Smooth Way Movers – Broker Disclosure, Terms & Regulatory Notice

IMPORTANT BROKER DISCLOSURE

Smooth Way Movers is a properly licensed interstate moving broker and NOT a motor carrier.
USDOT #: 4167466

Smooth Way Movers does not transport household goods. We arrange and coordinate interstate household goods transportation services through FMCSA-authorized motor carriers. The motor carrier performing your move is solely responsible for packing, loading, transporting, storing, unloading, and delivery of your household goods.

All transportation services, tariffs, liability, loss or damage claims, and delivery obligations are the exclusive responsibility of the motor carrier, not Smooth Way Movers.

BROKER ROLE & SCOPE OF SERVICES

As an interstate moving broker, Smooth Way Movers:

Arranges transportation services with licensed and insured motor carriers
Provides estimates based on customer-supplied information
Coordinates scheduling and dispatch with motor carriers

Smooth Way Movers does not:

Physically move or store household goods
Control carrier employees, drivers, or equipment
Set or collect motor carrier transportation charges
Handle, adjust, or settle cargo damage claims

ESTIMATES & BINDING ESTIMATES

A binding estimate guarantees that the motor carrier may not require payment exceeding the amount stated on the estimate for the items and services listed, unless:

Additional items are added
Additional services are requested
Conditions differ from those disclosed (including but not limited to stairs, elevators, long carries, parking restrictions, or permits)

In such cases, the customer and motor carrier may:

Agree to honor the original binding estimate
Execute a revised binding estimate
Convert the binding estimate to a non-binding estimate

If no written modification occurs prior to loading, the original binding estimate remains in effect.

All final transportation charges are governed by the motor carrier’s published tariff, which may differ from the broker’s estimate and is available for inspection upon reasonable request.

PAYMENT TERMS

Payments made to Smooth Way Movers are broker fees only and do not apply toward motor carrier transportation charges.

Motor carrier transportation charges are paid directly to the motor carrier, typically as follows:

A portion due at pickup
The remaining balance due at delivery prior to unloading

Unless arranged in advance, motor carriers may require payment in the form of:

Cash
Postal money order
Certified funds

Credit or debit card payments to the motor carrier may be subject to processing fees and must be disclosed in advance.

Failure to remit required payments may result in storage of the shipment at the customer’s expense, as permitted by applicable federal law.

BROKER FEES & CANCELLATION POLICY

The broker fee charged by Smooth Way Movers is for:

Scheduling
Coordination
Dispatch services

Broker fees are non-refundable after 72 hours from reservation unless otherwise approved in writing by management.

If you book your move within 14 business days of your first scheduled pickup date the 72 hour window is null and void.

LIABILITY, VALUATION & INSURANCE

Federal law requires motor carriers to assume liability for the household goods they transport. Two primary valuation options may apply:

Full (Replacement) Value Protection
Released Value Protection (minimum 60 cents per pound per article)

The valuation option selected, coverage limits, and applicable charges are determined solely by the motor carrier and disclosed in the carrier’s bill of lading and tariff.

Smooth Way Movers does not provide cargo insurance or valuation coverage.

CLAIMS & DAMAGES

Smooth Way Movers is not responsible for loss, damage, delay, theft, or other issues arising from the motor carrier’s performance.

All claims must be:

Filed directly with the motor carrier
Submitted in writing
Filed within 9 months of delivery or refused delivery
Supported by proof of ownership, value, and weight

All damage or loss must be noted on the motor carrier’s inventory at the time of delivery. All outstanding balances must be paid in full before a motor carrier may process a claim.

Smooth Way Movers has no authority to adjust, settle, or pay motor carrier claims.

THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE

If third-party cargo insurance is purchased from or through the motor carrier:

The motor carrier must provide policy documentation at the time of purchase
Disputes involving third-party insurers may fall outside FMCSA jurisdiction
Third-party insurers are governed by the laws of the states in which they are licensed

APPLICABLE LAW & REGULATORY NOTICE

Smooth Way Movers arranges interstate household goods transportation services only, which are governed by applicable federal regulations, including those administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Smooth Way Movers does not arrange or broker intrastate household goods moves within any state unless separately registered and authorized to do so under applicable state law.

REQUIRED FEDERAL DISCLOSURES

Customers acknowledge receipt (electronically or via hyperlink) of the following FMCSA publications:

In accordance with 49 CFR § 371.113(c)(1), customers may waive an in-home physical survey and agree to receive estimates based on customer-provided inventories.

DEFINITIONS (SUMMARY)

Broker: An entity that arranges interstate transportation with a motor carrier for compensation.
Motor Carrier / Mover: The company that physically performs the transportation of household goods.
Shipper / Customer: The individual contracting for moving services.
Household Goods: Personal property typically found in a personal residence.

FINAL NOTICE

Smooth Way Movers acts solely as a transportation coordinator. By using our services, the customer acknowledges and agrees that the motor carrier is the sole party responsible for transportation services, charges, liability, and claims.

AUTHORIZED MOTOR CARRIERS

Below is a non-exhaustive list of FMCSA-authorized motor carriers that Smooth Way Movers may utilize from time to time to perform household goods transportation services.

This list is provided for informational purposes only and may change at any time without notice based on availability, routing, capacity, customer needs, and operational requirements.

Smooth Way Movers does not guarantee the use of any specific motor carrier. The motor carrier assigned to a shipment will be disclosed to the customer prior to dispatch or pickup in accordance with applicable federal regulations.

All transportation services are performed by independently owned and operated motor carriers that maintain active FMCSA authority and required insurance coverage at the time of service.

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