The federal definition of physical survey now covers a survey conducted on-site or virtually. For a customer moving in from Phoenix or out of a home that is hours from the mover, that wording makes a remote walk-through a recognized way to get a written estimate based on what the mover has seen.
The wording that counts
Section 375.103 defines physical survey as a survey conducted on-site or virtually. If it is virtual, the household goods motor carrier must be able to view the household goods through live or pre-recorded video that allows it to clearly identify the household goods to be transported. The FMCSA booklet repeats that a physical survey must be performed unless you waive it in writing. The rule sets no particular app, device or length of video. What matters is that the mover can see and identify what is going.
Live and recorded
Live lets the estimator say 'open that cabinet' in the moment. Recorded fits a busy schedule, but if a closet was missed there is a second round of filming.
- Live: you carry a phone through the home while the estimator watches and asks questions
- Pre-recorded: you film the rooms, then send the video for review
Filming a useful survey
Move slowly and light each room. Start at the front door and finish in the garage. Open every closet, cabinet and drawer that holds something to be moved. Show the backs of large furniture, the undersides of tables and any damage already there. Film stairs, doorways and the driveway so the crew's path is visible, and say aloud what stays and what goes. The estimate can only include what the video showed.
Why it matters to the price
An estimate is only as exact as the survey behind it. A binding estimate fixes the cost for the quantities and services on it. A non-binding estimate is the mover's belief about the total, and the final charges follow actual weight. Either way, a survey that missed the attic leads to a changed estimate on loading day. Under 375.405, a mover whose estimate did not include goods it finds is not required to honor it.
Remote moves and O'Brien's
O'Brien's gives a free, no-obligation in-home estimate for homes it can reach from Sparks, and it prices long-distance moves by weight. When you are moving in from a state away, call 775-359-6683 and ask how the survey would be handled for your address. Read the in-home survey entry for what a visit covers, and binding and non-binding estimates for what the survey leads to.