Key takeaways
- A binding estimate locks your price before the move begins and cannot be increased at delivery
- A non-binding estimate is a projection that can change based on actual weight and time
- A binding not-to-exceed estimate caps the price but can go lower if the shipment weighs less
- Your rights as a consumer differ significantly depending on which type of estimate you sign
- Always ask for the estimate type in writing before any contract is signed
One of the most common moving complaints filed with the FMCSA involves price changes at delivery. A customer receives a quote, agrees to the price, and then on delivery day the mover presents a significantly higher invoice and refuses to release the shipment until it is paid. In almost every case, the root cause is the same: the customer signed a non-binding estimate and did not understand what that meant.
The type of estimate you agree to is one of the most consequential decisions in the moving process. This guide explains how binding and non-binding estimates work, what your rights are under each, and what to ask before you sign anything.
What is a Binding Estimate?
A binding estimate is a written agreement that fixes the price of your move before it begins. The moving company agrees to transport your shipment for the quoted price regardless of the actual weight of your belongings or how long the move takes.
Under FMCSA regulations, a mover cannot charge more than the binding estimate price. If the actual weight of your shipment turns out to be higher than estimated, that is the mover’s problem, not yours. Your price remains the amount on the contract.
What is included in a binding estimate?
A binding estimate must list every service included in the price. This typically covers loading, transportation, and unloading. If packing services, specialty item handling, or additional stops are included, they must be listed explicitly. Any service not listed in the estimate is not covered by the binding price and can be charged separately.
When a binding estimate can change?
A binding estimate is not unconditional. If you add items to your shipment that were not included in the original inventory, the mover may charge for them. If you request services not listed in the contract, such as an extra stop or packing assistance that was not in the original scope, these can be added to the bill. The key rule is that anything listed in the original estimate cannot be used to justify a higher price.
What a binding estimate protects you against?
A binding estimate protects you against the two most common sources of surprise charges: actual weight being higher than estimated and transit taking longer than expected. On a non-binding estimate, both of these can increase your final bill. On a binding estimate, neither can.
What is a Non-Binding Estimate?
A non-binding estimate is a projection of what your move will cost based on an estimated weight and the services requested. The final price is determined after delivery, based on the actual weight of your shipment and the actual services performed.
How non-binding estimates work?
The mover surveys your belongings and provides an estimated weight. The quote is calculated based on that weight. At delivery, the shipment is reweighed, and the final bill is calculated on the actual weight. If your shipment weighs more than estimated, your bill goes up. There is no cap.
The 110 percent rule
FMCSA regulations include a consumer protection called the 110 percent rule for non-binding estimates on interstate moves. At delivery, you are only required to pay up to 110 percent of the non-binding estimate, even if the actual charges are higher. The mover must release your shipment upon payment of 110 percent of the estimate and then has 30 days to bill you for the remaining amount.
This rule provides some protection but it does not eliminate the risk of paying more than the original estimate. It simply delays and caps the immediate demand.
Why non-binding estimates are common?
Non-binding estimates are standard practice for many moving companies because they protect the mover from underestimating the weight of a shipment. From a business standpoint, a non-binding estimate carries less risk for the company. For the customer, it carries more.
What is a Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate?
A binding not-to-exceed estimate, sometimes called a guaranteed price or a not-to-exceed quote, is a hybrid. The price is capped at the estimate, but if the actual weight comes in lower, you pay the lower amount. It is the most customer-friendly estimate type available.
Under a binding not-to-exceed estimate, you get the protection of a binding quote with the potential upside of paying less if your shipment is lighter than expected. This is the standard Safeway Moving uses for all long-distance jobs.
| Feature | Binding | Non-Binding | Binding Not-to-Exceed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price locked before move | Yes | No | Yes (as a cap) |
| Price can increase at delivery | No | Yes | No |
| Price can decrease at delivery | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight reweigh required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Consumer risk level | Low | High | Lowest |
| 110 percent rule applies | No | Yes | No |
| Common with reputable carriers | Yes | Common industry default | Best practice |
| Used by Safeway Moving | Yes | No | Yes |
Your Rights Under Each Estimate Type
Regardless of which estimate type you sign, FMCSA regulations give you specific rights as a consumer on any interstate move.
Right to a written estimate
Every interstate mover is required to provide a written estimate before beginning the move. Verbal quotes have no legal standing. If a mover gives you a price over the phone without a written document to follow, it does not protect you at delivery.
Right to be present at reweigh
On any non-binding move, you have the right to be present when the shipment is reweighed after delivery. If you suspect the weight is inaccurate, you can request a reweigh before paying. The cost of the reweigh is borne by the mover if the weight comes in at a lower amount. You pay for it if the weight is the same or higher.
Right to inspect the scale ticket
You are entitled to see the certified weight ticket from the scale used to weigh your shipment. Any legitimate mover will provide this on request. If a mover refuses to show you the weight ticket, that is a serious red flag.
Right to dispute charges
If you believe a charge on your final invoice was not part of the original estimate, you have the right to dispute it. Document everything in writing and file a complaint with the FMCSA if necessary. Keep a copy of every document you sign throughout the moving process.
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How Safeway Moving Prices Every Move?
Every Safeway Moving quote is a binding flat-rate price. We assess your inventory, provide a written binding estimate, and that number does not change regardless of actual weight, transit time, or any other variable within our control.
We do not use non-binding estimates on long-distance moves. We do not add fuel surcharges after the fact. We do not bill for time overruns. The quote you sign is the invoice you receive.
If you have questions about how our pricing works or want to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered in a Safeway Moving quote, our FAQ page answers the most common questions in detail. You can also speak with one of our move coordinators before committing to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
A binding estimate is a written agreement that fixes the price of your move before it begins. The mover cannot charge more than the quoted price at delivery, regardless of the actual weight of your shipment.
On a binding estimate, nothing changes. You pay the quoted price. On a non-binding estimate, your bill increases based on the actual weight. On a binding not-to-exceed estimate, the price stays at the quoted amount.
On a non-binding estimate, a mover can hold your shipment until you pay up to 110 percent of the original estimate under FMCSA rules. They must then release your belongings and bill you separately for any remaining amount. On a binding estimate, they cannot demand more than the quoted price.
The 110 percent rule is an FMCSA consumer protection that limits what a mover can demand at delivery on a non-binding estimate. You only have to pay up to 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at delivery. The mover must release your belongings and has 30 days to bill for the remainder.
Your estimate document must state in writing whether it is binding or non-binding. If the word binding does not appear on the document, it is non-binding by default. Always ask for clarification before signing.
