How to Write a Demand Letter to a Moving Company

Use the free tool — Moving Company Dispute

Why send a demand letter

A demand letter puts your claim in writing and creates a record. It tells the mover exactly what you believe they did wrong, what the rules say, and what you want them to do. It is often the first step before small claims court or a formal complaint.

Know which rules apply before you write

Interstate move: the driver cannot demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, or the exact binding amount if you signed a binding estimate.
Florida-only move: the mover must honor the written estimate under Florida Statutes chapter 507.
Interstate household-goods moves are also covered by FMCSA rules at 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375, and damage claims are governed by the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706).
If your goods are being held right now, a letter is not enough by itself — call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR today. They can intervene.

What to put in the letter

The route, the dates, and the type of estimate you received (binding or non-binding) and its amount — for example, an estimate of $2,800.
What was actually demanded at delivery — for example, $5,400 — and why that amount exceeds what the 110% rule or Florida chapter 507 allows.
For damage: photos, the inventory list, and the claim offer you received — for example, $0.60 a pound — compared with the valuation rules that apply to your shipment.
The deadline: the 9-month claim clock, counted from your delivery date.
A clear, specific demand: a refund of the overcharge, or a specific claim amount, and a date by which you expect a written response.

Overcharge at delivery: what to say

State the estimate amount, the type of estimate, and the amount actually demanded. Point to the applicable rule — the 110% cap on a non-binding estimate for interstate moves, the binding amount if you signed one, or the written-estimate rule under Florida chapter 507 for an intrastate move. Ask for a refund of the difference in writing, and set a response deadline.

Damage claim: what to say

Describe the damage, attach photos and the inventory sheet noted at pickup and delivery, and state the claim offer you received, if any. Note the valuation rules that apply to your shipment and the 9-month claim deadline computed from your delivery date. For interstate movers, mention that the Carmack Amendment governs the claim. Ask for a specific dollar response by a specific date.

Send it and follow up

Send the letter in writing, keep a copy, and note the date you sent it. If your goods are currently being held, do not rely on the letter alone — call the FMCSA hostage-goods line or DBPR immediately, since they can intervene. This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not replace confirming your exact rights and deadlines with the mover, DBPR, FMCSA, or a professional.

What to do next

Paste your estimate and describe what happened — the free tool reads your own document and numbers, tells you whether interstate or Florida rules apply, checks whether the amount demanded is lawful, computes your 9-month claim deadline, and drafts the demand letter for you. It does not file anything on your behalf and is not affiliated with any mover, broker, or agency.

Use the free tool

Moving Company Dispute is an informational tool based on 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375 (FMCSA household-goods rules), the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), and Florida Statutes chapter 507 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file complaints or claims. The bill of lading, the estimate and the mover's tariff control; interstate claims are governed by federal law. It is not affiliated with any mover, broker or agency.