What If My Interstate Mover Can Deliver Before I Can Accept the Shipment?

Quick AnswerWhat if my interstate mover can deliver before I can accept the shipment?You do not have to accept an interstate shipment more than 24 hours before the agreed delivery date or the first day of the agreed delivery period. If you do not agree to the early delivery, FMCSA allows the mover to place the shipment in storage in transit at the mover’s own account and expense. The mover must notify you where the shipment is stored and is responsible for the storage, handling and redelivery charges until it makes final delivery.

This is different from a situation where the mover arrives during the agreed delivery period and you simply are not available. The reason the storage occurs changes who may be responsible for the extra cost.

Check the Delivery Period on the Bill of Lading

Start with the date or delivery period you actually agreed to. If the mover proposes delivery more than 24 hours before that time, you can either agree to the earlier delivery or tell the mover you cannot receive the shipment yet.

If You Cannot Accept the Early Delivery

FMCSA says the mover may place the shipment into storage in transit at its own account and expense. If it does, the mover must immediately tell you the name and address of the warehouse where the shipment is placed.

The current federal guidance is here: FMCSA Transportation of My Shipment.

Who Pays for the Storage and Redelivery?

When the mover is trying to deliver more than 24 hours before the agreed date or period and you did not request or agree to the early delivery, FMCSA says the mover is responsible for the storage, handling and redelivery charges until final delivery.

FMCSA separately says the mover may limit its responsibility for the shipment to the agreed delivery date or the first day of the agreed delivery period, as specified in the bill of lading. That liability point is different from who pays the storage, handling and redelivery charges created by the mover’s early-delivery option.

That is also different from storage caused because you cannot accept delivery on the date or within the period you originally agreed to. In that situation, storage and redelivery can become your expense.

If You Accept an Earlier Date

If an earlier delivery helps you, confirm the new date with the mover and make sure your building, elevator reservation and access are ready. Do not agree to an early delivery that creates a destination-access problem.

For the broader interstate schedule, see our NYC regional moving guide.

Delivery checkpoint: Before accepting or refusing an early delivery, compare the proposed date with the agreed delivery period on your bill of lading.

Bottom Line

If your interstate mover can deliver more than 24 hours before your agreed delivery date or period begins, you can decline the early delivery. The mover may place the shipment in storage in transit, but FMCSA places the storage, handling and redelivery charges on the mover until final delivery. If you are unavailable during the delivery period you originally agreed to, the cost rules can be different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to accept my interstate shipment early?

Not when the mover is trying to deliver more than 24 hours before the agreed delivery date or period and you did not request or agree to the earlier delivery.

Can the mover put the shipment in storage?

Yes. FMCSA allows storage in transit in this situation, requires prompt warehouse notification and places the related storage, handling and redelivery charges on the mover until final delivery.

What if I cannot accept delivery during the period I originally agreed to?

That is different. If you cannot receive the shipment during your agreed delivery period, the mover may place it in storage at your expense.