Current through Public Act 171 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 479.7 - Transportation of household goods; issuance of receipt or bill of lading; liability; filing of claim; disallowance(1) A motor carrier of household goods subject to this act shall issue a receipt or bill of lading for property it receives for transportation under this article. That carrier, as well as any other motor carrier of household goods that delivers the property subject to this act, is liable to the person entitled to recover under the receipt or bill of lading. The liability imposed under this subsection is for the actual loss or injury to the property caused by the carrier over whose line or route the property is transported in this state and applies to property reconsigned or diverted by a tariff under this act. Failure to issue a receipt or bill of lading does not affect the liability of the carrier.(2) A motor carrier of household goods may not provide, by rule, contract, or otherwise, a period of less than 3 months for filing a claim against it under this section and a period of less than 2 years for bringing a civil action against it under this section. The period for bringing a civil action is computed from the date the carrier gives a claimant written notice that the carrier has disallowed any part of the claim specified in the notice.(3) For purposes of this subsection, both of the following apply: (a) An offer of compromise is not a disallowance of any part of the claim unless the carrier, in writing, informs the claimant that the part of the claim is disallowed and provides reasons for the disallowance.(b) Communications received from a carrier's insurer are not a disallowance of any part of the claim unless the insurer, in writing, informs the claimant that the part of the claim is disallowed, provides reason for the disallowance, and informs the claimant that the insurer is acting on behalf of the carrier.Amended by 2014, Act 493,s 33, eff. 4/1/2015.Added by 2007, Act 33,s 8, eff. 7/10/2007.Former section 479.7 was repealed by 1982, Act 399, Imd. Eff. Dec. 28, 1982.