Binding vs non-binding estimates

The estimate has to say which

Before a mover issues a bill of lading for an interstate household-goods move, it must give you a written estimate of the total charges and state whether it is binding or non-binding (49 CFR 375.401). The estimate must be based on a physical survey of the goods unless you waive the survey in writing, signed before loading; an estimate produced with no survey and no signed waiver is missing a step the regulation requires.

Binding

A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance that guarantees the total cost of the move for the quantities and services shown on it, and it must state that both you and the mover are bound by the charges. A mover may charge a fee for preparing a binding estimate (49 CFR 375.401).

At delivery, the most the mover may demand under a binding estimate is the exact estimated amount, plus charges for services you requested after the bill of lading was issued and, where the mover’s tariff defines them, impracticable operations, which are capped at 15 percent of the other charges due at delivery (49 CFR 375.703).

Non-binding

A non-binding estimate is what the mover believes the move will cost, based on the estimated weight or volume, the services requested and the survey. It does not bind the mover: the final charges are based on the actual weight of the shipment and the tariff in effect, and the mover may not charge for preparing it (49 CFR 375.401).

At delivery, the most the mover may demand is 110 percent of the non-binding estimate, plus the same later-requested services and capped impracticable operations (49 CFR 375.703). Once you pay up to that amount, the mover must hand over the shipment; refusing counts as a failure to transport with reasonable dispatch (49 CFR 375.407). Whatever the actual charges add beyond that is billed afterwards, not collected at the door.

Binding not-to-exceed

A binding not-to-exceed estimate is a form some movers offer: a binding figure that the mover promises to reduce if the shipment turns out lighter or smaller than estimated. The regulation defines only binding and non-binding, so the obligations come from the document itself. If it states that it is binding, the delivery rule for binding estimates applies, and the promised reduction is a term of the contract you should be able to point to on the page.

In the tools

Quote Check shows the 110 percent delivery figure only for an estimate marked non-binding between two states, shows no multiplier for a binding one, and turns an unmarked type into a question for the mover. Compare Quotes counts how many of the estimates you enter are binding, because a lower non-binding figure and a higher binding one are not the same promise.

Sources

• 49 CFR 375.401 — Must I estimate charges?

  Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · checked Sep 12, 2026

  Used for: Physical survey and its written waiver, the definitions of binding and non-binding estimates, and the form of payment.

• 49 CFR 375.703 — Maximum collect-on-delivery amount at the time of delivery

  Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · checked Sep 12, 2026

  Used for: The exact estimate on a binding estimate, 110 percent on a non-binding one, plus later-requested services and impracticable operations capped at 15 percent.

• 49 CFR 375.407 — Relinquishing a collect-on-delivery shipment under a non-binding estimate

  Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · checked Sep 12, 2026

  Used for: The mover must hand over the shipment once up to 110 percent plus permitted additions is paid; prorating for partial delivery.