North Carolina Moving Estimates: Binding, Non-Binding, and Not-to-Exceed
James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.
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If you request it in time, a North Carolina certificated mover has to give you a free written estimate on a Utilities Commission-approved form. There are three kinds: non-binding, binding guaranteed, and binding not-to-exceed. The type you sign decides what you can be asked to pay when the truck arrives.
When does a mover have to give a written estimate?
The Commission's Moving 101 guide says a mover must provide a free written estimate on the approved form if you request one, with two exceptions. The mover is not required to give a written estimate if you ask less than five business days before the move, or if the total weight is under 500 pounds.
Most movers will not write an estimate until they see the items. That's in your interest. A walk-through that includes the attic, the shed, and the piano produces a better number than a phone call. Get written estimates from more than one certificated company, give each the same information, and ask how you could lower the cost.
A phone or internet quote is not the same thing. The Commission warns that some websites belong to brokers, and that an uncertificated crew can show up anyway. Use those quotes only as a starting point, then verify the C number and get the written form.
If the job changes after the estimate, for example you sell a bedroom set or you add a hot tub, complete an Addendum to the Estimated Cost of Services. If you ask for work that isn't on the estimate and you don't sign an addendum, the mover may refuse to do that work.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding written estimate shows the approximate charges. At delivery, you pay the actual charges. If those actual charges are more than 110% of the written estimate plus any addendum, you may pay 110% at delivery and the balance within 30 days. Payments after 30 days may accrue a 1% monthly finance charge. You can also just pay the full amount at delivery if you prefer.
The 110% option is a payment-timing rule, not a cap on the final bill. You still owe the actual tariff charges. What it does is keep a mover from demanding the entire overrun before unloading.
What is a binding guaranteed estimate?
A binding guaranteed estimate is fully binding on both you and the mover for the services it lists. At delivery, you pay the estimated amount, plus charges for any additional services you requested. If some listed services are no longer needed, a completed addendum should remove those charges.
This type gives you price certainty, as long as you don't add work on moving day. If you do add work, expect an addendum and a higher bill.
What is a binding not-to-exceed estimate?
A binding not-to-exceed estimate is a guaranteed maximum for the move as described, as long as you don't request extra services. After the job, the mover calculates the actual charges. If they're lower than the estimate, you pay the actual charges. If they're higher, you pay the estimate. Added services, documented on an addendum, can still increase the total.
For many households, this is the easiest structure to understand: you won't pay more than the number on the form unless you add work, and you might pay less.
How do you pay at delivery?
Payment is expected at delivery. The Commission notes that most movers accept cash, a certified check, a money order, or a traveler's check, and that many do not accept personal checks or cards. Confirm the acceptable form of payment before moving day so you're not standing in a driveway without a way to pay.
Don't sign blank forms. Make sure the bill of lading lists the services and charges in detail, and get copies of the bill of lading, any addendum, and the inventory.
What details should the estimate include?
A useful written estimate does more than show a dollar amount. Before you sign, make sure it lists:
- The mover's legal name and C number.
- Origin and destination addresses, and whether stairs, long carries, or a shuttle are expected.
- The estimate type: non-binding, binding guaranteed, or binding not-to-exceed.
- The services included, such as packing, appliance work, or bulky-item handling, and the services that would cost extra.
- How weight will be determined on a move of 36 miles or more.
- The valuation option you're choosing, even if you'll also confirm it on the bill of lading.
- The form of payment required at delivery.
If any of those lines are blank, ask for a revised form. Comparing three estimates is only helpful if they describe the same job. A low number that leaves out packing or a piano is not a bargain.
FAQ
Is a written estimate required for every North Carolina move?
A certificated mover must give a free written estimate on the Commission form if you request it, unless you ask less than five business days before the move or the shipment weighs less than 500 pounds.
What does the 110% rule do?
On a non-binding estimate, if the actual charges are more than 110% of the estimate and addenda, you may pay 110% at delivery and the rest within 30 days.
Which estimate type can come in under the quoted price?
A binding not-to-exceed estimate. You pay the actual charges if they're lower, or the estimate if the actual charges are higher, unless you added services.
Can the mover change the estimate on moving day?
Only for added or removed services, and that should be written on an addendum you sign. Don't agree to a verbal change with no paperwork.
Next step
Ask two or three NCUC-certificated movers for the same written estimate type, then review the form with a licensed local agent or a trusted family member before you sign. Confirm the estimate type, the payment method, and what happens if the weight or the services change.
Sources: N.C. Utilities Commission, Moving 101.
General notes for moves in and to North Carolina. Not a quote or a recommendation of any specific company. Confirm details with the mover you hire.
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