Moving delays happen — but your rights when they do are more specific than most customers realize. Whether your mover is late for pickup or delivery, here's what you're entitled to and how to handle it.
First Available Delivery Date (FADD)
When you book a long-distance move, you establish a "first available delivery date" — the earliest date you can accept delivery at your destination. Under FMCSA regulations, movers have up to 30 business days beyond your FADD to deliver without being in violation. This is wider than most people expect.
What Counts as a Delivery Delay
If your mover misses the delivery window on your bill of lading or fails to deliver within 30 business days of your FADD, you have a legitimate delay claim. Document everything: the agreed delivery window, any communications about the delay, and your actual delivery date.
Late Pickup
Late pickup is a separate issue. If the mover fails to pick up on the agreed date, you may incur costs — hotel, storage, extended lease — that you can claim against the mover. Get documentation of any expenses you incur as a direct result of the late pickup.
Filing a Delay Claim
File a written claim with the carrier documenting the delay and any expenses incurred. Include your bill of lading, the agreed pickup/delivery window, and receipts for any out-of-pocket costs. The carrier has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to resolve under FMCSA rules.