For long-distance or interstate removals, moving companies will either give a non-binding or a binding estimate on the day of the move. What separates binding moving estimates from non-binding moving estimates? Simply put, a non-binding estimate is what your mover predicts the cost of your relocation without committing to a specific figure. The price of your move will depend on the actual services provided, not necessarily what the estimate recommends. A contractual estimate's price is the price you have to pay. You will pay that amount regardless of whether the service costs more or less than the total cost.

We'll discuss the differences between binding and non-binding estimates and your legal rights as a consumer if you keep reading.

Non-binding estimates

Non-binding estimates are most often employed when traveling across long distances or between states. When moving across state lines, your quotation will be based on the weight of your possessions and the services the moving company provides.

Your mover will provide you with a non-binding estimate before committing to a price for your relocation. Quotes not binding are neither a bid nor a contract, and your mover is not required to pay the stated amount. This suggests that the actual moving charge may change on the day of your relocation.

The cost will be based on the mover's tariff, which lists all its rates, fees, and service contracts for shipping a client's household belongings. Federal law requires that your mover collect the fees in line with its tariffs, regardless of what is stated in your mover's non-binding estimates.

Here is more information about how movers charge for their services and determine their costs.

Any additional services you purchased from the mover while your items were still in transit will be charged to you when your cargo is delivered. You may also be asked to pay additional costs at delivery for unrealistic services rendered by your mover.

Non-binding quotes must be in writing and contain a complete list of all the services provided and a description of the cargo. The whole amount of the charges must be indicated on the related order for service and bill of lading whenever a mover provides an estimate.

If the mover offers you a non-binding estimate, wait until the mover has written the anticipated cost on each form it prepares before you sign or accepts the order for service or bill of lading.

Non-Binding Estimates Must Also Comply with Other Conditions

These guidelines for non-binding predictions were published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) webpage on calculating costs.

Your mover is not permitted to charge you for giving a non-binding estimate.

Your mover must provide you with non-binding quotes based on the anticipated weight of the consignment and the required services.

Your mover must provide you with documented, non-binding quotes at no cost. Your mover must inform you that any costs for shipments transported in line with non-binding estimates will be listed in your mover's applicable tariffs. Any approximate costs it calculates in a non-binding way do not oblige your mover.

Your mover must keep a copy of each non-binding estimate and attach it to the bill of lading.

Your mover must state on the front of a non-binding estimate that it is not a contractual agreement with them and that the costs stated are estimates of what they will charge for the specified services.

Your mover must properly describe the entire cargo and all services provided before a non-binding estimate.

Suppose you and your mover cannot reach an agreement before loading your cargo. Your mover believes you are providing more home items or require additional services not included in the non-binding estimate. In that case, your mover may decline to handle the shipment. If your mover agrees to handle the package, they must submit one of the two estimates listed below:

What is a binding estimate?

A binding estimate is unusual, and the norm is a non-binding one. The cost to move across state lines will be based on how much stuff you have and what kind of moving services you need; these matrices also calculate what is a binding estimate fee?

A definitive agreement, written ahead of time with your moving company, assures the entire cost of the move based on the products, conditions, and services included in the estimate.

Your chosen moving company may charge a fee for an accurate estimate. The shipment's contents and additional services must be detailed in the legally binding quote. If the estimate is binding, payment is due only upon delivery. Don't worry about being charged more than necessary.

If you've requested add-on services that weren't factored into the initial quote, your mover will collect payment when your shipment is delivered.

You must get a copy of the binding estimate in writing before you move.

If you accept a legally binding estimate, you must pay in cash, a certified check, a money order, or a cashier's check. Payment is due at the time of delivery unless you have made prior arrangements with your mover for them to extend credit or accept payment by credit card. If payment is not obtained when your shipment is delivered, the moving company may hold or store your things at your expense until the bills are paid.

Your mover must save a copy of each binding estimate

and the bill of lading.

Your mover is obligated to provide you with a written, itemized quote for all goods and services to be delivered and performed. Your mover is required by law to indicate on the front of each estimate whether or not it is binding on you and your mover. On the first page of every binding estimate, it must be clear that the costs included will be applied to the specific services mentioned.

Suppose you and your mover cannot come to terms before loading your shipment. Your mover believes that you provide more household items than expected or require additional services beyond those included in the contractual estimate. In that case, your mover may refuse to handle your shipment. If your mover agrees to do the job, they'll have to do one of three things:

Restate the binding estimate in legal language.

Talk about getting a new, binding written estimate that covers the cost of the additional home goods or services. You and the other party will need to agree to treat the original binding estimate as a non-binding estimate in writing and attach that to the contract. This might have a major effect on how much your relocation ends up costing. See below for details.

If your mover does not complete a new binding estimate or agrees to treat the prior estimate as non-binding after loading your cargo, it has verified the original binding estimate. Your mover may not exceed the binding estimate amount, with the exceptions described in the next two paragraphs.

Any extra services required after the bill of lading will be charged at delivery time.

Your mover will collect payment for the little steps needed to complete the delivery of your goods, as detailed in the mover's tariff. However, delivery charges for unrealistic procedures cannot exceed 15% of total delivery charges. Any remaining unrealistic operating costs on the mover's freight bill must be paid within 30 days of receiving the bill.