How long can movers keep my shipment in storage in transit?

Federal household-goods rules do not state one nationwide 90- or 180-day period. Check the specified storage period in your documents and the maximum period in the mover's tariff.

What must the conversion notice tell me?

The written notice must state the conversion date, the nine-month period after conversion for certain claims against the mover, that the mover's liability is ending, and that warehouseman rules and charges will apply.

Does this rule apply to a self-storage unit I rented?

Not automatically. This guide addresses storage in transit for an interstate household-goods shipment. A separate self-storage agreement or local move can follow different state rules.

MoveFinePrint guide

Storage in Transit vs. Permanent Storage

Interstate storage in transit is temporary storage under the mover's tariff. Learn what written notice is required before it converts to permanent storage.

Reviewed September 20, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

Short answer

Storage in transit is temporary storage that remains part of an interstate household-goods move. Before it converts to permanent storage, federal rules require written notice explaining the conversion date, a claims period, the end of the mover's liability, and the warehouseman's rules and charges. The applicable storage period comes from the shipment documents or tariff rather than one universal federal number of days.

Start with the storage line on the estimate

Look for “storage in transit,” “SIT,” warehouse handling, delivery-out charges, and a stated number of days. Compare the same fields across estimates. A quote that includes temporary storage is describing a different job from one that leaves storage unresolved.

The storage period is document-specific

49 CFR 375.609 refers to either the specified period when the goods will be held or the maximum storage-in-transit period in the mover's tariff. It does not state a single nationwide 90- or 180-day period.

Check the estimate, bill of lading, storage authorization, and applicable tariff. If they show different periods, ask the mover to reconcile them in writing.

Four items belong in the written conversion notice

Before storage in transit expires, the written notice must identify:

The date of conversion to permanent storage.
The existence of a nine-month period after conversion for claims against the mover for loss or damage occurring in transit or during storage in transit.
The fact that the mover's liability is ending.
The fact that the property will become subject to the warehouseman's rules, regulations, and charges.

The same four requirements appear in the official 2025 edition of 49 CFR Part 375.

When the notice is due

The mover generally must give the notice at least 10 days before the specified storage period or tariff maximum expires. If the storage-in-transit period is less than 10 days, notice is required one day before expiration. The regulation permits notice by fax, email, overnight courier, or certified mail with return receipt requested.

What conversion changes

The required notice must say that the mover's liability is ending and that warehouseman rules and charges will apply. Do not assume that the transportation estimate, its valuation selection, or its delivery-day payment limit automatically controls permanent storage. Keep the conversion notice and warehouse documents together and compare the names, dates, charges, and liability language.

What to keep with your moving documents

The estimate and bill of lading.
The storage authorization and tariff page showing the SIT period.
The conversion notice, including when and how it arrived.
The warehouse name, address, receipt, and charge schedule.
Messages changing the delivery date or storage period.

Interstate and local storage are different

This guide concerns federal rules for interstate household-goods shipments. Intrastate moving and ordinary warehouse or self-storage agreements can be governed by state law. Use the route, parties, and actual documents before deciding which rules apply.

Frequently asked questions

How long can movers keep my shipment in storage in transit?: Federal household-goods rules do not state one nationwide 90- or 180-day period. Check the specified storage period in your documents and the maximum period in the mover's tariff.
What must the conversion notice tell me?: The written notice must state the conversion date, the nine-month period after conversion for certain claims against the mover, that the mover's liability is ending, and that warehouseman rules and charges will apply.
How much notice should I receive?: Generally, notice is required at least 10 days before the specified storage period or tariff maximum expires. If the storage-in-transit period is less than 10 days, the rule calls for notice one day before it expires.
Does this rule apply to a self-storage unit I rented?: Not automatically. This guide addresses storage in transit for an interstate household-goods shipment. A separate self-storage agreement or local move can follow different state rules.