Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates, Explained

What a moving estimate is

A moving estimate is the mover's written statement of what your move is expected to cost. It lists what is being moved, where it is going, the services included, and the price or the rates the price will be based on.

For a move from one state to another, federal rules recognize two kinds of estimate, binding and non-binding, and many movers also offer a third, the binding not-to-exceed estimate. The words sound like fine print, but they answer the most important question you can ask a mover: can this price change?

One rule applies to all three. An estimate has to be in writing. A number quoted over the phone and never put on paper is not an estimate, and you should not book a move on one.

What is a binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a guaranteed price. The mover commits in advance to a total cost for the specific items and services listed on the estimate. If your shipment turns out heavier than the mover expected, the price stays the same.

What a binding estimate does not cover is anything that is not on it. If you add furniture after the estimate is written, or ask for extra services such as packing or storage, the mover can revise the estimate before loading or bill the added services separately. The guarantee covers what was listed, not what was added later.

Under federal rules for interstate moves, a mover is allowed to charge a fee for preparing a binding estimate, so ask whether one applies.

What is a non-binding estimate?

A non-binding estimate is the mover's best approximation, not a guarantee. The final charges are based on the actual weight of your shipment and the services actually provided, using the mover's published rates. If the shipment weighs more than estimated, you pay more. If it weighs less, you pay less.

That does not leave you unprotected on delivery day. Under federal rules for interstate moves, the 110 percent rule limits what the mover can collect at delivery to the amount of the non-binding estimate plus 10 percent. Any balance above that is billed afterward, and you have at least 30 days to pay it.

A non-binding estimate must be provided at no charge. Because the bill depends on weight, you also have the right to be present when the truck is weighed and to ask for a reweigh.

What is a binding not-to-exceed estimate?

A binding not-to-exceed estimate, sometimes called a guaranteed not-to-exceed estimate, combines the two. The estimate sets a ceiling. If the actual weight comes in above the estimate, you pay the estimated price. If it comes in below, you pay the lower amount.

For the customer it is the most favorable of the three, because the price can only move in your direction. As with a standard binding estimate, the ceiling applies to the listed inventory and services. Additions are still extra.

Binding vs. non-binding moving estimate: side by side

In every case, services you add after the estimate is written can be charged on top.

Which type of estimate should you choose?

If a fixed budget matters most, choose a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate. You know the number before the truck arrives, and a surprise on the scale is the mover's problem, not yours.

A non-binding estimate can work in your favor when you expect to move less than the estimate assumes, for example if you plan to sell furniture before moving day. It carries more risk, and it is the type most often abused by dishonest operators who quote low to win the job and bill high later. An unusually low non-binding estimate is a reason to ask more questions, not a reason to book.

Whichever type you are offered, the name of the estimate type should be written on the document itself. If it is not, ask the mover to add it.

How to get an accurate written moving estimate

Any estimate is only as good as the inventory behind it. To get a written moving estimate you can rely on:

• Show everything. Open the closets, the attic, the garage, the shed, and the storage unit. Items the estimator never saw are the usual source of a higher bill
• Say what is not going. Point out anything you plan to sell, donate, or leave behind
• Describe both addresses. Stairs, elevators, narrow streets, and a long walk from the curb all affect the price
• List the services you want. Packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, and storage should appear as lines on the estimate
• Compare like with like. When you collect several estimates, make sure each mover priced the same inventory and the same services
• Keep your copy. The estimate becomes part of your moving paperwork along with the bill of lading. Our moving terms glossary defines each document

Bring a list of questions to ask a mover to the estimate appointment.

How estimates work for local moves

The binding and non-binding rules above come from federal rules for moves that cross state lines. Moves within one state are governed by that state's rules, which vary, so ask your mover how the estimate works where you live.

Local moves are typically billed by the hour based on crew size and truck needs, so a local estimate is usually an hourly rate and an expected number of hours. At Allpoints Moving Services, long-distance moves are quoted as a flat rate based on distance, inventory, and added services, so you know the price before you commit. Every quote is free and carries no obligation. Request yours here or call (678) 886-0944.