What do you do if the mover changes price on the spot?

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by RikkiTikki

Not necessarily. Depends on the type of move (local, intrastate, interstate, or international) and the applicable household goods carrier regulations.

Under federal law, interstate moving estimates can be one of two types. Non-binding based on the estimated weight of goods and services that a customer declares need to be moved; or, more frequently, fixed price (or binding) based on the same list using the pricing policies and criteria defined in each carrier’s unique tariff. The different variations of binding agreements make this estimate type more popular with shippers because of the perceived level of price certainty.

You forgot one: There is also a "not to exceed" contract price. Its based an the written estimate given by the mover when they come to your home & review the goods to be moved. The price is either written up on the spot or provided within a couple of business days. Actual cost is based on weight (so the actual price could be less) but the price charged will not be more than the maximum amount agreed upon. This is the method used by many of the nationally known movers (United, Grabel, etc) for interstate moves. I've used it for 3 moves now and have found it to be the best method for peace of mind. Never EVER agree to cost based on square footage used! Always go with a company that sets the cost based on weight. It is a really large red flag if the company says that the cost is based on sq footage. That is how most (if not all) of the scammers operate. For more information on how to find a good mover, your rights as a customer and how to file a complaint, go to the website www.movingscam.com . You will find an amazing amount of info there.

[RikkiTikki]

Nope. Didn't forget any. Under the provision of 49CFR§375.401 of FMCSA's consumer protection regulations for transportation of household goods in interstate commerce there are only two type of estimates required by law.

The guaranteed-not-to-exceed (GNTE) estimate (or one of the other versions uniquely named by participating carriers) is a industry variation of a binding estimate (49CFR§375.403). Nowhere in the federal regulations are there any provisions that require a licensed carrier to offer or administer a not-to-exceed option.

Despite the fact that there is no legal requirement, most of the top twelve national van lines and many independent movers offer some version of GNTE estimates to customer's looking for price certainty.

Typically the binding estimated cost may be a little higher than an actual weight estimate to allow a margin of error, but the cost will go down if the customer has less weight or requires fewer services.

[Sierra57]

The only time I have hired a moving company was in 1996 to move from IN to CA. Despite my having a SIGNED CONTRACT stating my belongings would be delivered on 1/6/97, they actually didn't arrive for another 3 weeks (and they picked them up at 3pm on the last day of their "pick-up window"). NorthAmerican van lines took $300 off the total due, but I've always wondered what good a signed contract is?!

[RikkiTikki]

Its rare for any interstate household goods carrier to apply a spread of dates for an agreed pick up but only have a single, set date for delivery on their bill of lading (contract) - especially during the critical holiday season - unless the contents of your home either filled up an entire van or you paid for exclusive use of the vehicle.

The $300 offered as settlement for your 3 weeks of inconvenience 16 years ago suggests neither contract condition applied.

[NowSoFlorida]

This is scary and you should go with a legit company. Check the online reviews too. Some places give you a lower quote because they plan to hold your stuff hostage and steal from you and you end up paying more than with the legit company.