INTERSTATE MOVING

INTERSTATE moves, when they are performed by licensed movers, are typically based on the weight of all the items being moved, but under some circumstances may be based on volume.

If the charges are based on weight, the truck is placed on a commercial scale before your household goods are loaded, and again after it’s been loaded with your furniture. The cost is based on a price per pound, plus additional fees, for such things as packing, additional services or other items.

Remember that many factors may cause the weight of a vehicle to vary. A truck with fully loaded fuel tanks will weigh considerably more than a truck with empty tanks. If your goods are moved to a different trailer, or if a trailer is hooked up to a different tractor-trailer, the total weight will vary.

If the weight is based on volume, the number of square feet that your property takes up will determine the charges. Remember that many different factors can affect this charge. An unscrupulous mover will load empty boxes, place small items in large containers, or add on exceptionally high charges for packing material.

FMCSA rules spell out a number of rights for consumers who are making an Interstate move. The agency has a publication, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, which must be provided by any company that offers to move you to another state.

The federal agency also requires these companies to let you inspect their “Tariff,” which spells out all provisions of their fees. Be wary of any company that refuses to give you a copy of their tariff.

Under federal rules, interstate moving companies can give you two different types of estimates, binding or non-binding.

A binding estimate specifies the precise cost of the move in advance, based on the weight of the items to be moved and any additional services requested. A non-binding estimate allows a moving company to demand payment for additional charges but they can require only 10 percent more than the original estimate when they complete delivery.

If the charges on a non-binding estimate exceed these limits, the company will bill a customer for any additional charges within 30 days of completing the move.

There is one exception to the rule on non-binding charges. A company can specify in its Tariff that it can collect 15 percent more than a non-binding estimate in cases where “impracticable operations,” such as a shuttle, is needed to complete a move. Once again, if they are due more than that amount, they must send you a bill within 30 days of completing the move.