Interstate moving from Nevada with Bekins Van Lines

Many people assume a move is long distance only when it is thousands of miles. The law draws the line differently. A move from Reno to Truckee crosses into California, so it is an interstate move even though it is a short drive. The same federal consumer rules protect a shopper moving to Texas and one moving over the Sierra.

At a glance

• Federal rules apply when you cross any state line
• U.S. DOT No. 30611 and MC-109375
• Bekins agent since 1955
• Weighing and paperwork explained step by step

What makes a move interstate

FMCSA regulates household goods moves between states under 49 CFR Part 375. The rules cover how a mover advertises, how it estimates, how it inventories and weighs a shipment, and what happens at delivery. O'Brien's displays its name and U.S. DOT No. 30611 as the rules require, and you can look up the record on the FMCSA SAFER site.

The steps of the move

An interstate move follows the same order each time.

1. An estimator visits your home, counts the contents and writes an itemized written estimate.
2. You choose a binding or non-binding estimate and read the FMCSA booklets the carrier must give you.
3. Before packing, the crew builds an inventory with a condition report that you sign.
4. Your shipment is weighed, and you have the right to watch the weighing or request a reweigh.
5. The Bekins network carries the shipment, and the bill of lading is your contract for the trip.
6. Delivery happens within the window on your paperwork, and you check goods against the inventory.

Weight, estimates and the 110 percent rule

Interstate moves are priced by weight. If you take a non-binding estimate, the mover may require no more than 110 percent of that estimate at delivery, and any remainder is billed later. A binding estimate sets the price for the listed goods. The guide to the bill of lading shows you what the contract says.

Where O'Brien's fits in

O'Brien's handles the Reno end of a Bekins move: the in-home estimate, packing and loading when needed, storage in Sparks, and delivery to Northern Nevada homes. Bekins was founded in 1891, and O'Brien's received the 65 Years of Service recognition in 2019. For the full picture of the relationship, see our Bekins agent page.

Protection for your goods

Federal rules make full value protection the default coverage unless you choose released value in writing. Our page on valuation coverage explains the choice, and the guide on how to file a claim covers what happens if something is damaged.