Question 1

What should a moving contract include?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive moving contract should include the full legal names and addresses of the customer and the moving company, the origin and destination addresses, the move date and backup date, a detailed inventory list of all items being moved (including descriptions of high-value items), the type of estimate (binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed), the total estimated cost and how the final price is determined, packing services included or excluded, the valuation coverage level (released-value or full-value protection), any items the mover will not transport (hazardous materials, perishables, plants, pets, irreplaceable documents), the delivery window and any guaranteed delivery date, storage charges if applicable, payment terms and accepted methods, the claims process for lost or damaged items, and the mover's USDOT number and state licensing information for interstate moves.

Question 2

What is the difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate?

Accepted Answer

A binding estimate guarantees that the customer will pay the quoted price regardless of the actual weight or time required for the move — the mover absorbs the risk of underestimating. A non-binding estimate is an approximation based on the mover's assessment of the shipment; the actual charge is determined after the move by the shipment's actual weight or actual time. Federal law requires that the final charge on a non-binding estimate cannot exceed 110% of the estimated amount at delivery — the mover must collect the remaining balance within 30 days. A binding not-to-exceed estimate combines the best of both: the customer pays the quoted price or the actual cost, whichever is lower. The contract should clearly state which type of estimate applies, as this fundamentally affects the customer's financial exposure.

Question 3

What is valuation coverage in a moving contract?

Accepted Answer

Valuation coverage (sometimes incorrectly called 'moving insurance') determines the mover's liability for lost or damaged items. Federal regulations require interstate movers to offer two levels: released-value protection (included at no additional cost) limits the mover's liability to $0.60 per pound per article — meaning a 50-pound flat-screen TV destroyed during the move would yield only a $30 payout; and full-value protection (available at additional cost) requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay the current market value of lost or damaged items. The contract should specify which level of coverage the customer has selected, the deductible for full-value protection (if any), items excluded from coverage, and the documentation required to file a claim. Customers should also consider purchasing separate moving insurance from a third-party insurer for high-value items.

Question 4

How are moving companies regulated?

Accepted Answer

Interstate movers (moving across state lines) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must hold a USDOT number and operating authority (MC number). Federal regulations govern estimates, contracts (bills of lading), valuation coverage, claims procedures, and consumer protections. Intrastate movers (moving within a single state) are regulated by state agencies — typically the state's public utilities commission, department of transportation, or secretary of state. Licensing requirements, insurance minimums, and consumer protections vary dramatically by state. Some states (California, Florida, Texas) have robust movers' licensing requirements, while others have minimal regulation. The contract should include the mover's USDOT number (for interstate moves), state license number (for intrastate moves), and proof of required insurance coverage.

Question 5

What items will movers refuse to transport?

Accepted Answer

Most moving companies have a list of non-allowable items that they will not load onto their trucks due to safety, legal, or practical considerations. Common exclusions include hazardous materials (propane tanks, gasoline, paint, chemicals, ammunition, fireworks), perishable food items, live plants (which may also be restricted by state agricultural laws when crossing state lines), pets and live animals, personal documents and irreplaceable items (passports, birth certificates, wills, jewelry, family photos, medications) that the customer should transport personally, and items that are difficult to move safely (certain firearms, large aquariums with water, disassembled items without hardware). The contract should explicitly list the mover's excluded items and place the responsibility on the customer to remove these items from the shipment.

Question 6

How should a moving contract handle delivery windows?

Accepted Answer

For local moves, delivery typically occurs on the same day as pickup. For long-distance moves, delivery windows can span several days to several weeks depending on the distance and route logistics. The contract should specify the pickup date, the estimated delivery date or delivery window (a range of dates within which the mover will deliver), whether the delivery date is guaranteed (guaranteed-service options are available at additional cost from most carriers), the daily storage charge if the customer is not ready to receive delivery within the window, the mover's obligation to notify the customer of the delivery date (typically 24-48 hours' notice), and the compensation or penalty if the mover delivers outside the agreed window. Long-distance moves often involve consolidated loads (multiple shipments on one truck), which means the delivery date depends on the route and other customers' schedules.

Question 7

What happens if items are damaged during a move?

Accepted Answer

The claims process is governed by federal regulations for interstate moves and by state law for intrastate moves. For interstate moves, the customer must file a written claim with the mover within nine months of delivery, and the mover must acknowledge the claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. The contract should document the condition of items before the move (through inventory sheets annotated by both parties at pickup), the condition of items at delivery (the customer should note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing), the specific claims-filing procedure (who to contact, what documentation is required, the mover's timeline for resolution), and the valuation coverage level that determines the maximum payout. Customers should photograph all high-value items before the move and keep an inventory with estimated values.

Question 8

How are moving costs calculated?

Accepted Answer

Moving costs are calculated differently for local and long-distance moves. Local moves (typically within 50-100 miles) are usually priced by the hour — a rate per hour per mover (typically $25-50 per mover per hour) multiplied by the number of movers and hours worked, plus a truck charge and any materials (boxes, tape, padding) used. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance — the total weight of the shipment (determined by weighing the truck before and after loading) multiplied by a per-pound rate that varies by distance. Additional charges may include packing and unpacking services, specialty-item handling (pianos, pool tables, antiques, artwork), stair or elevator carries, long-carry fees (when the truck cannot park close to the building entrance), storage charges, and shuttle-vehicle charges (when a full-size truck cannot access the destination).

Question 9

What should a customer do before signing a moving contract?

Accepted Answer

Before signing, the customer should verify the mover's credentials (USDOT number on the FMCSA website for interstate movers, state license number for intrastate movers), read the entire contract including all fine print and attached addenda, understand the type of estimate (binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed), select the appropriate valuation coverage level, review the inventory list for accuracy and completeness, understand the pickup and delivery schedule, clarify payment terms and accepted methods (some movers require cash or certified check at delivery), ask about additional fees that could increase the final cost (stairs, long carry, shuttle), document the condition of all valuable items with photographs, and get everything in writing — verbal promises from movers are unenforceable if they contradict the written contract.

Component	Purpose	Key Details
Inventory	Documents every item being moved	Room-by-room list, condition notes, high-value items
Estimate Type	Sets pricing commitment	Binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed
Valuation Coverage	Determines damage liability limits	Released value ($0.60/lb) vs. full value protection
Packing Services	Defines what the mover packs vs. customer	Full pack, partial pack, self-pack, materials cost
Delivery Window	Sets expected delivery timeframe	Date range, guaranteed date option, delay penalties
Additional Charges	Discloses extra fees	Stairs, long carry, shuttle, storage, specialty items
Claims Procedure	Establishes damage resolution process	Filing deadline, documentation, resolution timeline
Licensing	Verifies mover credentials	USDOT number, MC number, state license, insurance

Free Moving Contract Forms

What Is a Moving Contract?

Complete Inventory

Valuation Coverage

FMCSA Compliant

Moving Contract Form Preview

Moving Service Contract

Key Components of a Moving Contract

How to Create a Moving Contract

Verify Credentials and Survey the Move

Choose Estimate Type and Valuation Coverage

Document the Inventory and Packing Services

Set Delivery Window and Additional Charges

Finalize Claims Procedure and Legal Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Resources

Ready to Create Your Moving Contract?