SECTION 218.59. Inventories

(a) Applicability. A household goods carrier has the option of preparing an inventory of the shipment.

(b) Inventories prepared by the carrier. A household goods carrier may prepare a complete or partial inventory for its own use without an agreement between the carrier and shipper. The household goods carrier may not charge a fee for preparing an inventory for its own use.

(c) Inventories prepared by agreement between the carrier and shipper. If the household goods carrier and shipper agree to the preparation of an inventory by the carrier, the carrier may assess a fee for this service.

(1) Information contained in the inventory.

(A) The inventory must contain the shipper's name. The inventory may include the name of the household goods carrier's agent as it is listed on the carrier's agent filing with the department.

(B) The inventory must describe each item in the shipment, unless the parties agree to a partial inventory. The shipper and the carrier may agree regarding the amount of detail that must be included in the inventory.

(C) If any charges are based on the size of the containers, the inventory must list the quantity and size of each container.

(D) The inventory must describe and use the symbol "CP" for all containers packed or crated by the carrier. Additionally, the inventory must describe and use the symbol "PBO" for all containers packed or crated by the shipper.

(E) The inventory must include a key for any abbreviation used to describe the condition of the items.

(2) Inventory at origin. The inventory shall be signed by the household goods carrier and the shipper or shipper's agent at origin. The inventory must include a conspicuous statement that the shipper's signature is affirming the contents and condition of the items in the shipment.

(3) Inventory at destination. The carrier and the shipper or shipper's agent shall sign the inventory at destination. A legible copy of the inventory shall be given to the shipper. Signing the inventory does not waive a claimant's right to file a claim.

(4) Combination document. The inventory may be combined with other shipping documents, such as the moving services contract, into a single document. If the inventory is combined with other shipping documents, the purpose of each signature line on the combination document must be clearly indicated. Each signature is independent and shall not be construed as an agreement to all portions and terms of the combination document.

(d) Electronic format. An inventory may be prepared in an electronic format.

Source Note: The provisions of this §218.59 adopted to be effective February 4, 2010, 35 TexReg 663; amended to be effective February 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 323