Binding vs. non-binding moving estimates, explained
What each kind of interstate moving estimate guarantees, the 110% rule, and how to avoid surprise charges at delivery.
For interstate moves, federal rules in 49 CFR Part 375 require a mover to give you a written estimate before you sign the bill of lading, and to say on it whether it is binding or non-binding. The difference decides how much you can be asked to pay on delivery day.
Every estimate starts with a survey
The mover must base its estimate on a physical survey of your household goods. That can be on-site or virtual, as long as the mover can actually see what's being moved — FMCSA's definition allows a live or pre-recorded video. You can waive the survey, but only in writing, signed before loading (49 CFR 375.401). A quote from a form where you tick “3 bedrooms” is not a survey-based estimate.
The estimate must be signed by you and the mover, and you must get a dated copy. Both sides can agree to amend it before loading, but not after (49 CFR 375.407).
Binding estimates
A binding estimate guarantees the total cost of the move for the goods and services listed on it. The mover may charge you for preparing one. If you add items or services, the mover can refuse to honour the original estimate, but it must then agree a new binding estimate with you, or convert to a non-binding estimate, before loading. If the mover loads without doing either, it has reaffirmed the original estimate and can't collect more than that amount, apart from services you request after the bill of lading is issued and charges for impracticable operations (49 CFR 375.403).
Best for: people who want certainty and have a clear inventory.
Non-binding estimates
A non-binding estimate is the mover's reasonably accurate estimate of what the move will cost. The final price is based on the actual weight of your shipment and the mover's published tariff, so it may come in higher or lower. A mover may not charge for a non-binding estimate (49 CFR 375.401(b)). If the estimate is based on volume (cubic feet) and later converted to weight, the mover must explain the conversion formula in writing.
The 110% rule
On a non-binding estimate, the most a mover can require you to pay at delivery is 110% of the estimate, plus charges for services you asked for after the bill of lading was issued and up to 15% of other charges for impracticable operations (49 CFR 375.703). If the actual charges are higher, the mover must still deliver your goods; the rights booklet says it will bill you for the remaining charges after 30 days from delivery. You still owe them — the rule controls timing, not the total. On a binding estimate the cap is 100% of the estimate plus the same extras.
“Binding not-to-exceed” estimates
Many movers offer a binding “not-to-exceed” (or “guaranteed not to exceed”) price: you pay the binding amount or the actual weight-based charge, whichever is lower. The term is an industry practice rather than a separate category in the federal rules, so read the mover's tariff and the wording on the estimate itself to see exactly what is promised.
Weighing your shipment
Non-binding moves are priced by weight. You have the right to observe the weighing, and if you think the weight is wrong you can ask for a reweigh before unloading. The mover may not charge you for the reweigh, but the final charge is based on the reweigh result even if it is higher.
How to compare estimates
- Compare estimates of the same type — binding with binding.
- Check that each lists the same inventory and the same services (packing, stairs, long carries, shuttles, storage).
- Ask about accessorial charges up front; a mover that fails to ask about them before preparing the bill of lading must deliver and bill you later rather than demand them at the door.
- Be wary of any estimate far below the others. A lowball non-binding estimate is the most common setup for a hostage-goods dispute.
Check each company's USDOT number on SAFER before you sign — every listing on this site links to it.