Binding and non-binding estimates
A binding estimate fixes the price. You do not pay more than the estimated amount at delivery, and you pay the full binding amount when your shipment arrives. If you add items or services, or conditions change, the mover needs a new estimate.
Before loading, if you add goods or services that are not in a binding estimate, the mover must either reaffirm the estimate, write a new signed estimate, or agree in writing to treat it as non-binding.
A non-binding estimate is the mover's best estimate of the total cost, not a guaranteed price. The final charges are based on the actual weight of your shipment and the mover's tariff.
Sources:FMCSA: binding estimates 49 CFR 375.403 49 CFR 375.401
The 110% rule at delivery
On a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot make you pay more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery. Once you pay that amount, the mover must deliver your goods.
Any charges above that are billed afterwards: FMCSA says bills for additional weight-based charges are presented 30 days after delivery.
The survey: in person or by video
A written estimate must be based on a physical survey of what you are moving. Since FMCSA's 2022 rule, a virtual survey by live or recorded video counts as a physical survey, and the requirement applies to every interstate shipment, not only moves within 50 miles of the mover.
You can waive the survey, but only in a signed written agreement before loading, which the mover keeps with the bill of lading. Waiving it usually makes an estimate less reliable, so think twice.
Sources:49 CFR 375.401 FMCSA 2022 final rule
Valuation: what happens if something is damaged
Interstate movers offer two levels of liability. Full Value Protection makes the mover responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods across your whole shipment, and it applies automatically unless you choose otherwise.
Released Value costs nothing extra, but the mover's liability is limited to no more than 60 cents per pound per article, and you must sign a statement choosing it. A 40-pound television would be covered for at most $24 under Released Value.
Sources:FMCSA: valuation
The paperwork you should receive
- With your written estimate: the FMCSA booklets “Ready to Move?” and “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, as copies or links.
- Before you sign the bill of lading: the estimate, notice that the mover's tariff is available, a summary of its dispute settlement (arbitration) program and its complaint procedures.
- The bill of lading: the contract for your move, signed by you and the mover, with a dated copy for you. Since 2022 it replaces the old separate order for service and lists its attachments, such as the estimate and inventory.
- The inventory: made before or during loading, which you may watch, signed by both sides, with a complete copy for you.
Weighing and reweighs
Because non-binding moves are priced by weight, you have the right to watch your shipment being weighed. If you choose not to, you are treated as having waived that right.
After the mover tells you the billing weight and charges, you can demand a reweigh before unloading starts, and the charges must then be based on the reweigh.
Sources:49 CFR 375.515 49 CFR 375.517
Claims: the deadlines
- You have 9 months from delivery to file a written loss or damage claim with the mover.
- The mover must acknowledge your claim in writing within 30 days, unless it pays or declines it in that time.
- Within 120 days the mover must pay, decline or make a firm written offer. If it cannot, it must write to you with the status and reason every 60 days after that.
Checking a mover's federal registration
Interstate movers must be registered with the federal government and have a USDOT number. FMCSA's mover search shows a company's registration, complaint history and safety information, and it is worth checking for any mover before you sign.
Sources:FMCSA: search for a mover
Quick answers
Is a binding or non-binding moving estimate better?
A binding estimate fixes what you pay at delivery, which protects you from surprises if your inventory is accurate. A non-binding estimate can come in lower or higher because the final price follows the actual weight, but at delivery the mover cannot demand more than 110 percent of it.
What is the 110% rule for movers?
On a non-binding interstate estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery, and must hand over your goods once you pay that. Any remaining weight-based charges are billed later; FMCSA says those bills are presented 30 days after delivery.
How long do I have to file a moving damage claim?
Nine months from delivery, in writing. The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and pay, decline or make a firm offer within 120 days.
What does Released Value cover?
No more than 60 cents per pound per article. It is free, but you must choose it in writing; otherwise Full Value Protection applies.