges, in addition to those collected at delivery, must be paid by the consumer.
The USMA HHG Dispute Settlement Program Rules direct the USMA Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program.
US MOVERS ASSOCIATION (USMA) Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program
Household Goods (HHG) Damage Disputes
Resolving Consumers' Grievances
USMA Arbitration Rules and Instructions
