--- title: What Is Constructive Weight? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/constructive-weight/ 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/) - Constructive weight # What is constructive weight? Constructive weight is a weight worked out by a formula, usually from the space a shipment fills, instead of read off a certified scale. Federal rules refer to 'actual or constructive weight' in 49 CFR 375.707(b), and 375.401(e) requires the mover to explain any volume-to-weight formula in writing. 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/) Interstate household goods are priced by weight, and the weight on the invoice is supposed to come from a scale. Constructive weight is the exception word: a figure produced by arithmetic when there is no scale ticket for the portion of the load in question. ## Actual weight versus constructive weight Actual weight is what a certified scale reads. Under 375.509, the mover subtracts the empty truck, called the tare, from the loaded truck, called the gross, and the net is your shipment. Constructive weight is the estimate of that figure when a scale reading is unavailable or the tariff directs a calculation instead. ## Where the rules mention it Section 375.707(b) uses it in the lost-or-destroyed shipment rule: the mover must determine, at its own expense, the proportion of the shipment, based on actual or constructive weight, that was not lost or destroyed. That is how freight charges for a partly delivered load are prorated. Section 375.401(e) covers the reverse case, an estimate based on volume. When a mover gives you a volume-based estimate that will later be converted to a weight-based rate, it must give you the conversion formula in writing, and it must state that the final charges follow actual weight and services, subject to the 110 percent rule at delivery. ## What it means for your invoice - On a non-binding estimate, final charges use the weight from the weight ticket, not the cubic feet written during the survey - A formula that converts cubic feet to pounds has to be explained in writing before you sign - In a partial loss, a calculated weight sets the portion of freight charges refunded - A binding estimate fixes the price for the quantities listed, so the weight conversion matters less once it is signed ## How to check it Ask the estimator how the volume on your estimate becomes pounds, and keep the written formula with your papers. At delivery, compare the weight ticket with the estimate. If you disagree with the billing weight, you can demand a reweigh before unloading starts, as explained under [reweigh](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/reweigh/). The numbers on a weight ticket are covered in [weight ticket](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/weight-ticket/). ## Why local movers use volume at the survey A survey counts furniture and cartons, and cubic feet is the unit that comes out of counting. The weight conversion is the mover's bridge from that count to a priced estimate. A careful in-home look at the garage, closets and attic is what makes the bridge short. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401 estimating charges](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.401) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.707 lost or destroyed shipments](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-G/section-375.707) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.509 determining weight](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/section-375.509) ### 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 - [Weight ticket](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/weight-ticket/) - [Reweigh](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/reweigh/) - [Cube sheet](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/cube-sheet/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Tare weight](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/tare-weight/) - [Peak season](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/peak-season/) - [In home survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/in-home-survey/) - [Virtual survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/) - [Permanent storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/permanent-storage/) - [Warehouse handling](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/warehouse-handling/) - [Punch list](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/punch-list/) - [Debris removal](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/debris-removal/) 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/). ### Is constructive weight defined in the regulations? The phrase 'actual or constructive weight' appears in 375.707, but 375.103 gives no formula. Formulas come from the mover's tariff and must be explained in writing under 375.401(e). ### Will I be billed on constructive weight? On a weight-based interstate move, final charges follow the actual weight from the weight tickets, except where the tariff or the rules provide otherwise. ### What can I do if the weight looks high? Ask for the weight ticket and, before unloading starts, demand a reweigh under 375.517. ## 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) 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. N Nadine K. May 15, 2025 The guys were very friendly and hard working. Would definitely use them again! ### Owner's reply Nadine, We are pleased you chose us for your move, it was a pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy the move was a success. G Greg S. January 22, 2025 3 O'Brien movers came down from Reno to South Lake Tahoe to assist our company moving a lot of big furniture out of a large warehouse. They showed up on-time, were friendly, and were professional and got the job done quickly and diligently. Will definitely use them again. ### Owner's reply Thanks for the great review Greg! We really appreciate you taking the time to do that for us. We look forward to working with you again! ## 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