How an interstate move works with a Bekins agent

An interstate move crosses a state line, so federal law governs it, not Nevada's. For a household in Reno or Sparks, the practical result is a clear sequence: an estimate in your home, a written agreement, an inventory, loading, transport and delivery. This page walks through each step and what you will sign, so nothing surprises you.

At a glance

• Free in-home estimate by an O'Brien's estimator
• Priced by weight for long distance
• Inventory and condition report before packing
• Carried by the Bekins network

Who does what

O'Brien's is the Bekins agent for Reno and Sparks, with U.S. DOT No. 30611 and MC-109375. Bekins, founded in 1891, is the national network that carries the shipment. O'Brien's handles the Nevada end: the estimate, the packing and loading at your home, and the relationship with you. O'Brien's is a separate company from Bekins, and the paperwork you sign names the carrier.

Step by step

The sequence is the same for most long-distance customers.

1. Call 775-359-6683 for a ballpark by phone, or ask for the online request or an in-home estimate
2. An estimator visits and lists what is moving
3. You receive an itemized written estimate
4. Packing day: an itemized inventory and condition report is made and signed
5. Loading, then transport in the Bekins network
6. Delivery, unloading and a final check against the inventory

How the price is set

Long-distance moves are priced by weight, plus the services you choose, such as packing. Federal rules let a mover give a non-binding estimate or a binding estimate; the guide on binding and non-binding estimates explains each. With a non-binding estimate, the mover can ask for up to 110 percent of the estimate at delivery, and the rest is due later under the rules in 49 CFR 375.

Your delivery window comes from your written estimate. Weights are measured on the truck scale, and the estimator explains how that works at the visit.

The bill of lading and your rights

The bill of lading is the contract and the receipt for your goods. Read it before you sign it. The bill of lading guide explains each part, and your rights and responsibilities summarizes the federal booklet every mover must give you. Coverage options are covered in released value and full value protection.

Storage and delivery spread

Sometimes the new home is not ready. Goods can wait in the Sparks warehouse, or at the destination under storage in transit. See what is storage in transit and delivery spread explained. For routes and states, start on the long-distance moving page.