How Moving Quotes Actually Work
Most of the confusion around moving prices comes from estimate types and survey quality. Once you understand the three estimate types and the FMCSA 110% rule, two quotes that look 'far apart' usually have a simple, fixable explanation.
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The three estimate types
- Binding — locks the price for the listed inventory (best for you)
- Binding not-to-exceed — price can go down, can't go up
- Non-binding — opinion of price; final billed on actual weight
What a real quote process looks like
- Inventory survey (in-home or guided video) — not a phone guess
- Itemized written estimate with the inventory attached
- Clear binding / non-binding / not-to-exceed label
- Disclosure of carrier or broker status (and assigned carrier if brokered)
- Deposit, cancellation, and overage terms in writing
- Valuation coverage line item (basic vs. full replacement)
- Pickup window AND delivery window — not just a pickup date
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How to make two quotes comparable
- 1Force the same inventory list across both surveys
- 2Insist on the same estimate type (binding for both)
- 3Compare valuation coverage and deposit terms line by line
- 4Confirm carrier vs. broker on each
- 5Verify FMCSA authority for whoever physically performs the move
Frequently asked questions
What's a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a written quote that locks your price for the inventory listed on the contract, regardless of actual weight. If you don't add items, you pay what the estimate says. This is what you want.
What's a non-binding estimate?
An opinion of price. Your final bill is calculated on actual weight at delivery. Under FMCSA's 110% rule, the carrier can only require payment of up to 110% of the non-binding estimate at delivery — the rest is billed later. Non-binding is fine if you trust the inventory, but binding is safer.
What's a 'binding not-to-exceed' estimate?
A hybrid: the price can go down if actual weight is lower, but can't go up. The best of both worlds — ask for this when possible.
Do I really need an in-home or video survey?
Yes. A phone-only quote is a guess. A real inventory survey (in-home or guided video walk-through) is what makes an estimate accurate and what protects you from add-ons at pickup.
Why can two quotes be so different?
Three usual reasons: different inventories (you described it differently to each rep), binding vs. non-binding mismatch, or one is a carrier and one is a broker layering markup. Force the same inventory and same estimate type, then compare.
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