A binding estimate fixes the charges for the shipment and services described in writing. A non-binding estimate projects charges that are determined under the mover’s applicable terms. Compare the inventory, services, access conditions, valuation and payment requirements together; the lowest headline figure may describe a different move.
This guide focuses on interstate household moves. For local moves, check the applicable state requirements and the actual contract. A marketing quote, online range or phone conversation should not be treated as the signed estimate for your shipment.
Binding and Non-Binding Estimates Compared
| Question | Binding estimate | Non-binding estimate |
|---|---|---|
| What does the figure represent? | Agreed charges for the listed shipment and services | An estimate of charges, rather than an agreed final figure |
| What should the document identify? | The inventory, included services and binding status | The inventory, estimated charges and non-binding status |
| What needs particular attention? | Unlisted items or services and written changes | How actual shipment measurements and tariff charges determine the bill |
| Is every additional service included? | Only the specified scope is included | Read the specified scope and applicable charges |
FMCSA’s estimating guidance explains written estimates, scope changes and the delivery-payment rules. Obtain a dated signed estimate identifying the shipment and services, then retain any agreed revisions.
Binding Status Is Different From the Pricing Basis
“Binding” describes the estimate’s status. Weight, volume, an hourly rate or a written shipment price describes how charges are calculated. Ask the estimator to explain both, rather than choosing between binding and weight-based pricing as if they were mutually exclusive categories.
If a document uses CWT, that means a hundredweight, or 100 pounds. Ask what measurement the estimate assumes, how it will be checked, and how the rate applies. For a volume-based document, ask how cubic feet are established and recorded. Keep the explanation with the inventory so you can compare like with like.
Do not infer a total from a single rate. Ask for the complete written calculation, including applicable packing, handling, storage, valuation and other listed services. An estimate cannot be compared fairly with another that omits work your shipment needs.
Compare the Same Move in Every Estimate
Give each estimator the same item list and access information. Include garage and outdoor items, bulky furniture, fragile belongings and anything that will require disassembly. Identify packing you want the company to perform and packing you will do yourself.
Use this worksheet for each proposal:
| Detail to compare | What to record |
|---|---|
| Booking company and transporting carrier | Legal names, roles, contact details and USDOT numbers |
| Inventory | Item list, shipment measurement assumptions and any exclusions |
| Packing and handling | Materials, labour, crating, disassembly and reassembly responsibilities |
| Access | Stairs, elevators, loading restrictions, carry distances and vehicle access |
| Storage or transfers | Whether included, who performs them and the stated charges |
| Dates | Pickup and delivery commitments, any spread and the contact for changes |
| Valuation | Selected option, declared value, deductible and relevant conditions |
| Payment and cancellation | Deposit, balance, accepted payment methods and written cancellation terms |
Add a column for each company and mark unclear entries as questions. Resolve those questions in writing before comparing the totals. The purpose is to reveal scope differences, not to assume that one provider’s terminology means the same thing as another’s.
Ask What Can Change Before Pickup
If your inventory or requested services change, tell the company before loading and request the applicable written revision. FMCSA distinguishes the original estimate from additional services requested later and from impracticable operations, such as certain delivery-access problems.
Discuss foreseeable issues early: a building reservation, an unavailable elevator, difficult vehicle access or an item needing a different packing method. Ask how each would be handled and priced under your estimate. Keep the response with your document folder.
An “all-inclusive” description needs an itemized scope. Ask which services are included, which depend on conditions at pickup or delivery, and how an agreed change will be documented. Do not rely on a verbal assurance to fill a gap in the written document.
Understand the 110 Percent Delivery Rule
FMCSA’s non-binding delivery rule generally limits the amount required at delivery for the estimated shipment and services to 110% of the estimate. It is not a cap on the final bill. Additional services requested after the contract and certain impracticable-operations charges can also be due at delivery, subject to their rules.
For an illustrative $4,000 non-binding estimate, 110% is $4,400. That calculation alone does not determine every amount due or erase a remaining balance. Read FMCSA’s explanation of unexpected moving costs and its detailed estimate guidance, then ask the mover to explain the payment terms for your shipment.
Include Valuation in the Cost Comparison
Federal interstate valuation options are Full Value Protection and Released Value. These arrangements concern the mover’s liability for belongings and differ from a separate insurance policy. FMCSA’s valuation guidance explains the distinction and the terms to review.
Record the option assumed in each estimate. Ask for the price, deductible and declaration requirements so you can compare the same level of protection. A company insurance certificate does not establish the replacement-value terms for your belongings.
For valuable items, use the credential-verification checklist to organize the carrier, packing and documentation questions.
Check Who Accepts the Estimate
If a broker arranged the booking, ask which carrier will transport the goods and whether that carrier accepts the written estimate. Keep its identity and contact information alongside the arranger’s. FMCSA’s broker fact sheet explains the different roles.
Keep the final estimate, inventory, changes, valuation selection and payment terms together. Review the documents again before pickup so a different company name or an omitted service can be resolved while the arrangements are still being checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a binding estimate an unconditional flat-rate promise?
No. It covers the shipment and services described in the written estimate. Additional items, requested services and applicable conditions need to be addressed under the relevant rules and written terms.
Does the 110 percent rule limit my final moving bill?
No. It concerns delivery payment under a non-binding estimate, with exceptions for additional requested services and certain impracticable operations. Further charges can remain payable under the applicable rules.
Can a weight-based estimate be binding?
Weight describes a pricing input; binding describes the estimate’s status. Read the document for its binding or non-binding designation and ask how the shipment measurements and agreed services affect the charges.
How do I compare two moving estimates fairly?
Use the same inventory, dates, packing scope, access conditions and valuation assumptions. Compare the included services, exclusions, payment terms and transporting carrier as well as the total, and obtain written answers to missing details.
Request an Estimate for Your Actual Shipment
When you request an AmeriSafe estimate, provide your inventory, origin and destination, access restrictions and requested packing services. Ask for the applicable estimate type, scope, carrier and payment terms in writing before accepting the booking.