Household goods carriers must assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. The amount of liability a carrier must assume depends on the level of valuation protection selected by the customer. The customer makes this selection by initiating the appropriate line on the bill of lading issued by the carrier.

The carrier’s liability responsibility for loss and damage is to the customer regardless of any cargo insurance policies it may have. The customer-declared value determines what the carrier’s legal liability will be in case of loss or damage. In lieu of declared value, the value of a household goods shipment will be based on the weight or constructive weight of the shipment. Before providing service, carriers must require customers to state in writing on the bill of lading either the declared value of the shipment in cents per pound or a lump sum value for the entire shipment. For the purposes of valuation, the phrases “weight” & “constructive weight” are used interchangeably.

  • For distance moves the “weight” of the shipment is determined by recording the actual weight.
  • For hourly rated moves the “weight” of the shipment is determined by recording the constructive weight. “Constructive weight” is calculated by multiplying 7 pounds times each cubic foot of space used in the moving vehicle.

There are three valuation options from which the customer may choose to determine the liability the carrier must assume for loss & or damage. Each option has a different cost to the customer & represents a different level of carrier responsibility. The customer has the following valuation protection options, & must, on the face of the bill of lading contract select one of the options. The carrier must not load the customer’s goods until such time as the customer selects an option and makes the appropriate notation on the bill of lading contract.

OPTION A – LIMITED LIABILITY

As a licensed common carrier, we are required to provide Limited Liability coverage at no charge to the customer. Under this option, maximum limited to $0.60 per pound per article, in event of loss of damage.

OPTION B – FULL VALUE PROTECTION – $300 DEDUCTIBLE

JORDAN RIVER Full-Value Protection provides the highest level of coverage for your personal possession. After the $300 deductible is applied the coverage will guarantee either, replacement of articles lost or damaged while in carrier’s custody, reimbursement for full replacement cost (as determined by current market value), or repairs to a damaged item to the extent necessary to restore the item to the same condition as when received by carrier from the shipper. The action taken will be determined by whichever means cost less. This option provides full value coverage less $300 deductible for the customer and a maximum carrier liability up to the declared value or $5.00 times the weight of the shipment, whichever is greater. $11.50 per $1,000

OPTION C – replacement cost coverage, with no deductible – The same as above, the rate is $14 per $1,000.

Please note the following applies to all options b & c

*** The minimum declared shipment value under Full Value Protection – $300 deductible (option B, C), is $20,000. Although the minimum is necessary to purchase options B or C, it may not be all you need. It is the customer’s responsibility to choose the proper amount of coverage, if the full-declared shipment value is not taken, a penalty will be incurred based on the ratio between actual cash value and the declared shipment value. Example if $32,000 worth of goods were moved, yet only $16,000 worth of coverage was purchased, the payment for any damages would be adjusted downward by one-half ($16,000/$32,000).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Valuation coverage is not insurance. Valuation is a tariff level of carrier liability in the event of loss or damage of your goods while under due course of transit by Jordan River. This type of coverage is unique to carriers alone and therefore it is important for the customer to understand what valuation does and does not cover.

The coverage afforded above does not apply to:

  1. Act of God (earthquake, flood, tornado, etc.)
  2. Hostile warlike action, or acts arising from riots, civil commotion, strikes, or labor disturbances.
  3. Any article of extraordinary nature of value, Antiques, fine art, painting, statuary, and similar articles, which by their inherent nature cannot be replaced with new articles; or articles whose age or history contribute substantially to their value. This includes, but is not limited to: memorabilia, souvenirs, and collector’s items. Unless a special agreement has been stipulated to do so. Including, but not limited to jewelry, furs, stocks, bonds, cash, antiques, and art collection. Any article of extraordinary nature/value must be identified separately on an inventory that must be included with the bill of lading.
  4. Loss or damage resulting from wear and tear, moths or vermin, dampness or atmosphere or extremes of temperature.
  5. Acts of omissions of the shipper such as neglecting to prepare for time of the move.
  6. Internal electric, LCD/Plasma TV’s or mechanical item, whether packed or unpacked by Jordan River or the shipper.
  7. Loss or damage consisting of breakage to fragile items, such as china, glassware, etc., unless packed by Jordan River or unless caused directly by fire, theft, collision, or overturn or transport vehicle.
  8. JORDAN RIVER will not be responsible for any damage to or items within PBO boxes or any press wood furniture.

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