Sec. 7b.

(1) A motor carrier of household goods that transports household goods in both statewide and local moves shall provide a nonbinding estimate of the approximate cost of the transportation. A nonbinding estimate described in this subsection shall be reasonably accurate and is not binding on the motor carrier of household goods. For a move of greater than 40 miles, the final charge for a shipment for which a nonbinding estimate has been prepared under this subsection shall be that appearing in the motor carrier of household goods tariffs applicable to the transportation. A motor carrier of household goods shall furnish a nonbinding estimate without charge and in writing to the shipper or other person responsible for payment of the freight charges. For a move of household goods, the motor carrier of household goods shall retain a copy of the nonbinding estimate as an addendum to the bill of lading. A motor carrier of household goods shall clearly indicate on the face of a nonbinding estimate prepared under this subsection that the estimate is nonbinding and that the charges shown are the approximate charges that will be assessed for the services identified in the estimate, and shall clearly describe the shipment and all services to be provided.

(2) A motor carrier of household goods furnishing a nonbinding estimate under subsection (1) shall enter the estimated charges on the bill of lading.

(3) At the time of delivery of a collect on delivery shipment for which a motor carrier of household goods has furnished a nonbinding estimate under subsection (1), the shipper may request delivery of the shipment upon payment in a form acceptable to the motor carrier of household goods of an amount not exceeding 110% of the estimated charges. Upon request of the shipper, the motor carrier of household goods shall relinquish possession of the shipment upon payment of not more than 110% of the estimated charges and shall defer a demand for payment of the balance of any remaining charges for a period of 30 days after the date of delivery. This subsection does not apply to a shipment that is delivered to a warehouse for storage at the request of a shipper. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a motor carrier of household goods may collect payment in excess of 110% of the estimated charges if payment is tendered by the shipper within 30 days after the date of delivery.

History: Add. 2014, Act 493, Eff. Apr. 1, 2015