Which extra moving charges should I ask about before accepting an estimate?
Use an accessorial-charge checklist to uncover stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttles, packing, storage, permits, waiting time, and other services before an interstate mover loads the truck.
Before accepting an interstate moving estimate, give the mover a complete inventory and access description for both addresses, then ask the written estimate to identify transportation, accessorial, and advance charges. Discuss stairs, elevators, walking distance, parking, shuttles, bulky items, packing materials, disassembly, storage, waiting time, and required permits. Confirm whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, what payment methods are accepted at delivery, and how added items or services will be documented before loading.
The best time to control an extra charge is before the mover arrives. An estimate based on a partial inventory or vague access description cannot price the work accurately. For an interstate household-goods move, FMCSA requires the mover to prepare a written estimate that includes transportation, accessorial, and advance charges; a rate quote by itself is not the same thing.
Describe both addresses, not just the shipment
Access details to disclose
✓
Stairs and elevators
Give the floor, number of stair flights, elevator dimensions, reservation window, and loading-dock rules.
✓
Carry distance
Estimate the distance from the legal truck position to each door and note narrow halls, gates, or courtyards.
✓
Truck access
Identify low bridges, weight limits, steep or narrow roads, private drives, gated entries, and whether a smaller shuttle truck may be needed.
✓
Parking
Ask the building or city about permits, loading zones, time limits, and who obtains and pays for permission.
✓
Timing
Disclose building hours, elevator windows, closing dates, storage gaps, and any date when access is uncertain.
Put optional services on the estimate
Charges that commonly sit outside basic transportation
Packing or unpacking labor and cartons, tape, mattress bags, crates, or other materials.
Disassembly, reassembly, appliance preparation, or third-party services.
Bulky or specialty handling for items such as a piano, safe, large exercise machine, artwork, or unusually heavy furniture.
Shuttle service, elevator service, stair carry, long carry, waiting time, or extra stops.
Storage-in-transit, warehouse handling, redelivery, and final-mile access charges.
Valuation option, deductible, and any separately purchased insurance product.
Understand the estimate type
Binding versus non-binding
Question
Binding estimate
Non-binding estimate
What it represents
Agreed price for the listed shipment and services
Expected cost based on estimated weight, services, and tariff
Amount due for listed work at delivery
Generally 100% of the binding estimate
Generally no more than 110% of the non-binding estimate
If the shipment changes before loading
Reaffirm or prepare a revised written estimate or written conversion
Reaffirm or prepare a revised written estimate
Why detail matters
Unlisted items and services fall outside the agreed scope
Actual weight and performed services can change the final total
Questions to ask in one email
Estimate confirmation
Is this binding or non-binding, and is it issued by the carrier that will transport the shipment?
Which accessorial and advance charges are included, and which tariff provisions could add charges?
What happens if the mover discovers more items or different access before loading?
Which services requested after signing are collected at delivery?
Which payment methods will the mover accept at pickup and delivery?
Who should I contact if destination access changes before the truck arrives?
SUMMARY
The bottom line
Make the inventory and access description as complete as the price comparison. A lower estimate that omits stairs, parking, shuttle access, packing, or storage is not necessarily a lower-cost move.
Common questions
Before you move on
What is an accessorial moving charge?+
It is a charge for a service beyond basic transportation, such as packing, stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttles, storage, waiting, or specialty handling, as defined by the mover's tariff and estimate.
Can a mover change a binding estimate?+
If the shipment or requested services differ before loading, the mover may reaffirm the original estimate or prepare a revised written agreement under the federal rules. Read and keep any revision before loading begins.
Does the federal estimate rule apply to a local move?+
FMCSA household-goods rules discussed here apply to interstate moves. In-state and local moves are generally regulated by the state, which may use different estimate and payment rules.
Should I ask for the mover's tariff?+
Yes, especially with a non-binding estimate or when accessorial charges are possible. The tariff explains rates, charge definitions, and payment terms used to calculate the final bill.
