--- title: Binding Estimate Meaning | Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/binding-estimate/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Binding estimate # What is a binding estimate? A binding estimate is a written agreement made before the move that fixes the total cost for the quantities and services listed on it. Under 49 CFR 375.403, the mover may not collect more than the binding amount, and the paper must say on its face that both sides are bound. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Federal law gives interstate household goods movers two kinds of estimate, binding and non-binding. The binding kind trades flexibility for certainty: the number on the page is the number you pay for what the page describes. ## What the mover must put on it A binding estimate must be in writing, based on a physical survey (on site or by live or recorded video) unless you waive the survey in writing, and clearly marked as binding on both parties. It must also say that the charges apply only to the services specifically identified, and it becomes part of the bill of lading contract. The mover may charge for providing a written binding estimate, which is different from a non-binding estimate that must be free. ## When the load or the work changes The estimate protects the goods and services it lists. If you hand over more furniture or ask for more services, the mover need not honor it. Before loading, the mover must reaffirm the estimate, write a new binding estimate that you sign, or agree with you in writing to treat the original as non-binding. Once the truck is loaded, silence counts as reaffirming the original, and the mover cannot collect more than that amount except for services added afterward with your approval or impracticable operations. ## What you pay at delivery The mover must hand over the shipment once you offer the binding amount plus those items. - The full binding amount, when the whole shipment is delivered - A prorated share by weight, if only part of the load is delivered - Any added services you agreed to in writing - Impracticable-operations charges, capped at 15 percent of the other charges due at delivery ## Binding estimates and O'Brien's O'Brien's prepares itemized written estimates, and a long-distance move is priced by weight, so the estimator sets out for you how the figure on your paper behaves. The free in-home estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes to keep. Moves inside Nevada follow the Nevada Transportation Authority rules and an approved tariff, and your estimator will explain which applies. Call 775-359-6683 to book a visit. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.403](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.403) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.401) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) - [Not to exceed estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/not-to-exceed-estimate/) - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) - [Not to exceed estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/not-to-exceed-estimate/) - [Released value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) - [Order for service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/order-for-service/) - [High value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/) - [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/) - [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can a binding estimate go up? Only if the shipment or services change. Added items or services before loading require a new or reaffirmed estimate, and extra services requested later are billed as agreed. ### Do I have to pay for a binding estimate? The mover may impose a charge for a written binding estimate. Ask before the survey. ### What if my belongings weigh less than expected? On a binding estimate the weight does not change the amount, which is why the survey needs to be thorough. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! C Charles C. May 31, 2025 Great company, I'd highly recommend for any move!!! ### Owner's reply Charles, It was a pleasure working with you on your moves. We hope your trip is amazing and if you ever come back our way, we will be happy to help. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to complete this review on our behalf. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070