Estimate my move

Binding vs Non-Binding Moving Estimates

Understand what binding and non-binding interstate estimates cover, how changed services matter and why delivery payment is not always the final bill.

MoveDayPlan Editorial Updated

Understand what binding and non-binding interstate estimates cover, how changed services matter and why delivery payment is not always the final bill.

Compare the promise behind the number

A binding interstate estimate fixes the charge for the shipment and services described. A non-binding estimate predicts charges; the final amount depends on actual shipment weight, services and the carrier's applicable tariff. Neither description excuses an incomplete inventory. Identify the estimate type on the document itself instead of relying on a salesperson's shorthand.

The useful question is what happens when the real move differs from the surveyed move. If you add a dining set, request packing or reveal a destination access problem, stop and resolve the scope in writing before loading. Save the original and any new estimate with their dates rather than replacing one file silently. The FMCSA 2022 rule requires a new estimate in the applicable added-goods or added-services situations; an internal change log does not replace that document.

Decision point — planning worksheet
Decision pointBinding estimateNon-binding estimate
Original described services Agreed charge Estimated charge
Weight differs from estimate Read agreed scope and terms Actual weight affects final charges
Additional requested work Identify and price changes Identify and price changes
Budget worksheet Agreed scope plus separate additions Expected final bill plus cash timing

Separate delivery cash from final cost

Suppose a non-binding estimate is $2,000. For the originally estimated work, the usual delivery collection threshold is 110%, or $2,200. That is not an overall ceiling on the final lawful charges. Additional services requested after the contract was executed and qualifying impracticable operations can add amounts due at delivery. FMCSA also limits the impracticable-operations amount collectible then; ask the carrier to identify the relevant tariff provision.

Do not label $200 a universal contingency and assume it covers every change. Record each addition, when it was requested and whether it was already included in the estimate. Ask for the itemized delivery amount in advance and keep later billing separate. The example uses an arbitrary USD estimate solely to explain the percentage.

Choose with your inventory in view

A complete, stable inventory makes either document easier to assess. When the inventory is uncertain, resolve what will move before choosing based on the estimate's label. Ask what happens if the seller of your new home leaves a difficult access condition or a family member adds items at pickup.

Read valuation, delivery dates, payment methods and exclusions alongside price. A binding estimate does not automatically include every service or guarantee every scheduling detail. These federal distinctions concern interstate household-goods moves; for a move within one state, check the applicable state requirements and the actual contract.

Binding estimate

Price basis

  • Agreed charge for the described shipment and services.

Best preparation

  • Fix the inventory and access details before signing.

Non-binding estimate

Price basis

  • Estimated charge; actual weight, services and tariff determine the bill.

Best preparation

  • Track final-cost uncertainty separately from delivery cash.

Bottom line

Choose after comparing the same scope; an estimate label cannot repair missing inventory or unclear services.

Reviewed October 22, 2026. Workflows, quantities and USD examples are editorial planning scenarios, not market averages or a carrier quote. Confirm the terms for your move.

Use this plan with

Sources checked October 22, 2026. Provider specifications apply only to the equipment described. Model defaults and allowances are planning assumptions, not measured inventory or market prices.

  • FMCSA — 2022 Household Goods Working Group Final Rule — Official final rule permits live or recorded virtual surveys, removes the 50-mi survey exception and requires new estimates for applicable added goods/services; interstate household-goods scope. (Checked 2026-10-22.)

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