Can this agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act and state electronic signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present; certain narrow exceptions may still require wet signatures.

Do carriers need to be insured?

Carriers should maintain cargo and liability insurance; the agreement should specify required limits and request certificates of insurance before work begins to avoid uninsured exposure.

What if items are damaged on delivery?

Follow the agreement's claims procedure: note damages on delivery receipt, preserve packaging, provide written notice within the stated timeframe, and submit required documentation to the carrier and insurer.

Is notarization required for this contract?

Most states do not require notarization for moving contracts, but notarization or witnesses may be necessary for related instruments such as powers of attorney, deeds, or some state-specific filings.

Can parties limit liability by contract?

Yes, parties can agree to liability limits or valuation terms, subject to applicable statutory rules and reasonableness; clearly state any special valuation and insurance alternatives to modify default liability.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Moving & Hauling Agreement

Moving & Hauling Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

MOVING & HAULING AGREEMENT

Parties

Mover / Contractor Name: Mover / Contractor Address: Client Name: Client Address:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Mover / Contractor is engaged in the business of providing moving, hauling, packing and transportation services, including the loading, transportation and unloading of client goods and materials; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Mover / Contractor to perform specified moving and hauling services subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend for this Agreement to establish the scope of services, compensation, risk allocation, and procedures for claims or damages.

Scope of Work

Mover / Contractor shall perform the following services in a professional manner consistent with industry standards:

Describe services, pickup and delivery locations, items to be moved, and any special handling requirements:

Additional services requested by Client that are not included in the Scope of Work (such as appliance disconnect/reconnect, piano movement, stair carry, packing supplies, long carries, or hoisting) will be charged as Extra Services at the rates set forth below or at the rate reasonably charged by Mover / Contractor.

Payment Terms

Total Contract Amount: $

Deposit or Advance Payment (if any): Payment Schedule and Method:

Late Payment: If any undisputed amount remains unpaid more than days after written notice, Client shall pay a late fee equal to per month on the outstanding balance or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less, together with all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

Term and Termination

This Agreement is effective as of and shall continue until completion of the services described in the Scope of Work or until unless earlier terminated in accordance with this section.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon days' prior written notice. Either party may terminate for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within days after written notice specifying the breach.

Confidentiality

Each party shall keep confidential and not disclose to any third party any nonpublic information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement, except as required by law or to perform the services. Confidential information does not include information that is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving party, or information independently developed by the receiving party.

Parties acknowledge that access to addresses, inventory lists and timing may be sensitive; such information shall be used solely for performance of this Agreement.

Insurance, Risk Allocation, and Valuables

Mover / Contractor shall maintain commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance in amounts customary for the industry. Policy information and limits:

Insurance carrier and policy number (if available): Declared insurance limit for cargo and liability (if quoted):

Client shall advise Mover / Contractor in writing of any high-value or fragile items requiring special packing or declared value protection prior to the move. Mover / Contractor's liability for loss or damage is limited to the declared value or the policy limits, whichever is lower, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Claims, Inspection and Notice

Client shall inspect items upon delivery and must notify Mover / Contractor of any damage or shortage within days of delivery in writing. Failure to provide timely written notice shall constitute a waiver of the claim to the extent permitted by law.

The parties agree that on receipt of a timely claim, Mover / Contractor shall have the right to inspect items and review documentation prior to repair, disposal, or settlement.

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

Client shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Mover / Contractor from any claims arising from Client's breach of this Agreement, misrepresentation of contents, or failure to disclose hazardous materials. Except for claims arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct, Mover / Contractor's aggregate liability for any loss, damage or delay shall not exceed the greater of the amount paid to Mover / Contractor under this Agreement or the limits of applicable insurance.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any action arising under this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in that state.

Entire Agreement; Amendments

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements, proposals and communications. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Assignment: Neither party may assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that Mover / Contractor may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a sale of substantially all of its assets.

Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Acknowledgments

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understand, and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Mover / Contractor:

By:

Date:

Client:

By:

Date:

What a Moving & Hauling Agreement Covers

A Moving & Hauling Agreement is a written contract that sets out the rights and responsibilities between a customer and a mover or hauler for transporting goods, household items, or commercial freight. It defines the scope of services, pickup and delivery locations, payment terms, liability limits, insurance and claims procedures, storage or detention terms, and conditions for subcontracting. The document helps manage expectations, allocates risk for loss or damage, and provides a basis for resolving disputes without reliance on informal correspondence or oral promises.

Why Use a Formal Moving & Hauling Agreement

A written agreement clarifies service scope, establishes payment and liability rules, documents insurance coverage, and creates evidence of the parties’ intent. Clear terms reduce disputes and protect both the shipper and the carrier when loss, damage, or delivery delays occur.

Who Typically Completes This Agreement

Common parties include moving companies, freight haulers, shippers, brokers, brokers' customers, and facility managers who coordinate pickup and delivery.

Moving companies and owner-operators who transport household or commercial goods.
Shippers or consignees that need liability limits and delivery windows documented.
Third-party logistics providers and brokers coordinating subcontracted hauls.

The document is used across small businesses and enterprises; signatures by authorized representatives create contractual obligations for performance, payment, and claims handling.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a clear, enforceable Moving & Hauling Agreement.

01

1. Identify Parties: Enter full legal names and contact information.
02

2. Define Scope: List services, pickup/delivery points, and special instructions.
03

3. Set Terms: Specify payment, liability limits, insurance, and claims process.
04

4. Sign and Date: Obtain signatures from authorized representatives and date the document.

How the Agreement Operates in Practice

This section summarizes the typical operational flow once the contract is executed.

Booking: Carrier schedules pickup and confirms resources.
Pickup: Items are inventoried and loaded under the agreement terms.
Transport: Carrier moves goods following route and timing details.
Delivery: Receiver inspects, signs delivery receipt, and pays if due.

Configuring a Digital Workflow for This Agreement

For online completion, set up fields, signer order, and authentication to match your operational needs.

Field	Configuration
Signature	Required; capture name, title, and date.
Initials	Optional; use for page acknowledgements.
Attachment	Allow upload of inventory photos and bills of lading.
Authentication	Email link or SMS code per signer preference.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and eSubmission

Ensure the signing platform supports audit trails, secure storage, and the file formats you use before sending the agreement for signature.

File Types: PDF, DOCX supported.
Integrations: Connects with common CRMs and cloud storage.
Authentication: Email and optional SMS or KBA verification.

Use a solution that preserves a tamper-evident audit trail and offers role-based signer order; confirm HIPAA or industry-specific compliance if the agreement will carry protected health information or other regulated data.

Key Clauses to Include in a Professional Agreement

Include these core clauses to reduce ambiguity and manage operational and legal risk during transport and storage.

Scope of Work

Precisely describe pickup, handling, transport, storage, delivery responsibilities, shipment routing, any lift-gate or stair carry requirements, and exclusionary tasks to prevent scope disputes later.

Rates and Payment

Specify base charges, accessorial fees, deposit requirements, invoicing schedule, accepted payment methods, late fees, and consequences for nonpayment to protect carrier cash flow and shipper expectations.

Limitation of Liability

State specific liability caps per shipment or per pound, identify when statutory limits apply, and note whether valuation coverage alters maximum recoverable damages.

Insurance and Claims

Require carriers to maintain specified insurance, list required policy limits, set claim notice deadlines and procedures, and include documentation needed for loss or damage claims.

Subcontracting

Define whether subcontracting is permitted, whether carrier remains responsible for subcontractor actions, and any subcontractor insurance and vetting requirements.

Dispute Resolution

Identify governing law, venue, and preferred dispute resolution method such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration to reduce litigation time and costs.

Essential Data Elements for the Agreement

Party Names: Full legal names

Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP

Contact Info: Phone and email

Service Dates: Pickup and delivery dates

Rates: Charges and fee structure

Signatures: Authorized signer details

Common Legal and Financial Risks

Late Payment: Finance charges, collection costs

Incorrect Addresses: Delivery delays and extra costs

Uninsured Loss: Limited recovery for damaged goods

Improper Signatory: Enforceability challenges

Missing Claims Notice: Waived claim rights

Subcontractor Liability: Indirect risk for shippers

Typical Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Using vague descriptions of services such as 'transport as needed' without measurable timelines or locations can create disputes over carrier obligations and billing.
Failing to document value or special handling for high-value items risks inadequate recovery if loss occurs and may exclude necessary valuation coverage.
Omitting a defined claims process and deadlines often results in delayed or denied claims and complicates insurance recoveries when paperwork is missing.
Providing incomplete contact or pickup information increases the likelihood of missed pickups and additional charges for re-delivery or storage.

Timing and Typical Deadlines to Track

Track signature, payment, and claims-related deadlines in the agreement and your operational calendar to preserve rights and ensure timely performance.

Effective Date:

Date obligations and limitations begin

Payment Due:

Commonly due on delivery or within net 30 days

Claims Notice:

Many carriers require written notice within 7–30 days of delivery

Holdover Charges:

Storage or detention fees accrue after free time expires

Contract Term:

Define start and end dates, renewal terms

Sample eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing This Agreement

Below is a concise pricing and capability comparison of common eSignature vendors; signNow is listed first per platform requirements.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-World Examples of Use

Organizations have used e-signed agreements to close moves and document claims without in-person meetings.

Martin Properties

Property manager used online agreements to streamline tenant moves and limit in-person coordination.

'I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.'
The result reduced scheduling friction and created a clear audit trail for deliveries and damaged-item claims.

Fertility Centers of Illinois

Healthcare center integrated electronic contracts into workflows for equipment transfers and records moves.

'The team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow.'
Use of compliant eSignatures maintained privacy controls while accelerating sign-off across sites.

Practical Tips for Accurate Completion

Adopt these practices to reduce disputes and speed processing when using Moving & Hauling Agreements.

Use Clear Itemization

List items or item categories with approximate weights and special handling notes. Accurate inventories prevent ambiguity in claims and make valuation and insurance coverage determinations faster.

Confirm Insurance

Require a certificate of insurance before pickup and verify coverage limits and endorsements. Holding carriers to required policy limits reduces recovery risk after damage or loss.

Define Accessorials

State rates for additional services such as stair carries, elevator usage, re-delivery, or long carry distances. Predefined accessorials minimize billing disputes and surprise charges for customers.

Preserve Evidence

Capture photos at pickup and delivery and attach them to the agreement record. Time-stamped images with signed receipts strengthen claims and reduce time spent resolving damage disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about executing and enforcing a Moving & Hauling Agreement in the United States.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act and state electronic signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and record retention are present; certain narrow exceptions may still require wet signatures.
Do carriers need to be insured?
Carriers should maintain cargo and liability insurance; the agreement should specify required limits and request certificates of insurance before work begins to avoid uninsured exposure.
What if items are damaged on delivery?
Follow the agreement's claims procedure: note damages on delivery receipt, preserve packaging, provide written notice within the stated timeframe, and submit required documentation to the carrier and insurer.
Is notarization required for this contract?
Most states do not require notarization for moving contracts, but notarization or witnesses may be necessary for related instruments such as powers of attorney, deeds, or some state-specific filings.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Claim deadlines vary by carrier terms and state law; many carriers require written notice within 7–30 days of delivery, so act promptly and follow the contract's notice procedures.
Can parties limit liability by contract?
Yes, parties can agree to liability limits or valuation terms, subject to applicable statutory rules and reasonableness; clearly state any special valuation and insurance alternatives to modify default liability.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now