Both kinds of estimate are defined in federal rules for interstate household goods moves (49 CFR Part 375). Knowing which one you have tells you what can change between the estimate and the final bill.
Binding estimates
A binding estimate is a written agreement on the price of the services it describes. If you add items or services after the estimate, such as an extra room or a piano that was not on the list, the mover can revise the estimate or charge for the additions, and the paperwork has to show it. If nothing changes, the price does not change.
Non-binding estimates
A non-binding estimate is the mover's best projection of the cost, usually based on the estimated weight of your shipment. The final charge is based on the actual weight and services. On a collect-on-delivery shipment, federal rules say that if you pay at least 110 percent of the non-binding estimate at delivery, the mover must deliver your goods; any remaining charges are billed later, after 30 days.
Why the survey matters
Federal rules require an interstate mover to survey your goods, in person or by video, before giving a written estimate in most cases. A survey is what makes either kind of estimate accurate, because the estimator sees the furniture, the boxes and the hard parts of the move. O'Brien's does free in-home estimates for this reason; see how our estimates work.
Questions to ask about any estimate
- Is it binding or non-binding?
- Which services are included: packing, crating, storage, shuttle?
- What happens if I add or remove items?
- What valuation coverage applies? (see valuation coverage)
- Did I receive the FMCSA booklets?
Moves inside Nevada
Moves that start and end in Nevada are priced from a tariff approved by the Nevada Transportation Authority, so the federal binding and non-binding rules above apply to interstate moves. Your estimator explains which rules apply to yours.
Which one should you ask for?
If you know exactly what is moving and nothing will change, a binding estimate gives you the most certainty. If you are still deciding what to keep, a non-binding estimate follows the real weight, and the 110 percent rule protects you at delivery. Either way, the most important step is the same: show the estimator everything, including the garage, the attic, the shed and anything you plan to buy before the move.