Is an order for service the moving contract?

For an interstate household-goods move, FMCSA describes the order for service as the document authorizing the mover to transport your goods and says it is not the contract. The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover.

When should I receive the bill of lading?

FMCSA says the driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy before or at the time of loading. Read it before signing and keep your copy through delivery and any claim.

Can the documents change after the estimate?

Changes to agreed pickup or delivery dates, or to a non-binding estimate, may be recorded in a written change to the order for service. Compare every later document to the original estimate and ask for any difference in writing.

Do these rules apply to a local move?

Not automatically. The federal material on this page concerns interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate rules vary by state.

MoveFinePrint guide

Moving Estimate vs. Order for Service vs. Bill of Lading

Understand the estimate, order for service, inventory, and bill of lading for an interstate household-goods move before you sign.

Reviewed September 14, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

Short answer

For an interstate household-goods move, the written estimate describes the quoted job and charges. The order for service records the shipment services and timing. The bill of lading is the transportation contract and receipt for the goods. Keep each version together and compare names, dates, services, valuation, and charges before you sign.

Start with the written estimate

An estimate should identify the shipment and services being quoted. Its type matters: binding and non-binding estimates work differently. If the estimate does not state the services, access conditions, valuation, or company identity clearly, mark those items unresolved and ask for the answer in writing. FMCSA's estimating guidance applies to interstate household-goods moves.

What the order for service records

FMCSA requires an order for service for every interstate household-goods shipment. It authorizes transportation, records move information such as dates and contact details, and is not itself the contract. You are entitled to a dated copy when the mover signs it. If agreed dates or a non-binding estimate change, FMCSA says the mover may prepare a written change attached to the order for service.

What the bill of lading does

FMCSA calls the bill of lading the contract between you and the mover. The driver must give you a copy before or at loading. Its information should match the order for service, and the estimate, order for service, and inventory may be attachments. Read the document before signing. If you do not agree that it is correct, do not sign until you are satisfied it is correct.

Keep the inventory with the other papers

The inventory records the items the mover takes into custody. Keep it with the estimate, order for service, bill of lading, written changes, and receipts. These documents show what was described before loading and what changed later. They do not by themselves decide a dispute or guarantee an outcome.

A quick document check before loading

Match the mover's legal name and USDOT number across the papers.
Compare pickup and delivery dates or windows to the order for service and bill of lading.
Check that the estimate type, listed services, valuation choice, and payment terms are written consistently.
Keep a copy of every document and every written revision.

Interstate and local moves

The federal sources on this page concern interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate documentation rules vary by state. For the interstate source material, see FMCSA's pickup guidance and its moving checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Is an order for service the moving contract?: For an interstate household-goods move, FMCSA describes the order for service as the document authorizing the mover to transport your goods and says it is not the contract. The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover.
When should I receive the bill of lading?: FMCSA says the driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy before or at the time of loading. Read it before signing and keep your copy through delivery and any claim.
Can the documents change after the estimate?: Changes to agreed pickup or delivery dates, or to a non-binding estimate, may be recorded in a written change to the order for service. Compare every later document to the original estimate and ask for any difference in writing.
Do these rules apply to a local move?: Not automatically. The federal material on this page concerns interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate rules vary by state.