Moving Estimate by Weight vs. Cubic Feet: What to Check

What federal interstate rules say

For an interstate household-goods move, the written estimate must state whether it is binding or non-binding. A non-binding estimate may be based on estimated weight or volume and requested accessorial services. Federal rules say the final charge for a non-binding estimate is based on the shipment's actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.

See current 49 CFR 375.401. This is why the document's own pricing and conversion language matters more than a label alone.

Find the pricing basis on each document

On every estimate, look for the unit used in the estimate: pounds, cubic feet, a flat amount, or another stated measure. Then find the rate, the inventory or survey information behind it, the estimate type, and the services included. Do not treat two totals as directly comparable until you know whether the documents describe the same shipment and the same services.

Check any volume-to-weight conversion

If a mover gives an estimate based on volume and later converts it to a weight-based rate, federal rules require a written explanation of the formula used for the conversion. The explanation must also state that final charges will be based on actual weight and services, subject to the delivery-day rule for a non-binding estimate.

Ask for the written explanation that applies to your document. Do not rely on a universal pounds-per-cubic-foot shortcut. The applicable rule is 49 CFR 375.401(e).

What else can change the comparison

Pricing basis is only one row. Compare the inventory, pickup and delivery addresses, dates, packing, stairs, elevator access, shuttle service, storage, valuation, and every conditional service. A changed inventory or added service can matter independently of whether a document started with weight or volume.

Questions to ask before signing

• Is this estimate binding or non-binding, and where does the document say so?
• Is the estimate based on weight, volume, or another stated method?
• Does the document convert volume to weight, and where is the written formula?
• Which goods and services are included in this figure?
• Which accessorial services are included, conditional, omitted, or unclear?
• What changes would require a written revision before loading?

Interstate and local moves

The federal rules linked here apply to interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate moves can follow different state rules and pricing practices. Confirm whether the shipment crosses a state line before applying an interstate rule to the estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Is cubic-foot pricing automatically a problem?

No. Federal interstate rules allow a non-binding estimate to be based on estimated weight or volume. The important question is how the estimate says charges will be calculated and whether it explains any later conversion to weight.

Does a cubic-foot estimate convert to a fixed number of pounds?

There is no universal conversion in the federal rule. If a volume estimate will later be converted to a weight-based rate, the mover must give a written explanation of its formula.

What determines the final charge on an interstate non-binding estimate?

Federal rules say final charges are based on the shipment's actual weight and the mover's tariff provisions in effect. The estimate must also identify whether it is binding or non-binding.

Does this apply to a local move?

Not automatically. The federal material here concerns interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate moves can follow different state rules.