Understand Interstate Moving Valuation

Review interstate moving valuation using item values, shipment terms and deductibles, with a worked example of weight-based released value.

Understand the choice before signing

For interstate household-goods moves, FMCSA describes Full Value Protection and Released Value as two carrier liability options. Full Value Protection generally applies unless you select Released Value in the required written manner. Valuation is not interchangeable with a separate insurance policy, and the details of an insurer's coverage require their own review.

Ask for the price, deductible options, declared shipment value and treatment of high-value articles in writing. Read the settlement provisions instead of assuming every damaged item produces a new retail replacement or a cash payment at its original purchase price. Under Full Value Protection, repair, replacement or a cash settlement may be used within the applicable terms.

Calculate the exposure item by item

Released Value limits carrier liability to $0.60 per lb per article. An illustrative 18 lb monitor therefore has a weight-based limit of $10.80, regardless of its purchase price. Do not apply the shipment's total weight to that one damaged monitor. Record the weight and valuation choice beside the item so the arithmetic remains understandable.

FMCSA identifies items worth more than $100 per lb as articles of extraordinary value for this purpose. Ask how to list them on the shipping documents and obtain written confirmation of the process. A valuable lightweight item may require attention even when it occupies very little space in the truck.

Prepare evidence that matches the decision

Photograph valuable pieces before packing, including existing damage and identifying labels. Keep receipts, appraisals or other value evidence where available, and record which items you pack yourself. Self-packing can make it harder to establish how damage occurred; photographs support a record but do not guarantee a claim outcome.

Compare the incremental valuation charge with your inventory and ability to absorb a loss. Enter that charge once in the moving budget and retain the selected deductible and signed election. Do not rely on a verbal description such as fully covered.

At delivery, document visible loss or damage and follow the written claims procedure promptly. Rules for moves entirely within one state can differ, so use the relevant state requirements for those shipments instead of automatically applying the interstate figures.