Moving & Storage Arbitration - ATA
Each year, thousands of consumers hire professional moving companies to transport their belongings from one state to another. Usually, the items arrive at their destination safely. But not always. When goods are lost or damaged in transit, consumers are entitled to file an arbitration claim against the moving company.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) offers a Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program to assist consumers and ATA-member moving companies in the dispute resolution process. FORUM is the designated program administrator.
By managing the process for ATA, FORUM makes it easier for dissatisfied customers and moving companies to have their grievances resolved in a manner that is fast, affordable, and fair.
ATA Arbitration Resources
Use the following forms and links to assist you in the Arbitration Process.
Links
Fees
Forms
ATA Arbitration FAQ
As a result of an interstate move, items damaged during shipment or claims regarding Carrier charges for interstate shipments may be included in a claim. The arbitration procedures are governed by the provisions of Section 14708, Title 49, as amended, of the United States Code under the authority of the US Department of Transportation.
Yes. The Carrier is obligated to arbitrate claims valued at $10,000 or less. However, the Carrier may voluntarily arbitrate claims valued at more than $10,000. Please refer to Rule 4 of the ATA Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program Rules for more information.
Most of the time, the arbitration is conducted on the papers, meaning that the submissions filed with FORUM will be reviewed by the arbitrator and the arbitrator will issue an award based on the submissions received from the parties. Oral arguments are allowed, but must be agreed upon by both parties to the dispute. Please refer to Rule 10 of the ATA Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program Rules for more information. Rule 10 is based on the language of the applicable Federal law. (Section 14708, Title 49, of the United States Code.)
From filing of the claim to the award, the process typically takes between 100 to 160 days depending on complexity. The process may take longer if either party requests an extension. Please refer to the timeline found in the Program Rules for the ATA Household Goods Dispute Settlement Program Brochure.
A Shipper may request arbitration by sending a Notice to ATA. The request must be sent within ninety (90) Calendar Days of the Carrier’s final written offer or denial of the claim to the Shipper. ATA will send Notice of the Shipper’s request to the Carrier who must respond to ATA within fifteen (15) Business Days advising ATA of the action it wishes to take in response to the Shipper’s request. If the Carrier agrees to submit the disputed Claim to arbitration, or is required to do so pursuant to the statutory criteria and the program rules, ATA forwards the rules and the necessary forms to the Shipper. Within thirty (30) Calendar Days after the date of the IAM transmittal letter, the Shipper must file a claim with FORUM.
A Shipper may request arbitration of a dispute by following the instructions provided on the ATA website at www.trucking.org or contained in a separate brochure entitled “Consumer Information for Resolving Disputed Interstate Household Goods Shipments.”
A Shipper may request arbitration of a dispute by following the instructions provided on the ATA website at www.trucking.org or contained in a separate brochure entitled “Consumer Information for Resolving Disputed Interstate Household Goods Shipments.”
No. FORUM is a neutral services provider and as such, is unable to assist either party in preparing a claim or submission. However, FORUM is available to answer questions regarding the arbitration process in general, and the Program Rules.
No. FORUM is a neutral services provider and assigns independent arbitrators to conduct the arbitrations and issue awards. The arbitration procedures provided in this program have been developed by ATA and FORUM for use by ATA member Carriers and their customers. Neither ATA nor the Carriers have any involvement in the handling or disposition of a matter before FORUM.
The Program Rules provide for the payment within forty-five (45) days of the award. Please refer to Rule 22 for more information.
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