An interstate moving estimate can look reassuring while leaving the most important payment question unanswered: is the quoted amount the agreed price, or only a forecast? Confusing those two documents can produce a large balance, a dispute at delivery, or the mistaken belief that the federal “110% rule” caps the final bill.
This guide explains the federal rules for household-goods moves by motor vehicle between states, using FMCSA guidance and the controlling sections of 49 CFR. It shows when a binding or non-binding estimate applies, what can be demanded at delivery, how added services must be handled, and what to put in writing before loading.
Which moves these federal rules cover
FMCSA’s household-goods consumer rules in 49 CFR part 375 generally govern an authorized motor carrier transporting a household-goods shipment in interstate commerce. A move that stays within one state is primarily subject to that state’s law, even if the distance is long. FMCSA’s Subpart A overview describes the federal scope. Broker obligations and carrier obligations also differ, so identify the performing carrier before relying on an estimate.
Use Moveline’s interstate estimate comparison to normalize inventory and service assumptions, and verify the company with the mover-verification guide.
What makes a binding estimate binding
Under 49 CFR 375.403, the carrier may provide a binding estimate, but it must be in writing and must clearly describe the shipment and all services provided. The carrier must give the shipper a copy before loading, and the estimate must be attached to the bill of lading. The regulation also addresses the required physical survey and the circumstances in which a shipper may waive it.
The fixed amount depends on the listed facts staying true. Before loading, if the shipper adds goods or services or the carrier believes the shipment differs from the estimate, the carrier may reaffirm the binding estimate, negotiate a revised written binding estimate, or agree in writing to convert it to a non-binding estimate. If the carrier loads without a new agreement, the original binding estimate is reaffirmed, subject to the regulation’s treatment of later-requested services and impracticable operations.
What a non-binding estimate does—and does not do
Under 49 CFR 375.405, a non-binding estimate must also be in writing, be reasonably accurate, and describe the shipment and services. It must be based on the carrier’s tariff. The final charge is determined from the tariff based on the actual shipment and services, not merely by replacing the estimate with any number the carrier chooses.
A large difference is a reason to audit the weight tickets, inventory, tariff, service authorizations, and delivery documents. It is not, by itself, proof that only 110% is ever owed. The federal payment-at-delivery limit and the final-charge calculation are separate questions.
Exactly when the 110% rule applies
For a non-binding estimate, 49 CFR 375.703(b) generally requires the carrier to relinquish the shipment when the shipper pays up to 110% of the non-binding estimate, plus charges for qualifying additional services the shipper requested after the bill of lading was issued and qualifying impracticable-operations charges. The carrier may bill the remaining lawful charges later under the regulation.
Binding-estimate payment at delivery
For a binding estimate, 49 CFR 375.703(a) uses a different rule. The amount due at delivery is generally the binding estimate, plus qualifying services requested by the shipper after the bill of lading and qualifying impracticable-operations charges. The 110% formula is not the binding-estimate rule.
The regulation limits the impracticable-operations amount collected at delivery to 15% of the other charges due at delivery. Additional qualifying amounts are handled through later billing. Because the facts and documentation determine whether an extra charge fits a category, get the request, price basis, and authorization in writing when the service is proposed.
Added goods or services before and after loading
- Before loading: stop and revise the inventory and service list. For a binding estimate, use one of the written choices in 49 CFR 375.403; for a non-binding estimate, obtain an updated written estimate under 49 CFR 375.405.
- After the bill of lading: if you request a new service, ask for the charge or tariff basis in writing before authorizing it whenever circumstances allow.
- Carrier-identified access problem: ask why the service is necessary, whether it is an impracticable operation, how the amount is calculated, and what is due now versus billable later.
- At delivery: pay the amount required for release using an accepted method, write down any dispute, obtain a receipt, and keep the estimate, bill of lading, inventory, weight tickets, tariff information, and service authorizations.
What to verify before signing
If the mover demands more than the release amount
Ask the carrier to identify whether the estimate is binding or non-binding and point to the specific authorized services and 49 CFR provision supporting the demand. Preserve screenshots and copies; do not surrender originals. FMCSA’s Subpart G guidance summarizes delivery and collection rules, and its current consumer booklet explains rights and complaint options.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Contract terms, shipment facts, tariff rules, and state law can change the result. For a current dispute involving withheld goods or a substantial charge, consider prompt advice from FMCSA, the relevant state regulator, or a qualified attorney.
