Moving Company Quotes

Any company doing business will have a rate for their services. In the moving business, companies have flat rates for each of the services they offer whether per hour, pound, or mile. They tabulate these rates and forward them to the client in the form of an estimate based on what they are moving. A general warning to movers is not to hire any company that is willing to give you quotes based on volume. This is a major source of exploitation done on unsuspecting clients. It does not take into consideration light bulky items. Any quote must be dated and clearly state the terms of the contract including method of payment, all services rendered, and any discounts offered.

Types of Quotes

There are two basic types of quotes: non-binding and binding.

• Non-Binding Quote: This is a free estimate of the cost to move your belongings. Clients must bear in mind that it is more likely that the final cost will exceed this non-binding estimate. The estimate must be in writing and give an accurate description of the shipment along with the services rendered. Never sign a quote that does not specify the cost for the mover’s services. The mover must clearly state that the cost mentioned are estimates, however, state laws does not allow them to increase the final charges above 110% of the estimated cost. The Mover has the right to refuse any additional items or services requested previously unmentioned on the non-binding quote. You must come to some agreement on how to address the problem or have a new estimate done. By law, you have one hour to decide on your course of action to resolve the issue. Both you and the mover must retain all documentation for any problems that may arise.
• Binding Quote: A binding quote signifies a commitment that the mover has to any prices quoted in the estimate. This type of quote is the less popular of the two. So if your shipment barring additional items, weighs more than what was estimated, you only pay what the mover had stated. As a result, it is incumbent on the mover to give an accurate description of the shipment including weights and services rendered. The quote must also state the methods of payment accepted, and the final cost. The mover reserves the right to hold onto your belongings until all bills are settled. An important feature of this type of quote is that the mover must declare that the values quoted is binding and attach it to the bill of laden. Keep a copy of this and all other documentation incase it is required in the future. If additional items turns up that are not on the estimate, the mover reserves the right to refuse them. The best option is to negotiate a settlement or avoid creating such circumstances. Once there is an agreement, the mover must reaffirm the binding status of the contract. After this, you can make no changes to the quote and payment made on delivery.

The best solution for both client and mover is a combination of the two. In the industry, they refer to this as a 'Binding not to exceed estimate.' In this term, if the final weight exceeds that estimated by the mover, then the client only pays the estimated cost. If the final weight is less, then the client pays for the actual weight. Therefore, from the client’s point of view, their cost cannot go higher than the estimated price. As a rule of thumb, clients must always ask for this type of quote.