The Different Types of Moving Quotes: What Every Home Mover Should Know

One of the most important (and often confusing) aspects of hiring a moving company is understanding the type of quote you’re getting: binding, binding-not-to-exceed, or non-binding.

Knowing the difference will prevent any nasty surprises on moving day and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

So read on to discover all you need to know about the various types of moving quotes.

What Is a Moving Quote?

A moving quote is an estimate provided by a moving company that shows how much your move will cost based on factors like:

• The total weight or volume of your belongings
• The distance of the move
• Additional services (packing, storage, special handling, etc.)

But not all quotes are created equal. They generally fall into one of two categories: binding and non-binding, with some movers also offering binding-not-to-exceed quotes.

You may also like to read: How to Compare Moving Companies. When deciding which mover to hire, it is essential that you compare them like-for-like. In this guide, we have created a comparison chart to help you choose your moving partner more easily.

All you need to know about Binding Quotes

Binding quotes offer: Predictable pricing, but with less flexibility

What Is a Binding Quote?

A binding quote is a fixed estimate that guarantees the price of your move won’t change, as long as the inventory and requested additional services do not change.

Example: If you receive a binding quote for $3,000 based on an inventory list, and nothing changes on moving day, you pay exactly $3,000, even if your items end up weighing more than estimated.

Pros:

• Predictability: You know the exact amount you will pay.
• Protection: You’re protected from weight or time estimate errors (or scams).
• Peace of mind: Budgeting is easier with a set cost.

Cons:

• Less flexibility: Adding items or services can lead to a revised (usually higher) price.
• Upfront commitment: If you overestimate things, you might pay more than necessary.

Regulations to Know:

Under 49 CFR 375.403 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, binding estimates must:  

• Be in writing
• Clearly describe the shipment and services covered
• Be provided before the move begins

If your actual shipment exceeds what’s listed, the mover can either:

• Refuse to move the extra items
• Create a new binding quote or convert it to a non-binding estimate

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Being underinsured for your move is one of the biggest home-moving mistakes. In this guide, find out all you need to know about home moving insurance so that you don’t make the same mistake.

All You Need to Know About Non-Binding Quotes

Non-binding quotes offer flexibility but come with risks

What Is a Non-Binding Quote?

A non-binding quote is an estimate based on the mover’s best guess of your shipment’s weight and services. It’s not a guaranteed price, and you’ll be billed based on the actual cost.

Example: You receive a quote for $2,500, but your items end up weighing more, so the final bill could jump to $3,500.

Pros:

• Flexibility: Easier to make last-minute changes to your move.
• Potential savings: If your load is lighter than estimated, you could pay less.

Cons:

• Uncertainty: You have no idea what your final costs will be.
• Potential shock: Bills can be significantly higher than the original estimate.

Regulations to Know:

Per FMCSA rules (49 CFR 375.405): 

• Movers cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the original estimate at delivery (for interstate moves).
• Any remaining balance beyond the 110% must be billed later.
• However, that 110% cap applies only to services listed in the original quote. If you add items or services, the cap doesn’t apply.

You may also like to read: What is a Bill of Lading? You must know what you are signing when it comes to contracts for your home move. The bill of lading is probably the most important document to understand during your move. Here we tell you all you need to know.

All You Need to Know About Binding Not-to-Exceed Quotes

A binding-not-to-exceed quote gives you the best of both worlds: protection from unexpected costs while allowing for potential savings.

What Is a Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate?

A Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate is a type of moving quote where the mover guarantees that the final cost will not exceed the amount stated in the estimate, but it can go lower if the actual weight or services needed are less than originally calculated.

Regulations to know:

In the U.S., interstate (across state lines) moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the Household Goods Motor Carrier Regulatory Reform and Modernization Act. 

Movers are required to provide a written estimate, and binding not-to-exceed estimates must be clearly noted as such.

• Once signed, this type of estimate becomes part of the Bill of Lading, a legally binding contract.
• FMCSA regulations prohibit movers from demanding more than the not-to-exceed price for interstate moves, unless the customer requests additional services not originally included.

Important: These protections do not apply to intrastate (within the same state) moves unless the state has similar laws.

Who Benefits Most from This Type of Estimate?

A Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate is ideal for:

• Homeowners with larger or complex moves where weight could fluctuate slightly but budget certainty is crucial.
• First-time movers who want peace of mind and want to avoid surprise costs.
• Busy families or professionals who don’t have time to micromanage every detail of the move and want a clear price cap.
• Anyone moving long-distance, where upcharges due to weight variance can be significant.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Moving Company. This is a step-by-step guide to ensure that you hire the right mover for your particular home moving needs.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Quote Type

1. Accuracy of Your Inventory

• If you’re confident about your inventory and don’t plan to change anything, a binding quote gives you stability.
• If you’re unsure or likely to adjust things, a non-binding quote may offer more flexibility.

2. Your Budget

• If you’re on a tight budget and need to avoid surprises, binding is safer.
• If you’re okay with variable costs and trust your mover, non-binding could save you money.

3. Reputation of the Moving Company

• Always choose licensed, FMCSA-registered movers. You can verify this on the FMCSA’s website. 
• Check reviews, ask for references, and avoid companies that:
• Don’t offer written estimates
• Pressure you into quick decisions
• Are vague about pricing

4. The Type of Home Move

Long-distance moves, or ones involving lots of belongings, usually benefit from binding quotes because they protect you from huge cost variations, as long as nothing changes in your inventory.

You may also like to read: What is a Moving Broker? A good broker is worth their weight in gold, but a bad broker is likely to end up scamming you. Find out all you need to know about moving brokers in this essential guide.

Beware of Lowball Non-Binding Estimates

Unfortunately, moving scams often start with low, non-binding quotes. Rogue movers may lure you with a cheap estimate, then hold your belongings hostage unless you pay extortionate release fees.

Red Flags:

• No in-home or virtual survey before quoting
• Cash-only payments
• No USDOT number for interstate moves
• No SOS licensing for local in-state moves
• No physical address

Always get multiple quotes and compare like-for-like.

Be aware that even if you have a binding quote and you book through a broker, the actual company performing the move can end up charging you more.

It is a common scam that brokers will low-ball your quote to get a sale, then come moving day, the mover will discover how much you really have to move and will charge you accordingly.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid Moving Scams. In this guide, we show you the red flags to watch out for when hiring movers so that you do not become the next moving scam victim.

What’s Right for You?

Binding, non-binding, and binding-not-to-exceed quotes each have their own pros and cons.

The right one depends on your situation, your budget, and how much control you want over pricing.

The key is not changing your inventory, understanding what you’re signing, and making sure it’s backed by a reputable company.

If it all possible, never, ever add things to your inventory. Even the smallest addition could expose you to some hefty additional charges.

Type of Quote	Definition	Final Cost	Risk to You	Best For
Binding	A fixed price quote based on estimated weight and services.	Does not change, even if the actual weight is higher.	Low — You know exactly what you’ll pay.	When you want price certainty.
Non-Binding	An estimate based on expected weight and services.	It can increase if the actual weight is higher than estimated.	High — You may end up paying significantly more.	When the actual weight is uncertain or hard to estimate.
Binding Not-to-Exceed	A quote where the price is capped, but can go lower if the weight is less.	Won’t exceed the estimate, can be less if the weight is lower.	Very Low — Offers price protection and possible savings.	Ideal when you want a ceiling but hope to pay less.

Helpful Resources

• FMCSA Moving Rights & Responsibilities 
• Search for Registered Movers 
• Read Verified Reviews of Movers 

Finally, never ever sign any moving contract that you do not fully understand, and ensure everything is in writing; verbal promises mean nothing, no matter how friendly or ‘nice’ the booking agent is.

By ensuring that you understand the various types of quotes then you are less likely to get ripped off. Knowledge is power!

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides and tips to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.