Running a successful business is all about following the rules, isn’t it? When you are in the moving and storage industry it sure is! In this business, people trust you with a lot – all of their personal possessions to be exact. So when individuals make the decision to move, they typically do their research first. In order to make it easier to compare reputable companies, the federal government has placed many regulations on moving companies.

We’ve talked in depth about the Bill of Lading required in order to transport any materials, and the importance of having adequate movers insurance to protect your liability. We’ve even talked about the various shipping codes the Federal government has in place. But what about the price your charge for your services?

This is where the moving tariff comes into play.

The moving company tariff is:
• Protection for both customers and businesses
• A list of every charge any mover can charge a customer for services rendered

At minimum, a moving company tariff must include:
1. An accurate description of your services
2. The specific rates you charge and how they are calculated
3. Rates that the customer may incur for any shipment

Your moving tariff should be clear enough that the customer can understand every aspect of the move – from the price of each box to the cost of unpacking those boxes at the end of the move.

Although they are typically digital, you must have your moving tariff available for any customer who requests to see it. You can also include a section outlining the moving company’s liability – which is a benefit for everyone involved. This section can describe what you are and are not responsible for and the limits for filing claims.

In Massachusetts, The Department of Public Utilities regulates household moves – and requires all movers in the state to be responsible for the published rates and policies set forth in the Moving Tariff. This makes this document extremely important to the success of your business. At Wolpert Insurance, we are your moving and storage experts. If you need help with your moving company tariff, all you have to do is give us a shout and we’ll certainly help you out!
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When families make the decision to move their lives to somewhere new, their mover is their go-to for assistance. Working in the moving and storage industry, you may feel like you really get to know your clients – especially when you have to store their personal possessions in your warehouse for a prolonged period of time.

Have you reviewed your movers insurance policy lately? If you are actively using a warehouse to store goods, you may want to be certain that your policy offers warehouse legal liability insurance coverage. Believe it or not, this is one of the most commonly misunderstood coverage options – for both the warehouse operator (the mover) and for the customer. If you have questions about this coverage option, you are not alone. We are here to help clear the confusion.

In the most basic sense, warehouse legal liability coverage is a type of liability insurance policy that comes into play in the event a warehouse operator fails to exercise reasonable care in the handling and storage of goods. This can result in loss or damage to those goods.

• In the event negligence occurs, the insurance company would be responsible to pay out the customer for the loss
• You would never name a customer as an additional insured under the legal liability policy
• This policy only applies to negligence – the customer is still required to obtain insurance for other types of losses that may incur to their goods during storage (for example, fire, flood, etc.)

When you have the right coverage options, liability limits and adequate scope of liability protection, you can feel safe that your moving and storage company is safe from financial turmoil.

At Wolpert Insurance, we offer New England Moving & Storage insurance coverage that may include warehouse legal liability. We consider all of your unique needs before offering you a policy. This means that if you face risks related to a warehouse, we will explain those risks and recommend this policy. We always work with your best interest in mind. And of course, we are always willing to answer any questions you may have about your mover’s insurance policy!
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Oftentimes, during a move, circumstances arise that require the mover to be responsible for the individual’s goods beyond the time it takes the transport the items from point A to point B. when that happens, employees in the moving and storage industry always want to be sure they are adequately prepared and understand their liability.

What is “storage-in-transit?

Storage-in-transit, or SIT, refers to any situation where the mover may arrive at an individual’s new home, and for one reason or another, the person is not able to accept the delivery. This could occur for a number of reasons.

• The previous tenants have not yet vacated
• The closing was delayed
• The doors are locked and they keys cannot be located

As a mover, during SIT, the shipment can be stored at your warehouse and delivered to the new residence when the individual is ready to accept delivery. This is a service that you can charge for – but taking up the task of providing storage for a shipment comes with increased liability.

What are the movers’ responsibilities during SIT?

When you accept property for SIT, you need to be sure that the bill of lading makes note of that, as well as of the liability options you have selected. Whether you have assumed full value or released value for the transportation of the shipment will also apply to the storage you will be providing.

• SIT storage is generally limited to a period of 90 days
• At the end of the SIT period, the shipment reverts to permanent storage – and the liability changes as any claims cannot be considered part of the move

During the SIT period, the mover should notify the client, in writing, of:
• The date when stored-in-transit will convert to permanent storage
• The date the movers liability will end – for questions on that, you can always consult your movers insurance policy or the federal regulations
• The specified period of time you will hold goods in storage
• Specifically what is being held in storage
• The liability options selected

Here at Wolpert Insurance, we are always willing to talk with movers about their needs, questions and concerns. All you have to do is give us a call and you’ll see for yourself why we have asserted ourselves as your expert consultants!
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In Massachusetts, there are changes ahead for the moving and storage industry. Last week, we talked to you about the regulation for hydraulic licenses. We anticipate that more of you will need to obtain a hoisting license in order to remain compliant with the laws and regulations in MA.

Not sure what to do? We can help! We’ve already discussed the simple requirements for obtaining a hydraulic license. To recap:

• A current, valid driver’s license
• 18 years of age
• Specific certification forms and an application – obtainable from the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety and Security’s website: http://mass.gov/dps.
• Successfully completing the written examination

The written examination is often the part that commercial drivers will fear the most. As with any vehicle, sometimes we can feel that knowing how to drive it and writing it all down on paper can be two entirely different things. We want to help ease your fears.

Let’s break down the requirements on the written examination for obtaining a hydraulic license.

You must:
1. Demonstrate the ability to operate the equipment
2. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend and interpret all placards, operators’ manuals, safety codes and other information related to safe hoisting operations
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate in applicable language – signals or radio instructions included
4. Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures
5. Demonstrate knowledge of all Massachusetts general laws, state statutes and regulations

For hoisting, all the regulations can be found on the Massachusetts Public Safety website.

As part of our dedication to offering quality and affordable movers insurance throughout New England, Wolpert Insurance is committed to understanding all of your needs. Our expert agents can help you with any questions you may have about proper regulation and hoisting licensing. All you have to do is give us a call!
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