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Damaged · Delayed · Lost · Held hostage

Your mover broke it. Now make them pay you back.

A free, step-by-step guide to documenting the damage, filing the right claim on time, and getting connected with specialists who win.

See if you have a case
100% free to start Based on FMCSA rules Not a law firm
The first 72 hours Critical window
1
Don't sign a clean delivery receipt
Note every damaged or missing item before the crew leaves.
2
Photograph everything
Damage, serial numbers, and the original boxes — wide and close.
3
Don't throw anything away
Keep damaged items and packing until your claim is resolved.
4
Start your written claim
The 9-month clock started the day your shipment was delivered.
Open the full timeline tracker →
Start here

What went wrong with your move?

Pick your situation and we'll build a step-by-step plan with the right templates and deadlines.

Know your coverage

Released value vs. full value protection

The single biggest factor in what you can recover. Most people are signed up for the cheap option without realizing it — here's the difference in plain English.

Real example — a 40-lb damaged TV worth $1,200
Released value pays
$24.00
Full value pays
$1,200
Default · Free

Released value

No extra charge — and it's what you get unless you opt up in writing.

Pays only $0.60 per pound, per item
Automatic — you get it unless you opt up
A $2,000 sofa at 80 lbs pays just $48
Recommended

Full value protection

Costs extra, but the mover is liable for the full worth of your goods.

Mover must repair, replace, or pay full value
Coverage equals your goods' actual worth
Worth it for electronics, antiques & art
Free tools

Track your deadlines. Build your evidence.

Deadline tracker

Enter your delivery date — we'll calculate every legal deadline that follows.

File written claim
9 months from delivery
Set date
Carrier acknowledges
30 days after you file
Set date
Carrier resolves claim
120 days after you file
Set date
Consider FMCSA / legal
If unresolved by now
Set date

Evidence checklist

Strong claims win. Check off what you've gathered.

0%
ready
Templates & letters

Fill-in-the-blank letters that get results

Written to cite the right regulations. Edit your details, download, and send.

Browse all templates →
📝 Free

Damage claim letter

The core written claim that starts your 9-month-protected case.

⚖️ $19

FMCSA complaint kit

Step-by-step filing guide plus a complaint narrative template.

🔒 $29

Hostage load demand

Forceful demand letter citing the rules movers are breaking.

📨 $24

Claim denial rebuttal

Respond to a lowball or denial with the right legal footing.

📊 Free

Item valuation worksheet

Build a defensible dollar figure for every damaged item.

🧾 $49

Full recovery bundle

Every paid template plus a filled-in example for each.

Escalation

How to file an FMCSA complaint

When a mover ignores you, holds your goods hostage, or denies a valid claim, a federal complaint puts real pressure on them. It's free, and it takes about 10 minutes.

1
Gather your move details
Mover name, USDOT number, dates, and your claim history.
2
File at the National Consumer Complaint Database
Submit online — it's free and goes on the mover's federal record.
3
Write a clear, factual narrative
Use our template to state what happened and what you're owed.
4
Follow up and escalate
Reference your complaint number in every message to the mover.
Find help

Vetted claims consultants & attorneys

When your claim is big or stuck, talk to a specialist. We only list professionals experienced in moving and cargo claims.

HR

Harbor & Reed

Claims Consultants
Damage Denials

Former carrier adjusters who now work for consumers on complex damage claims.

★ 4.9 · 127 reviews
ML

Meridian Transit Law

Attorneys
Hostage load Litigation

Transportation attorneys handling hostage-load and high-value cargo disputes nationwide.

★ 4.8 · 94 reviews
CC

Coastline Cargo

Claims Advocates
Delay Overcharge

Specialists in delay and overcharge recovery, working on contingency for larger claims.

★ 4.7 · 68 reviews
Plans & pricing

Start free. Upgrade only if you need to.

No subscriptions. Buy a template pack or an expert review once — keep it forever.

Free
$0 forever

Everything you need to start the right way.

All step-by-step guides
Deadline tracker & evidence checklist
FMCSA complaint walkthrough
2 starter templates included
Most popular
Full Access
$39 one-time

Every template and worksheet, with filled-in examples.

Everything in Free
All premium claim & demand letters
Hostage load & denial rebuttal kits
Filled-in example for every template
Lifetime updates
Expert Case Review
$99 one-time

A specialist reads your case and maps your next move.

Everything in Full Access
48-hour written assessment
Realistic recovery estimate
Matched with a vetted specialist
Priority email support

Every paid plan is backed by a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Questions

Frequently asked

For interstate moves you generally have nine months from the delivery date to file a written claim. The carrier must acknowledge it within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days.

Released value is free but only pays 60 cents per pound, per item — so a heavy-but-cheap item pays more than a light-but-valuable one. Full value protection costs extra but makes the mover liable for the full worth of your goods.

Holding your goods 'hostage' for charges beyond your binding estimate is a violation of federal rules. Document everything, pay the lawful amount, and file an FMCSA complaint immediately — this is one of the strongest cases to escalate.

Often no. Many claims are resolved with a well-documented written claim and the right template. For large losses, denied claims, or hostage situations, a claims consultant or attorney can dramatically improve your outcome.

No. We're an educational platform offering templates, checklists, and referrals to vetted specialists. We don't provide legal advice, and some referrals may earn us a fee.