Guide · Consumer Protection

Moving Companies and Self-Storage: A Comprehensive Guide to Estimates, Carmack Claims, Liens, and Auctions

49 U.S.C. § 13501

Type
Guide
Jurisdiction
National
Date
2025-08-21
Topic
Consumer Protection

This guide covers moving and storage law for consumer lawyers, transportation practitioners, and self-represented consumers. Part 1 sets out the regulatory architecture and the carrier-broker distinction. Part 2 covers estimates and the documents that control. Part 3 covers valuation and limitation of liability. Part 4 covers the Carmack claim and its burden structure. Part 5 covers delivery, charges, and hostage loads. Part 6 covers arbitration and litigation. Parts 7 through 14 cover storage-in-transit, self-storage liens, the state action question, notice and sale requirements, redemption and surplus, intrastate moves, damages, and practice guidance.

Moving Companies and Self-Storage: A Comprehensive Guide to Estimates, Carmack Claims, Liens, and Auctions

Consumer Protection > Moving Companies and Self-Storage | Published 21 August 2025 - Updated 10 May 2026 | UpLaw - uplaw.us

Part 1 — The Regulatory Architecture

Three regimes, and the first question is which one applies.

Transaction Governing law
Move crossing a state line Federal — 49 U.S.C. § 13501, 49 C.F.R. part 375
Move entirely within one state State utility or transportation commission rules
Self-storage rental State self-service storage facility act + contract

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