--- title: Binding vs Non-Binding Moving Estimates, Explained url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/ 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 guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates # Binding vs non-binding moving estimates A binding estimate fixes the price for the goods and services it lists. A non-binding estimate is a reasonably accurate projection, and on an interstate collect-on-delivery move you can get your goods by paying 110 percent of it, with the rest billed later. 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/) 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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/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. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401 to 375.407](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D) - [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 - [How our estimates work: phone ballpark, online request, in-home estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) - [Valuation coverage: released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/) - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/valuation-released-vs-full-value/) - [Your rights and responsibilities when you move (FMCSA)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/your-rights-and-responsibilities/) - [The bill of lading, explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/) - [How to check a mover's USDOT and MC number](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-check-a-movers-usdot-number/) - [Mover vs moving broker: how to tell](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/carrier-vs-broker/) - [How to choose a moving company](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-moving-company/) - [Questions to ask a mover before you book](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/questions-to-ask-movers/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) 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 non-binding estimate go up? Yes, because the final charge follows the actual weight and services. The 110 percent rule limits what you must pay at delivery on a collect-on-delivery shipment. ## 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