The mover denied my damage claim or offered almost nothing. What now?

The mover has deadlines. It must acknowledge your written claim within 30 days. Within 120 days it must pay, deny, or make a firm offer in writing. If it can't decide by then, it must send you a written status update every 60 days. A note of damage on the delivery receipt doesn't count as a claim by itself. You must send a written claim that identifies the shipment, says the mover is liable, and asks for a specific dollar amount.

If you disagree with the result, you can use the dispute settlement program every interstate mover must offer. For claims of $10,000 or less, the mover must go to arbitration if you ask, and the decision is binding. The mover can't charge you more than half the cost of starting arbitration. The arbitrator must decide within 60 days of getting written notice of the dispute.

You don't have to use arbitration. You can sue in state court instead, or in federal court if the claim is over $10,000. FMCSA can't settle your claim for you. But if the mover misses the 120-day deadline, you can file a complaint with FMCSA.

Source: 49 CFR 370.3, 370.5, 370.9; 49 CFR 375.211; FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move; FMCSA, What If I Have Problems With My Mover · Checked October 2026