Interstate moving estimate guide
Binding and non-binding estimates answer different price questions.
Compare binding and non-binding moving estimates. Check what each includes before you sign.
The estimate types in plain language
A binding estimate generally fixes the charges for the services and inventory written into that estimate. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, with final charges calculated under the mover's applicable tariff from the shipment and services actually provided. Neither label protects you from scope changes that were never included in writing.
| Estimate or wording | What it generally means | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Binding | The mover agrees to charge the written amount for the listed shipment and services, subject to the rules governing additional or changed services. | Confirm the complete inventory, every included service, the binding label, and how changes must be documented. |
| Non-binding | The written amount is an approximation. Final charges are calculated under the mover's applicable tariff from the shipment and services actually provided. | Check the stated shipment basis, tariff rate, accessorial services, any weighing or conversion process, and the delivery-payment language. |
| Separate not-to-exceed wording | This is not a third estimate category defined by federal Part 375. A contract or state rule may add a ceiling or similar promise to written terms. | Read the exact ceiling, inventory, included services, exclusions, change-order terms, and governing jurisdiction; do not rely on the phrase alone. |
| Hourly local estimate | Many local moves are priced from labor time, crew size, trucks, travel time, and materials under state rules rather than federal interstate estimate rules. | Compare hourly rate, minimum hours, travel charges, crew size, materials, and your state's rules. |
What the interstate 110% rule does
For a collect-on-delivery shipment under a non-binding interstate estimate, the mover must generally relinquish the shipment when the shipper pays up to 110% of the original estimate, plus charges for additional services the shipper requested after the bill of lading was issued and, when applicable, charges for impracticable operations. Impracticable-operations charges collected at delivery may not exceed 15% of all other charges due at delivery. Amounts not collected at delivery may still be billed later under the rule.
Read the actual regulation at 49 CFR § 375.407 and use FMCSA's consumer resources for your situation.
Before signing any moving estimate
- Confirm the mover's legal name, USDOT number, and role on the paperwork.
- Read the estimate-type label and the sentence explaining how final charges are calculated.
- Compare the written inventory against what is actually moving.
- List packing, materials, storage, access conditions, bulky items, and other services in writing.
- Keep the estimate, order for service, bill of lading, inventory, and any written change orders together.