How to Read a Moving Tariff Page
Use a plain-language checklist to compare a mover’s tariff with a written estimate, including services, conditions, and unclear charges.
Reviewed September 14, 2026 · General information, not legal adviceA mover’s tariff is the schedule of rates, rules, and service conditions behind a written estimate. For an interstate non-binding estimate, FMCSA says final charges are determined under the applicable tariff. Start with the estimate, then request only the tariff pages that match its stated services, route, weight assumptions, and conditions. A tariff page that cannot be tied to your written move is unresolved. Local rules vary by state.
Start with the estimate, not a random tariff page
Write down the legal mover name, USDOT number, origin, destination, estimate type, dates, inventory or weight assumption, and each service listed. Those details make it possible to ask which tariff sections the mover says apply. A general website price list or verbal quote is not a substitute for tying terms to the written shipment.
Why it matters for non-binding estimates
FMCSA explains that an interstate non-binding estimate is an approximation and that final charges are calculated using the mover’s applicable tariff. The agency advises consumers to ask for the applicable tariff portions before choosing a mover. Read the FMCSA estimating guidance for the federal context.
What to match line by line
Compare the tariff page to the estimate’s transportation line, weight or minimum-weight assumption, pickup and delivery conditions, accessorial services, storage, valuation, and payment terms. Mark each item included, conditional, omitted, or unclear. If a tariff term appears but the estimate does not say whether it applies, ask the mover to explain the connection in writing.
Read conditions before rates
A rate only matters when its stated conditions match the move. Look for the service definition, when it applies, the unit used for the charge, the location where it can apply, and any required notice or approval. Do not add up lines that may not apply to the quoted shipment.
Keep the document chain
Save the estimate, relevant tariff pages, order for service, inventory, bill of lading, and any written revisions. For interstate moves, FMCSA says a non-binding estimate should describe the shipment and services and the estimated amount should appear on the related order for service and bill of lading. The chain lets you compare the same move across every document.
Interstate and local moves
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Federal guidance linked here addresses interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate rules can differ by state.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a moving tariff?
- A tariff is the mover’s published schedule of rates, rules, and service conditions. For interstate non-binding estimates, FMCSA says final charges are calculated under the mover’s applicable tariff.
- Does a tariff replace my written estimate?
- No. Keep the estimate, order for service, bill of lading, and relevant tariff pages together. The documents serve different purposes and should be compared for the same shipment and services.
- What should I ask for from a mover?
- Ask for the applicable tariff pages for the services and conditions on your estimate, the mover’s explanation of which lines apply, and a written revision if the stated scope changes before loading.