Terms & Conditions of Service

Flat Rate Moving & Storage Inc.
Doing Business As: Boston Best Rate Movers
Effective Date: February 16, 2026

These Terms and Conditions apply to all moving, transportation, and storage services performed by Flat Rate Moving & Storage Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, doing business as Boston Best Rate Movers (the “Carrier”).

By booking services, signing an estimate, proposal, bill of lading, storage agreement, or allowing services to commence, the customer (“Shipper”) agrees to these Terms.

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.

Carrier does not guarantee delivery dates or times.

1.2 Excluded Causes of Loss

Carrier shall not be liable for loss, damage, or delay resulting from:

• Acts of God (weather, storms, flooding, etc.)
• Fire not caused by Carrier negligence
• War, terrorism, civil unrest
• Acts of public authorities
• Traffic conditions, road closures, or mechanical breakdown not caused by negligence
• Improper packing by Shipper
• Inherent vice or defect in the 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 item was packed by Carrier, 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.

If Carrier packs the cartons, liability applies only to items listed on the inventory.

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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.

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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 shall be limited to the standard released value required under Massachusetts law.

Carrier’s maximum liability shall not exceed the declared value agreed upon in writing.

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4. Payment & Charges

4.1 Payment Due

All charges are due upon completion of services unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Carrier reserves the right to require full or partial payment prior to 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.

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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 to stored property is permitted only through:

• Scheduled redelivery arranged with Carrier, or
• Scheduled retrieval service coordinated by Carrier, subject to applicable 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.

Carrier shall not be liable for:

• Loss or damage not caused by Carrier negligence
• Mold, humidity-related damage, or environmental factors beyond Carrier’s control
• Mechanical failure of stored electronics or appliances

5.3 Storage Fees

• The first month of storage is due in full on the day goods are placed into storage unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Monthly storage charges are based on the 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

Retrieval or redelivery of stored property requires scheduling with Carrier and payment of a docking and handling 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.

In the event of non-payment:

• Carrier may assess late fees,
• Carrier may retain possession of stored goods, and
• Carrier may enforce its warehouse lien rights in accordance with Massachusetts law.

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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.

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7. Prohibited Items

Carrier will not transport:

• Explosives
• Hazardous materials
• Illegal items
• Currency or financial instruments
• Documents of extraordinary value

Shipper is responsible for any damages caused by prohibited items.

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8. Refusal or Inability to Deliver

If property cannot be delivered:

• Carrier may store property at Shipper’s expense.
• Carrier’s liability shall be that of a warehouseman only.
• All transportation and storage charges remain due.

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9. Alterations

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

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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.