--- title: What Is a Virtual Survey? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/ 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/) - Virtual survey # What is a virtual survey? A virtual survey is a survey of your belongings done by live or pre-recorded video instead of in person. Section 375.103 of the federal rules counts it as a physical survey if the mover can view the household goods clearly enough to identify what will be transported. 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/) 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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/in-home-survey/) entry for what a visit covers, and [binding and non-binding estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) for what the survey leads to. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.103 definitions](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-A/section-375.103) - [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) - [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 - [In home survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/in-home-survey/) - [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/) - [How an interstate move works with a Bekins agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/how-interstate-moves-work/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [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/) - [Appliance service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/appliance-service/) - [Valuation deductible](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/) - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) - [Linehaul](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/linehaul/) 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 a virtual survey allowed for interstate moves? Yes. The federal definition of physical survey includes a survey conducted virtually, if the mover can clearly identify the household goods on video. ### Can I waive the survey altogether? A shipper may waive it, but the waiver must be in writing and signed before loading. FMCSA advises caution with movers that refuse a physical survey. ### Does a phone ballpark count as a survey? No. A verbal quote is not an official estimate under FMCSA's booklet. A survey and a written estimate are required. ## 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) P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. ## 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