Most household goods are worth far less than 100 dollars per pound, so the list stays short. A violin, a diamond ring, a signed print or a laptop is another story, and this entry explains the paperwork that protects those items.
The rule behind the list
FMCSA defines a high-value article as one valued at more than 100 dollars per pound. The rule in 49 CFR 375.203(b) says that if you release your goods at more than the basic rate and fail to tell the mover in writing about such articles, liability can be limited to 100 dollars per pound per article.
Section 375.203(c) gives the other side: once you notify the mover in writing, you are entitled to full recovery up to the declared value of the articles, not to exceed the declared value of the whole shipment.
What belongs on it
Size does not matter: a 1-pound ring can be worth thousands per pound, and the test is value divided by weight.
- Jewelry, watches and loose gemstones
- Fine art, signed prints and small antiques
- Musical instruments of high value
- Cameras, laptops and other compact electronics
- Coins, collectibles and important heirlooms
How to prepare one
Keep the smallest, most valuable items with you in the car, since they travel better in your hands than on a truck.
- Photograph each article and note any marks that are already there.
- Write a description, the approximate value and the supporting paper, such as an appraisal or receipt.
- Give the list to the mover in writing before the move and keep a copy.
- Mark the same articles on the mover's inventory so the numbers match.
High value items and O'Brien's
O'Brien's makes an itemized inventory and condition report before packing, and the estimator will ask about pieces such as art, antiques, pianos and wine collections during the in-home estimate. Telling the estimator early lets the crew plan crating, padding and placement.
The mover's inventory is the record at delivery, where you can note any missing or damaged article. Call 775-359-6683 to ask about declaring valuables on your move.