Effective Date: March 1, 2026

Legal entity: Flat Rate Moving & Storage Inc., doing business as Boston Best Rate Movers

1. Carrier Liability

1.1 Standard of Liability

Carrier shall be liable only for physical loss of or damage to property caused by Carrier's negligence, subject to the limitations contained herein and applicable Massachusetts law. The company does not guarantee delivery dates or times.

1.2 Excluded Causes of Loss

The carrier is not liable for loss, damage, or delay from:

Acts of God (weather, storms, flooding)
Fire not caused by carrier negligence
War, terrorism, civil unrest
Acts of public authorities
Traffic conditions, road closures, mechanical breakdown
Improper packing by shipper
Inherent vice or defect in property
Mechanical or electrical malfunction of items
Mold, particleboard weakness, pressboard failure
Owner-packed cartons

1.3 Fragile & Specialty Items

Carrier is not liable for damage to: Artwork, Antiques, Marble, granite, stone, or glass, Musical instruments, Lamps, mirrors, chandeliers, High-value or irreplaceable items — unless the carrier packed the item and damage resulted from carrier negligence. Carrier does not insure items of extraordinary value unless specifically declared in writing and agreed upon in advance.

1.4 Electronics & Mechanical Items

Carrier is not responsible for internal malfunction of electronics, appliances, or mechanical devices, whether or not packed by Carrier.

1.5 Contents of Boxes

Carrier is not liable for the contents of cartons, crates, boxes, or containers packed by the Shipper. Liability applies only to items listed on inventory if carrier packed cartons.

2. Claims Procedure

2.1 Time to File Claim

Written claims must be submitted within 30 days of delivery. Failure to submit written notice within this period may result in denial of the claim.

2.2 Time to File Suit

Any legal action must be filed within two (2) years from the date Carrier provides written denial of the claim.

3. Released Value / Limitation of Liability

Unless the Shipper purchases additional valuation coverage in writing, Carrier's liability shall be limited to the released value option selected in the bill of lading. If no additional coverage is purchased, liability follows Massachusetts law standards. Carrier's maximum liability shall not exceed the declared value agreed upon in writing.

4. Payment & Charges

4.1 Payment Due

All charges are due upon completion of services unless otherwise agreed in writing. The carrier reserves the right to require full or partial payment before delivery.

4.2 Right to Withhold Property (Lien)

Carrier shall have a lien on all property transported or stored until all charges are paid in full. Carrier may retain possession until payment is received.

5. Storage Terms

5.1 Warehouse Storage — No Customer Access

When goods are placed into storage with Carrier, they are stored in Carrier's warehouse facility under warehouse storage conditions. Customers do not have access to the storage facility or their stored goods at any time while in storage. Access is permitted only through scheduled redelivery or retrieval coordinated by the carrier, subject to fees. Carrier retains exclusive control and access to the storage facility at all times.

5.2 Warehouseman Liability

While goods are in storage, Carrier's liability shall be that of a warehouseman under Massachusetts law. The carrier is not liable for loss or damage not caused by carrier negligence, mold, humidity-related damage, or mechanical failure of stored electronics or appliances.

5.3 Storage Fees

First month due on storage placement unless otherwise agreed
Monthly charges based on volume and space utilized
Storage charges continue until written cancellation and full redelivery is completed
Late fees may be assessed for overdue accounts

5.4 Docking / Retrieval Fee

Docking fees begin at $99.00. The final fee is determined by the volume of stored goods, labor required, and time necessary to retrieve and prepare items for delivery. No property will be released without full payment of all outstanding storage, transportation, and related charges.

5.5 Non-Payment & Lien Rights

Carrier shall have a lien on all stored property for unpaid transportation, storage, and related charges. Upon non-payment, the carrier may assess late fees, retain possession, and enforce warehouse lien rights under Massachusetts law.

6. Delivery Without Customer Present

If Carrier is directed to: Load property without Shipper present — property is at owner's risk prior to loading. Deliver property without Consignee present — property is at owner's risk after unloading.

7. Prohibited Items

Carrier will not transport: Explosives, Hazardous materials, Illegal items, Currency or financial instruments, Documents of extraordinary value. The shipper is responsible for any damages caused by prohibited items.

8. Refusal or Inability to Deliver

If property cannot be delivered, the carrier may store it at the shipper's expense. Carrier's liability shall be that of a warehouseman only. All transportation and storage charges remain due.

9. Alterations

No alteration to these Terms is valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Flat Rate Moving & Storage Inc.

10. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the signed estimate, bill of lading, and any written valuation agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties.

Terms & Conditions