--- title: Long-Distance Moving Cost: How Weight Sets the Bill url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-cost/ 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/) - What goes into a long-distance moving cost (weight, distance, services) # Long-distance moving cost: how weight sets the bill On a long-distance household goods move the charge follows the weight of your shipment, measured on a certified scale, plus distance and the services you choose. You have the right to watch the weighing and to request a reweigh at no charge before unloading, and on a non-binding estimate you pay no more than 110 percent of it at delivery. 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/) Local movers think in hours. Long-distance movers think in pounds. That single difference explains why a long-distance estimate asks about every closet, the garage and the storage shed, and why the weight on the final bill can differ from the weight on the estimate. ## Where the weight comes from For a non-binding estimate, the mover must weigh the shipment before assessing charges, and the weighing must be done on a certified scale. Federal rules allow two methods. In an origin weigh, the truck is weighed empty and again after loading, and the difference is your shipment. In a back weigh, the loaded truck is weighed and then weighed again after it has been unloaded. Pads, dollies and equipment must be on the truck for both weighings and the fuel tanks must be full, so the difference reflects only your belongings. If the estimate was given by volume, the mover must put the conversion from volume to weight in writing for you. ## Your rights at the scale You may be present at each weighing. If you tell the mover you do not want to observe, you give up that right for the first weighing. After the mover tells you the billing weight and the total charges, and before unloading begins on an origin weigh, you may demand a reweigh. The mover cannot charge for the reweigh, and the freight bill is then based on the reweigh weight, even if it is higher. Every weighing produces a weight ticket signed by the weigh master, showing the scale's name and location, the date, tare, gross and net weights, the vehicle and the shipment number. A copy of the weight tickets must come with the freight bill. ## Estimate type and what you pay at delivery With a binding estimate the price for the listed goods and services is fixed in advance, so the weight on the scale does not change the total. With a non-binding estimate the final charge follows actual weight, but on collect-on-delivery shipments the mover must hand over your goods if you pay at least 110 percent of the estimate, and bills the rest after 30 days. The [binding and non-binding estimates guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) covers the difference in detail. ## Distance, services and timing Beyond weight, the tariff considers the distance between origin and destination. Services at either end add to the shipment: packing, appliance preparation, a shuttle when a big truck cannot reach a street, and storage. When O'Brien's handles the Reno end of a Bekins move, destination services, storage in Sparks and delivery can be added to the plan. See [long-distance moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/) and [how interstate moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/how-interstate-moves-work/) for the whole process. Your delivery window comes from your written estimate and bill of lading; ask the office what applies to your route. ## Ways to keep the weight accurate - Show the estimator everything, including the garage, attic, shed and anything you plan to buy before the move. - Decide what you will not take before the survey, because every item you remove lowers the weight. - Hold back items you will carry yourself, such as documents, medicines and valuables. - Ask for the weight tickets and compare them with the freight bill. - Use the [inventory builder](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/inventory-builder/) to list your belongings room by room before the estimator visits. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.507 to 375.521, weighing and weight tickets](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [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 - [Long-distance moving as a Bekins agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/long-distance-moving/) - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) - [Weight ticket](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/weight-ticket/) - [Reweigh](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/reweigh/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed estimates](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/binding-vs-non-binding-estimates/) - [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/) 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 the final weight differ from the estimate? Yes, on a non-binding estimate. The final charge follows the actual weight, and your delivery payment is limited to 110 percent of the estimate. ### Do I have to attend the weighing? No, but you have the right to. Not attending means you waive that right for the first weighing; a reweigh waiver must be given in writing. ### Who weighs a Bekins shipment? The weighing follows the same federal rules for every interstate household goods shipment. Ask the office who will weigh yours and where. ## 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) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## 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