Ready to Move?The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation(DOT) wants to make sure you have the informationyou need to "Protect Your Memories. Your Money.Your Move." from moving fraud.

The best defense against moving fraud is to be informedand aware of your options when choosing a reputablemoving company. While most household moves gosmoothly, there are dishonest or "rogue" movers youshould be aware of.

For more information on interstate moves, visit theFMCSA Web site at: www.protectyourmove.gov

You can also use this site to link to other government, lawenforcement and moving industry information sources.This is very important if you're looking for more detailedState and local information, including how to file acomplaint.

Key DefinitionsBroker:A company that arranges for the trucktransportation of cargo belonging to others,utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actualtruck transportation. A broker docs not assumeresponsibility for the cargo and usually docs not takepossession of the cargo.

Tariff:A list of rates, rules, regulations, and availableservices. Each mover publishes its own tariffs andthese must be provided to you upon request.

Know Your Rights andResponsibilities BeforeSelecting a MoverBefore moving your household goods, movers arerequired to give you this brochure and a bookletentitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When YouMove. They provide basic information that willhelp you understand the documents that a moverwill ask you to sign. The booklet also explainsyour rights if your household goods are lost ordamaged. Copies of this brochure and bookletcan be downloaded from the Web sitewww.protectyourmove.gov, which hasadditional helpful consumer information.

Use OnlyRegistered MoversMake sure the mover you select has beenassigned a USDOT number, is registered withFMCSA to engage in interstate transportationof household goods, and has the proper level ofinsurance.

You can determine if a mover is registered withFMCSA by accessing www.protectyourmove.gOY,or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 forlicensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance.

Read and UnderstandAll Information Providedby the MoverThe mover should provide you with the followingbasic documents aspart of your move:

EstimatesThe estimate should clearly describe, inwriting, all charges for services the mover willperform. Make sure the estimate is signed bythe mover. Do not accept oral estimates.

Order for ServiceThe order for service is a list of all the servicesthe mover will perform and shows the datesyour household goods will be picked up anddelivered.

Bill of LadingThe bill of lading is a contract betweenyou and the mover and a receipt of yourbelongings. You should be given a partiallycompleted copy of the bill of lading beforethe mover leaves the residence at origin.

Inventory ListThe inventory is the receipt showing eachitem you shipped and its condition. Be sureyou receive a written copy of the inventoryafter your household goods are loaded, andthat you agree with its description of yourhousehold goods' condition.

What if There Is a Problem?Dispute Settlement ProgramBefore moving your household goods,interstate movers are required to provideyou with information regarding theirdispute settlement program. Movers mustoffer a neutral dispute settlement programas a means of settling disputes that mayarise concerning loss or damage of yourhousehold goods.

Loss or Damage of GoodsIf your goods are damaged or missing atdelivery, request a company claim form fromthe mover. Complete the claim form to thebest of your ability. The mover will tell youwhere to mail the completed form. You must

file a writtenclaim with themover within 9months of delivery.Yo~r claim mustbe in writing butdoes not haveto be submitted

,on a moversclaim form. It issuggested that yousend the claimsinformation to themover by certified mail.

If you are not satisfied with the settlementoffer made by the mover, you have the optionof submitting a loss and damage claim with themover's dispute settlement program or to seekother legal remedies.

Applicable Transportation ChargesThe charges that a mover assesses for its servicesmust be contained in a published tariff, whichmust be made available to you upon request. Ifyou feel that a mover has overcharged you, youcan contact the Surface Transportation Board at1-866-254-1792 to obtain further assistance.

Filing a ComplaintFMCSA does not have the authority to resolveclaims against a moving company. However,you may file a complaint against a mover byvisiting www.protectyourmove.gov or calling1-888- DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m. EST. Your complaint may triggera federal enforcement investigation against themover.

Milbin Printing 800-999-6690

Before You MoveD Obtain the brochure Ready to Move? and the

booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities WhenYou Move from the mover.

D Ask for recommendations from neighbors,friends, and relatives regarding the mover.

D Check with the Better Business Bureauregarding the mover.

D Find out what the mover's responsibilitiesare for damages that may occur to yourbelongings.

D Ask if the mover has a dispute settlementprogram.

D Obtain estimates from at least three movers,and compare cost and all other services to beprovided by the mover.

D Check to determine whether the interstatemover is registered with FMCSA, and has aUSDOT number.

D Find out how and when pickup and deliveryof your household goods will occur.

D Ask the mover how they can be contactedbefore the move, during the move, and afterthe move.

D Adequately insure your belongings.

Moving DayD Be present to

answer questionsand give directionsto the movers. Stayuntil they finish.

D Accompany the movers as they inventoryyour household goods and resolve anyquestions regarding the condition ofmaterials being moved.

D Carefully read the information on theestimate, order for service, bill of lading,inventory, and all other completed documentsbefore you sign them.

D Keep the bill of lading until your goods aredelivered, the charges are paid, and any claimsare settled.

D Before the moving van leaves, take one finallook throughout the house to make certainnothing has been left behind.

D Give the driver directions to your new home.

D Inform the driver and the moving company ofwhere you can be reached during the move.

Delivery DayD Be present to answer any questions and give

directions.

D Pay the driver, according to the term of youragreement, before your goods are unloaded.

D Supervise unloading and unpacking of yourgoods.

D Note on the inventory list all boxes or other itemsthat are damaged before you sign any documents.

Questions?Q. Where can I get a copy of "Your Rights and

Responsibilities When You Move" and otherhelpful consumer information?

A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov

Q. Where can I find out whether a mover isregistered with FMCSA?

A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov

Q. Where can I obtain information abouta mover, broker or freight forwarder'sinsurance and process agent?

A. Visit http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov or call(202) 385-2423.

Q. How do I get assistance to determine ifa mover has assessed the correcttransportation charges?

A. Visit http://www.stb.dot.gov or call the SurfaceTransportation Board at 1-866-254-1792.

Q. Where may I file a complaint against amover?

A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov or call1-888- DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238)Monday - Friday between the hours of9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST.

Q. In addition to FMCSA, are there otherauthorities I should contact to report amover?

A. Yes. State attorneys general and consumeraffairs agencies are responsible for pursuingsuspected moving fraud.

Q. How can I learn more about movers andtransportation of household goods?

A. Visit www.protectyourmove.gov andwww.movmg.org.

FMCSA develops, maintains, and enforcesfederal regulations that establish safe operatingrequirements for commercial vehicle drivers,carriers,vehicles,and vehicleequipment. FMCSAregulates interstate household goods movers andrequires them to register with the agency. Itsregulations assist consumers on interstate movesand define the rights and responsibilities ofconsumers and household goods carriers.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration1-800-832-5660 • TTY: 1-800-877-8339

www.protectyourmove.govFMCSA-ESA-03-005 Revised April 2006Wheaton Van Lines, Inc. USDOT 70719