Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates
How interstate binding and non-binding moving estimates differ, what can change the price, and what you can be asked to pay at delivery.
Reviewed October 15, 2026 · General information, not legal adviceFor an interstate household-goods move, a binding estimate sets the price for the shipment and services it lists. A non-binding estimate is a projected cost; the final charge follows the actual shipment, services, and tariff. The 110% rule limits what may be collected at delivery on a non-binding estimate, not the final lawful bill. This guide covers interstate household-goods moves for individual consumers. State and local moving rules can differ.
Compare the estimate type before comparing totals
Start with the written binding or non-binding statement, then compare the same inventory and services across offers. A smaller projected total and an agreed price for a listed scope answer different questions. Use the table below to separate the price basis, delivery-day collection, and changes outside the scope.
If an offer also says “not-to-exceed,” check the not-to-exceed terms and price ceiling; the label alone does not explain how a lower charge or a scope change will be handled. After comparing estimate types, follow the document sequence from estimate to bill of lading to check that the later paperwork matches the written agreement.
Binding vs. non-binding at a glance
| Compare | Binding estimate | Non-binding estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Price meaning | Sets the price for the listed shipment and services. | A projected cost; final charges follow the actual shipment, tariff, and services provided. |
| Delivery-day collection | Generally the binding amount for the listed services. | For shown quantities and services, the mover generally may require no more than 110% of the estimate at delivery; later lawful billing may follow. |
| What can add charges | Customer-requested additions or other work outside the written scope. | Actual weight, tariff charges, and services outside the written estimate. |
| Best document check | Match the inventory, services, access conditions, valuation, and written revisions before signing. | |
These federal distinctions apply to interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate rules can differ.
What a binding estimate does
For an interstate move, a binding estimate must be in writing and clearly describe the shipment and services covered. At delivery, the mover generally cannot require more than the binding amount for those listed services. Charges may still arise for customer-requested additions or certain conditions handled under federal rules.
49 CFR 375.401 defines binding and non-binding estimates. 49 CFR 375.403 gives the binding-estimate requirements and the choices a mover has if the shipment or requested services change before loading.
What a non-binding estimate does
A non-binding estimate gives a general idea of cost but does not commit the mover to that total. For an interstate shipment, the final charge is based on the mover's tariff, actual shipment, and services provided.
49 CFR 375.405 requires a reasonably accurate written estimate and explains how final charges are determined. 49 CFR 375.407 limits what may be collected at delivery for the quantities and services shown, but that delivery limit is not a cap on the final lawful bill.
What can change either estimate
Inventory changes, extra packing, different access conditions, storage, waiting time, or other services outside the written scope may create additional charges. Before loading, ask for any revised estimate or written attachment and read it before agreeing.
Do not rely on a salesperson's verbal description if the document says something different. Ask for corrections in writing. Also confirm whether the company is the carrier or a broker using this broker-versus-carrier guide.
A before-loading example: additional boxes and packing
This fictional example illustrates the document choices, not a real move, price, or legal determination. An interstate estimate lists an inventory and services. Before loading, the customer adds boxes and requests packing that were not listed. If the mover agrees to proceed, the required choices depend on the original estimate:
- Binding: reaffirm the original binding estimate; prepare a new binding estimate detailing the additional goods or services and obtain the shipper's signature; or agree in writing to treat the original estimate as non-binding.
- Non-binding: reaffirm the original non-binding estimate, or prepare a new non-binding estimate detailing the additional goods or services and obtain the shipper's signature.
These choices must be handled before loading under 49 CFR 375.403(a)(6) and 375.405(b)(7). Loading without the required new estimate or written conversion reaffirms the original estimate under the following paragraphs. This does not eliminate the separate rules for services requested after the bill of lading is executed or certain impracticable operations.
Read the revised-estimate checklist before agreeing to a change, and distinguish the estimate from what may be collected at delivery. Also compare the written pickup and delivery dates or windows; a price agreement alone does not establish a specific-day delivery guarantee.
Can a mover charge a binding-estimate fee?
For an interstate household-goods move, a mover may charge for providing a written binding estimate. It may not charge for providing a non-binding estimate. These are the separate rules in 49 CFR 375.401(b)(1)–(2).
An estimate-preparation fee answers a different question from a moving deposit or the price of transporting your goods. Before paying, ask what the charge covers, whether it is credited toward the move, and which written cancellation or refund terms apply. Do not assume a fee is refundable, credited, or prohibited just because someone calls the document a quote. Check whether the written estimate is binding or non-binding. Local and intrastate rules can differ.
Questions to ask
- Does this written estimate state that it is binding or non-binding?
- Which inventory and services are included?
- Which quantities are estimated, and how will they be measured?
- What circumstances can add charges?
- If the scope changes, when will I receive a revised written estimate?
A note about local moves
Federal household-goods rules discussed here focus on interstate moves. Intrastate and local moves can follow state-specific rules. Check the appropriate state regulator or consumer-protection office when the shipment stays within one state. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate?
- A binding estimate sets the price for the listed shipment and services. A non-binding estimate is the mover's projected cost; final charges can follow actual weight, the tariff, and services provided.
- Can a mover charge more than a binding estimate?
- A mover can charge for customer-requested additions or changes outside the services listed in the binding estimate. Ask for a revised written estimate or attachment before agreeing to a change.
- Does the 110% rule make a non-binding estimate a price cap?
- No. For covered interstate moves, the 110% rule limits what may be required at delivery for shown quantities and services. It does not prevent later billing of the final lawful charges.
- Can a mover charge for preparing a moving estimate?
- For an interstate household-goods move, a mover may charge for providing a written binding estimate, but may not charge for providing a non-binding estimate under 49 CFR 375.401(b). Ask what any estimate-preparation fee covers and whether the written terms credit it toward the move. A preparation fee and a moving deposit are different questions; local rules can differ.