1. (a) Applicability. A household goods carrier has the option of preparing an inventory of the shipment.
2. (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.

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

   1. (1) Information contained in the inventory.

      1. (A) The inventory must contain the shipper's name and the household goods carrier's name as it appears on its motor carrier certificate of registration. The inventory may not include the name, logo, or motor carrier registration number of any other motor carrier. 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.
      2. (B) The inventory must describe each item in the shipment. If any charges are based on the size of the containers, the inventory must list the quantity and size of each container. Additionally, if the household goods carrier assesses handling charges for specific items, such as, pianos, the inventory must show these items separately, if not already shown on the moving services contract.
      3. (C) 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.
      4. (D) The inventory must include a key for any abbreviation used to describe the condition of the items.
   2. (2) Inventory at origin. The inventory shall be signed by the household goods carrier and the shipper 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. (3) Inventory at destination. The carrier shall sign the inventory at destination. A legible copy of the inventory shall be given to the shipper. The inventory must include the following statement adjacent to the shipper's signature line, "Signing the inventory means:

      1. (A) all items loaded have been received, except as noted;
      2. (B) obvious loss or damage has been noted; and
      3. (C) signing the inventory does not waive a claimant's right to file a claim."
   4. (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.

Source Note:The provisions of this §218.59 adopted to be effective February 4, 2010, 35 TexReg 663.