What Is High-Value Inventory?
A high-value inventory is a list of items valued at more than $100 per pound that a customer must declare in writing before a move begins. Under FMCSA regulations, movers are not liable for loss or damage to high-value articles unless the customer specifically identifies them in writing before loading. Common high-value items include jewelry, electronics, artwork, antiques, collectibles, and important documents.
$100/lb+
Threshold
FMCSA
Regulation
Limited liability
If undeclared
Bill of Lading
Form attached to
Before loading
When to declare
What High-Value Inventory Means — The $100/lb Rule
The $100 per pound threshold comes from FMCSA regulations governing interstate moving. Any article where the value divided by the weight exceeds $100 per pound is classified as a "high-value article" and must be listed on a high-value inventory form before the move begins.
The calculation is straightforward: value ÷ weight = per-pound value. A $2,000 laptop weighing 4 lbs = $500/lb — clearly qualifies. A $1,500 TV weighing 60 lbs = $25/lb — does not. A $800 camera body weighing 1 lb = $800/lb — qualifies.
Default liability without declaration
Released value protection — the default — covers only $0.60 per pound per article on interstate moves. A 5-lb item worth $5,000 would be covered for $3.00 if undeclared.
Why Declaration Matters — Liability Implications
High-value declaration is the mechanism that creates the mover's legal liability for those specific items. Without a written, signed declaration, the mover's liability for loss or damage to high-value articles is capped at the released value rate — regardless of the item's actual value.
This is a critical protection for customers and a material risk management issue for moving companies. When a customer claims a $10,000 watch was lost and no high-value inventory was filed, the legal outcome is typically limited to a few dollars — creating disputes, negative reviews, and potential litigation.
Moving companies that proactively prompt customers to complete high-value inventory forms — and document the completed form in their system — protect themselves from disputes while also protecting the customer's interests.
Common High-Value Items in Moves
Jewelry & Watches
Diamond rings, gold necklaces, luxury watches, precious stones
Often excluded from standard policies entirely — verify coverage before moving
Fine Art & Antiques
Original paintings, sculptures, rare prints, antique furniture
May require specialty crating and insurance rider
Collectibles & Coins
Rare coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, limited edition items
Value must be documented with appraisals or purchase receipts
High-End Electronics
Professional camera equipment, high-end audio, recording gear
Serial numbers should be documented separately for all electronics
Important Documents
Passports, titles, legal documents, financial records, certificates
Consider transporting personally rather than in the moving truck
Musical Instruments
Steinway pianos, vintage guitars, professional violins, brass instruments
Often triggers specialty packing and handling charges as well
How to Fill Out a High-Value Inventory Form
The high-value inventory form is typically a separate document attached to the Bill of Lading. The customer must complete it before loading begins — it cannot be added after the items are in the truck. The form typically requires:
- Item description (specific enough to identify uniquely)
- Quantity of each item
- Declared value per item or per lot
- Customer signature acknowledging the declaration
- Mover representative signature confirming receipt
For moving companies, the high-value inventory form should be generated and e-signed as part of the pre-move documentation workflow — not handed to the customer on move day as an afterthought.
Tracking High-Value Items with Software
For moving companies running volume operations, manual high-value inventory tracking across hundreds of jobs creates gaps. A missed form on a job where something valuable goes missing becomes an expensive legal dispute.
Moving CRM software like DriveSales links high-value inventory declarations directly to the job record and Bill of Lading — capturing customer declarations during the pre-move confirmation and attaching them to the job documentation automatically. Related: Valuation Coverage, Full Value Protection.
High-Value Inventory — FAQ
Common questions about high-value articles and FMCSA declaration requirements.
Track high-value items from estimate to delivery
DriveSales captures high-value declarations on every job, linking them to the BOL and valuation selection.