An interstate move is any move that crosses a state line. Interstate household movers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets the rules for estimates, paperwork, liability and claims. This guide explains those rules in plain language so you know what to expect from any mover, including us.
1. Check the mover is registered
Every interstate household mover must have a USDOT number and operating authority (an MC number) from FMCSA. Look the numbers up on the FMCSA Protect Your Move site before you pay a deposit. Our numbers are on the licensing and insurance page.
2. Understand your estimate
Interstate movers can give three kinds of written estimate:
- Binding
- A fixed price for the items and services listed. Add items or services and the price can change.
- Non-binding
- Based on the estimated weight. The final price follows the actual weight, but at delivery you cannot be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate. Any balance is billed at least 30 days later.
- Binding not-to-exceed
- A price ceiling. You pay less if the shipment weighs less, and never more than the estimate for the listed items.
If your belongings are within 50 miles of the mover’s or its agent’s place of business, the mover must survey them before giving the estimate, unless you waive the survey in writing.
3. Know the paperwork
- Written estimate, signed by you and the mover.
- “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, the FMCSA booklet every interstate mover must give you.
- Order for service, which lists your agreed pickup date and delivery window.
- Inventory of every item, with its condition, made at loading.
- Bill of lading, the contract for transport. Read it before you sign, and keep a copy.
4. Choose your liability option
Interstate movers must offer two levels of liability for loss or damage:
- Full Value Protection
- The mover repairs the item, replaces it, or pays its current replacement value. This is the default unless you choose otherwise in writing, and it has a charge.
- Released Value
- No extra charge, but the mover is liable for only 60 cents per pound per item. A 10-pound laptop is covered for $6.
Liability options are not insurance. Check whether your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers goods in transit.
5. On delivery day
Check each item against the inventory as it comes off the truck, and write any missing or damaged items on the paperwork before you sign. Signing a clean receipt does not remove your right to claim, but notes made at delivery make a claim much easier.
6. If something is lost or damaged
- File a written claim with the mover within nine months of delivery.
- The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days.
- The mover must pay, deny or make an offer within 120 days.
- If you disagree, interstate movers must offer an arbitration program you can use to settle the dispute.
Source: FMCSA, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and 49 CFR Part 375.
Frequently asked questions
How is the cost of a long distance move calculated?
Interstate moves are priced by the weight or cubic volume of your shipment and the distance, plus any extra services such as packing, storage, long carries, stairs or shuttle trucks. Your written estimate must list every charge.
What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a fixed price for the items and services listed. A non-binding estimate can change with the actual weight, but federal rules say you cannot be required to pay more than 110% of it at delivery; any balance is billed at least 30 days later.
What is a binding not-to-exceed estimate?
It sets a price ceiling. If your shipment weighs less than estimated you pay the lower amount, and if it weighs more you still pay no more than the estimate for the items and services listed.
How long does a long distance move take?
It depends on distance and season. Your order for service must state an agreed pickup date and a delivery window, and the mover must tell you if pickup or delivery will be late. Ask for both dates in writing before you book.
What protection do I get if something is damaged?
Interstate movers must offer two liability options. Full Value Protection makes the mover repair, replace or pay the current value of a damaged item. Released Value is free but covers only 60 cents per pound per item.
How long do I have to file a damage claim?
Federal rules give you nine months from delivery to file a written claim for loss or damage. The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and accept, deny or make an offer within 120 days.
What documents should I receive before an interstate move?
You should receive a written estimate, an order for service, the FMCSA booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move", information about the mover's dispute settlement program, and a bill of lading on moving day. Keep copies of all of them.
Do I need an in-person survey for an accurate estimate?
When your household goods are within 50 miles of the mover's or its agent's place of business, federal rules require the mover to survey them before giving an estimate, unless you waive the survey in writing. A survey of every room, closet and storage area gives the most accurate price.
Last updated: October 19, 2026