New York Hourly Moves vs Binding Estimates

By James Brazil

James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.

Published 10 November 2026 · Updated 10 November 2026

For a move within New York State, every licensed mover has to offer hourly rates, and some also offer a written binding estimate. On an hourly move, you sign a non-binding estimate and order for service before anything is loaded. A binding estimate locks the price to an inspection and a signed inventory.

Which one you pick changes what you sign, how you're billed, and what you have to pay before the truck unloads. These rules come from NYSDOT's tariff guidelines and its consumer booklet.

How does an hourly move work in New York?

NYSDOT says hourly-rated moves need two forms:

• Non-binding estimate and order for service. Filled out before the move starts and signed by you and the mover. You fill in the valuation part yourself, and you get a copy when it's signed
• Bill of lading. Lists your name, addresses, pickup and delivery dates, start time, number of trucks and workers, and the price per hour. The hourly price has to be filled in before the move begins

At the end, the mover writes the total charges, you sign the delivery receipt, and you get a copy.

How is hourly time counted?

NYSDOT's model tariff starts the clock when the van arrives at your home and stops it when your things are delivered. Time is billed in quarter hours:

• 15 minutes or less: a quarter hour
• More than 15 and up to 30 minutes: a half hour
• More than 30 and up to 45 minutes: three quarters of an hour
• More than 45 minutes: a full hour

Travel time is added on top, once from the mover's terminal to your old place and once from your new place back to the terminal. Some movers start the clock when the crew leaves the terminal instead. NYSDOT's booklet says if they do that, there shouldn't be a separate travel time charge. Check which method your mover uses and initial the start and finish times.

How does a binding estimate work?

It's optional for movers. If one offers it, NYSDOT says the binding estimate must:

• Be in writing and signed and dated by both of you
• Be based on a physical inspection of what's being moved
• Come with a detailed inventory sheet, signed by both of you
• List every service covered, like moving a piano or stair carries
• Stay valid at least 30 days
• Show an hourly rate for any extra labor you ask for later

The binding price holds whether your stuff weighs a little more or less than expected. But if you add items or services, the mover can adjust the estimate or write a new one.

How much do I have to pay at delivery?

The order for service lists the maximum amount you must pay to get your things released. NYSDOT's booklet says to have that ready in cash, certified check, or money order unless you've arranged credit in advance.

If the final bill runs higher than the estimate, NYSDOT limits what's due on the spot:

• Hourly moves. The amount due at delivery can run up to 25% over the estimate
• Weight-based and binding moves. Up to 10% over
• Anything above that. You get 15 days to pay

On a binding estimate dispute, NYSDOT's tariff guidelines say the mover has to release your whole shipment once you pay the binding amount plus 10%, and wait at least 15 days (not counting weekends and holidays) for the rest.

What is valuation, and what should I pick?

Valuation is the mover's liability if something is lost or damaged. It isn't insurance. NYSDOT's model tariff sets the defaults:

• Hourly moves. If you write "30 cents per pound per article" on the bill of lading, that's the limit, at no extra charge. If you write nothing, the shipment is released at a lump sum of $2,500
• Declaring more. You can declare a higher lump sum value, at 50 cents per $100. A $2,500 declaration costs $12.50
• Weight-based moves. The free level is 60 cents per pound per article, and declared values start at $1.25 times the shipment's weight
• Binding estimates. The form offers $5,000 in valuation. If you turn that down without picking another amount, it falls to 60 cents per pound per article

Thirty cents a pound is very little. A 10-pound lamp would be worth $3. If you own anything you'd hate to lose, declare a real value and write it in your own handwriting where the form asks.

What should I watch for on the paperwork?

A short list:

• Never sign a blank or incomplete form. Write "N/A" and draw a line through empty spaces
• Make sure the hourly rate, crew size, and number of trucks are filled in before work starts
• Ask what packing materials cost, since NYSDOT says not to expect free boxes or wardrobes
• Check the inventory against what's in the truck before the driver leaves
• Note any missing or damaged items on the bill of lading at delivery

NYSDOT also bars delivery receipts with language that releases the mover from liability, other than a note that goods arrived in apparent good condition except as marked.

If you haven't picked a company yet, start with how to hire a NYSDOT-licensed mover. Moving out of state? Different rules. See moving out of New York.

FAQ

Do New York movers have to offer hourly rates?
Yes. NYSDOT says all New York intrastate movers must offer hourly-rated moves. Binding estimates are optional.

Is a binding estimate a guaranteed price?
For the items and services listed, yes. If you add items or services, the mover can adjust it.

How much over the estimate can a mover collect at delivery?
Up to 25% over on hourly moves and up to 10% over on weight-based or binding moves. You get 15 days to pay the rest.

What happens if I leave the valuation section blank on an hourly move?
The shipment is released at a lump sum value of $2,500 under NYSDOT's model tariff.

Next step

If you're buying or selling, a licensed local real estate agent can help you time the move with your closing and share mover names past clients used. Get quotes in both formats if the mover offers them. More guides are on the New York movers page.

Sources: NYSDOT: The Mover's Guide to Transporting Household Goods in New York State, including the Summary of Information for Shippers (PDF), NYS Department of State: Tips to avoid moving scams.