AI Summary: Estimate Types
- Binding estimate: Your agreed price is locked unless you add services or items.
- Non-binding estimate: Final charges can change based on actual shipment weight and services.
- Move-day risk control: Compare line-items, accessorials, and dispute terms before you sign.
Most invoice shock happens before the truck arrives. The issue is not distance or fuel alone, it is estimate structure. If you do not know which estimate type you accepted, you cannot predict your final price.
What is a binding moving estimate in 2026?
A binding estimate is a written quote where the total charge is fixed to the documented scope of work. If your inventory, pickup conditions, and destination access stay the same, the price should stay the same. The exception is change orders, such as adding packing service, storage days, or extra items after the survey.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate is a projection, not a price guarantee. The final bill is calculated from actual shipment details and services completed. Non-binding quotes can be useful for flexible scenarios, but they create uncertainty if your inventory count and access conditions are not tightly documented.
| Feature | Binding | Non-Binding |
|---|---|---|
| Price certainty | High | Medium to low |
| Scope sensitivity | Change orders drive increases | Weight and access changes drive increases |
| Best for | Households needing strict budget control | Moves with variable inventory or uncertain timing |
How to apply the 110% delivery-day rule
For non-binding interstate moves, payment due at delivery is typically capped at 110% of the estimate. Any remaining balance is billed later under the carrier's terms. This protects you from immediate over-collection, but it does not eliminate overages. Your best defense is still pre-move documentation quality.
The 7-step quote review checklist
- Confirm estimate type in writing: binding or non-binding.
- Verify full inventory line-items, including oversized pieces.
- Validate pickup and delivery access details: stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle needs.
- Check line-haul, fuel surcharge, and packing charges as separate items.
- Review cancellation, reschedule, and storage terms before deposit.
- Capture all add-on rates in writing before loading day.
- Save signed estimate, order for service, and bill of lading in one folder.
Decision Rule
If your move date is fixed and your budget has low tolerance for volatility, choose a binding estimate with a detailed pre-move survey. If your inventory is still changing weekly, use non-binding only with strict documentation and pre-agreed accessorial rates.