Steps to take when a storage and moving company misses committed delivery dates for your household goods.
Trusting movers to handle transporting your life’s possessions represents a leap of faith under the best circumstances.
But when a storage and moving company outright misses established delivery timelines after weeks in transit, the frustration compounds exponentially.
Rather than panic, understand proactive steps exist to resolve if your anticipated moving day comes and goes without your stuff arriving as scheduled.
Arm yourself with knowledge around communicating, documenting thoroughly, seeking accountability, and understanding options if belongings remain stuck in logistics limbo.
Reach Out Directly First
The instant a moving company misses a delivery deadline, promptly contact representatives to investigate why and determine the next steps.
Calmly request answers around:
- The exact current location of your items
- The underlying issue causing the delays
- Revised delivery timeframe
By opening a dialogue, you establish responsibility and communication channels necessary for resolving frustrations constructively versus helplessly stewing over missed timetables.
Document details confirming promises around revised delivery dates as well any rationale provided explaining the situation.
These records become invaluable if further action proves necessary for recovering belongings or seeking damages.
Review Your Rights and Protections
With basics around the delay established directly with the moving company, next review governing regulations detailing customer rights and provider responsibilities.
Useful areas to explore include:
- Applicable state laws overseeing household moves
- Federal statutes like the FMCSA Protect Your Move guidelines
- Specific provisions within your moving contract
For example, FMCSA rules require movers to deliver shipments on or before the dates outlined in the paperwork. Exceptions only apply around catastrophic weather or receipt section delays.
Familiarize yourself with all relevant policies so you can refer to binding language when holding companies accountable.
File Formal Complaints as Warranted
If polite requests and expectations set around the initial delivery failure elicit persistent vagueness or absence of accountability from the moving company, elevate matters by filing formal complaints with oversight agencies.
Helpful avenues to spur action include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- State moving authorities
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Document details comprehensively within reports regarding broken promises, ineffective communication, property damage, unreasonable delays beyond contract clauses, etc.
Submitting cases through reputable watchdog entities flags problematic operators while providing options for further mediation, investigation, and intervention.
Consider Backup Plans if Needed
Even after exhausting customer escalation options, situations occasionally arise where households end up going weeks without any idea when the moving company will deliver their life possessions.
Rather than resign yourself to living in limbo indefinitely, reasonable backup plans may include:
- Short-term rentals – If relocating, arrange flexible housing until the delivery impasse concludes.
- Essential item replacements – Slow reimbursement means replacing certain lost essentials immediately.
- Storage stopgaps – For stuck household items, temporary warehouses locally could receive goods between endless en route days.
Ideally, strict follow-up prevents needing backups. But proactively developing contingencies empowers you if negligent movers continue flaunting all accountability despite regulatory oversight.
The takeaway? Stay calm but vigilant when delivery promises get broken. By knowing your rights and judiciously escalating matters, customers can ultimately compel even recalcitrant moving companies toward making good for their failures.
