Quote units explained
Weight vs. cubic feet in moving quotes
Weight tells you how heavy a shipment is. Cubic feet tell you how much space it occupies. Either number can help describe a move, but the estimate type, inventory, tariff, and stated basis for final charges determine what the number means for your price.
The short answer
Weight
A non-binding interstate estimate may use an estimated weight, but final charges are based on the shipment's actual weight and the mover's tariff. The mover must determine that actual weight on a certified scale. A binding estimate is different: for the listed quantities and services, shipment weight does not determine the agreed charge. Source: 49 CFR § 375.401(b); source: Appendix A to Part 375, Weighing Shipments.
Cubic feet
Volume can describe the estimated truck space needed and may appear in an inventory or estimate. If an interstate mover gives an estimate based on volume and later converts it to a weight-based rate, it must explain the conversion formula in writing and state that final charges will be based on actual weight and services, subject to the delivery-payment rule. Source: 49 CFR § 375.401(e).
A cubic-foot number is not enough to judge a quote
Do not assume that every reference to cubic feet is improper, and do not assume that every weight estimate is accurate. Ask what the unit is doing: describing capacity, estimating shipment size, setting a minimum, converting to weight, or calculating the final charge. The written estimate and tariff should answer that question.
Start with the estimate type, not the unit
| Document | What the number does | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Non-binding estimate | Estimated weight or volume helps approximate the price; final charges are based on actual weight, services, and tariff provisions. | Estimated weight, any written volume-to-weight formula, rate, services, and certified weight tickets. |
| Binding estimate | The written price covers the quantities and services shown. Weight does not change that price for the agreed scope. | A complete inventory, included services, exclusions, and any written revision made before loading. |
| Minimum charge or space term | The contract may state a minimum weight- or volume-based rate even if the shipment uses less. | The minimum rate and minimum charge on the bill of lading or the tariff provision used to calculate it. |
Appendix A to Part 375 requires the bill of lading to identify applicable minimum weight- or volume-based rates and charges, or for the mover's tariff to provide the information needed to compute final charges. That is another reason to read the full document instead of judging one unit in isolation. Source: Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 375, Moving Paperwork.
Worked example: two totals that are not yet comparable
Suppose both estimates list the same 900 cubic feet of belongings. These made-up figures show why the headline prices alone are apples to oranges:
Quote A: non-binding
The estimate uses a written conversion of 7 pounds per cubic foot: 900 × 7 = 6,300 estimated pounds. At an illustrative line-haul rate of $0.70 per pound, the estimated transportation charge is $4,410 before listed services. If the certified net weight is 7,000 pounds, that illustrative line-haul component becomes $4,900 before services and applicable delivery-payment limits.
Quote B: binding
The written total is $4,800 for the quantities and services shown. Weight does not change that agreed charge for that scope. If the shipper adds goods or services, the parties may address the change in writing before loading under the binding-estimate rules.
The comparison is incomplete until you align packing, materials, access charges, liability choice, dates, payment terms, inventory, and the exact tariff components. The example is educational math, not a typical rate or price forecast. Source: 49 CFR § 375.403, binding estimates; source: § 375.405, non-binding estimates.
For a non-binding interstate estimate, follow the weight tickets
- Ask when and where the truck will be weighed.
- Confirm that the scale is certified.
- Keep the tare and gross weight tickets; their difference is the shipment's net weight.
- You may observe each weighing. If you decline to observe a reweigh, the waiver must be in writing; not attending an initial weighing is treated as a waiver.
- If an origin weight seems wrong, request a reweigh before unloading. The mover may not charge for the reweigh, and the reweigh controls even if it is higher.
The federal consumer booklet also says a mover must obtain weight tickets for a non-binding estimate and present them with the invoice. Source: Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 375, Weight Tickets and Weighing Shipments.
Questions that make the quote comparable
- Is the estimate binding or non-binding?
- Is cubic volume only a planning estimate, or does it set a rate or minimum charge?
- If volume will be converted to weight, where is the written formula?
- Which tariff rate and accessorial charges apply?
- For a non-binding estimate, when will I receive the certified scale tickets?
- Does the inventory include every room, box, bulky item, and service?
A written question you can send
“Please confirm whether this estimate is binding or non-binding, whether the price is calculated from weight or cubic feet, and what will determine the final transportation charge. If you convert volume to weight, please identify the written formula. Please also show how added or removed inventory will be recorded before loading.”
Keep the answer with the estimate. If two movers use different units, belongings, or services, match the inventory and included services before comparing their totals.