Tariff Requirements

Interstate movers must make their rates and charges public according to Federal guidelines. The United States Department of Transportation denotes a tariff code that will specify the service provided, the conditions of the services, and the prices to be charged the customer. Each moving company can determine its own rates and charges, but it must publish its tariff.

Tariffs should be in compliance with federal laws and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ruled shipment documentation must be prepared according to predetermined and written guidelines. Shipments must be weighed and transported as noted in the regulations. Charges too must be collected according to specifications. The Surface Transportation Board will set tariff requirements for all household goods to be carried. A prescribed level of liability is also required for interstate household goods and shipments.

Federal Tariff Laws and Regulations
STB Tariff Regulations 49CFR1310
FMCSA Claims and Salvage 49CFR370
FMCSA Overcharges 49CFR378
FMCSA SAFTEA-LU Consumer provisions

The AMSA urges its members to seek legal counsel or advice in regard to individual tariff decisions. With myriad and complex household goods under regulation and with potential legal trouble for failure to comply, members should beware of failure to meet the guidelines. One recommendation states how members may benefit from a third-party tariff publisher to do this work. AMSA will not endorse any particular firm for this purpose.