Moving to Massachusetts

Moving to Massachusetts

Massachusetts is known for die-hard sports fans, fresh seafood, and much more that makes it one of the best places to live. No matter if you come with a full caravan of family members or if it’s just you, there is something for you to do and somewhere for you to live.

Protecting Yourself When You Move to Massachusetts

Just as easy as it is to find seafood, you can also find a mover. The goal is to find a mover you can ultimately trust with your belongings, provide great customer service, and make the transition as smooth as possible. In order for that to happen, you should be completely informed on moving laws that restricted for interstate and intrastate movers that deal with Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MDPU) controls the operation of all movers within the state of Massachusetts. In the state of Massachusetts, movers are required to:

• Carry a minimum amount of cargo insurance.
• File their rates with the MDPU and may not charge more or less than the rates on file.
• Have an up-to-date MDPU operating certificate number
• File a Tariff containing the rates charged for various moving services. The Tariff is filed with the MDPU and is available to the public.
• Hand you a bill of lading before loading your furniture. Bill of Lading should include the movers' name, address, license number, delivery dates, and telephone number where they can be reached.
• Provide consumers the services requested on the bill of lading and bill accordingly.

Checklist for Easier Moving

• Ask for a written estimate from a mover licensed with the MDPU.
• Verify movers are licensed with Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MDPU).
• Check with MDPU in regards to a movers rates, liability coverage and complaint history of the mover.
• Review the written bill of lading (front & back) carefully before signing.
• Agree to the method and terms of payment before moving day.
• During loading and unloading, check your household goods carefully before signing off on their condition. Be sure the bill of lading gives you the right to take a reasonable amount of time to check items for damages.
• Ask the mover to check the van to ensure that all your household goods have been delivered.
• Make sure to be present during your move.
• If an issue should arise regarding the storage of your shipment contact the Department Of Public Safety at (617) 727-3200. The MDPU does not regulate the storage of household goods.

This list is provided by the Department of Public Utilities

If you are moving from one state to another, your mover must follow the guidelines of the FMCSA and not MDPU. Both the FMCSA and MDPU are set in place to protect movers for fraudulent activity.