Compare Long-Distance Moving Quotes & Extra Charges

Give every mover the same inventory

A useful long-distance moving quote identifies what is being moved, where it is going and what services are included. Prepare one inventory that covers cupboards, outdoor furniture, storage lockers and items that need disassembly. Provide both addresses, building access rules, packing requirements and preferred dates.

Ask the mover to explain its survey process and the assumptions behind the estimate. Save the inventory version that matches each quote. If one estimate includes a piano, professional packing and a narrow-access delivery while another does not, the difference is partly scope—not simply a cheaper mover.

A quote-comparison worksheet

FMCSA's moving glossary explains terms such as tariff, storage-related handling and valuation. Ask for plain-language explanations of unfamiliar line items rather than signing a document with unresolved abbreviations.

Compare totals after adding missing services

Consider two invented quotes for the same shipment. Quote A lists $5,200 for transport but excludes $600 packing, a $300 shuttle and $200 for the selected protection. Its comparable total is $6,300. Quote B is $6,000 and already includes those exact services, so it is $300 lower on this limited comparison.

This FeeHQ example is not a real offer or a typical moving price. It also does not assess service quality, delivery windows, tax or cancellation charges. If a charge is unknown, mark it “unpriced” and ask for the amount or charging rule. Treating an unknown as $0 makes the table misleading.

What a binding estimate does—and does not—cover

For interstate household-goods moves, FMCSA explains that a binding estimate must describe the shipment and services in writing. Added services and access-related circumstances can affect the amount owed. Tell the mover about additions before loading and obtain the appropriate written update.

A non-binding estimate is an approximation. The actual charge may depend on the shipment and services under the mover's tariff. Ask which items can change and how they will be measured. “Guaranteed quote” in a sales message is not a substitute for understanding the estimate document.

The 110% rule is not a final-price ceiling

Under the federal interstate rules, payment at delivery for a non-binding estimate is generally limited to 110% of the estimate, with exceptions for additional services you requested after the contract and certain impracticable-operation charges. FMCSA explains these exceptions, including the rule that impracticable-operation charges collected at delivery cannot exceed 15% of all other charges due at delivery. Remaining charges can still be billed later.

These federal rules concern interstate household-goods shipments. Confirm the applicable rules for a move entirely within one state. For a dispute, use the current official guidance and the documents for your own shipment.

Before you pay a deposit

Confirm the named carrier and its registration, the cancellation policy, the delivery window and who will collect payment. A company arranging transport and the carrier performing it can be different businesses. Resolve those roles before comparing deposits.

Keep your inventory, estimate, communications and agreed changes together. If a revised document appears on moving day, read what changed before signing. For the broader budget—including your own travel and storage—return to our long-distance moving cost guide.