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Binding and non binding moving estimates
FMCSA says your mover must provide a written estimate of all charges, including transportation, accessorial and advance charges, based on an actual or virtual inspection of your goods. A rate quote is not an estimate. (source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
A binding estimate means you do not pay more than the estimate at delivery, and you pay 100 percent of it then. If you add items or services, the mover must prepare a new binding estimate. (source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
A non binding estimate is not a guarantee, but the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of it at delivery. (source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
Liability options
The federal booklet lists two liability options: Full Value Protection, where the mover repairs or replaces lost or damaged items, and a written Waiver of Full Value Protection at 60 cents per pound. (source: eCFR)
These federal rules cover moves across state lines. For a move inside Utah we found no Utah law setting estimate or liability rules for movers, so get price, payment terms and damage coverage in writing before loading. Complaints can go to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection. (source: Utah Division of Consumer Protection)
In this guide: Binding and non binding moving estimates · Moving company red flags · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: What is a binding move estimate? (checked October 30, 2026)
- eCFR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rule): 49 CFR Part 375, Appendix A: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (checked October 30, 2026)
- Utah Division of Consumer Protection: DCP Complaint (checked October 30, 2026)
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