Estimate comparison checklist
Before choosing an estimate, confirm: • The legal business name and whether the move is intrastate or interstate. • Whether transportation is calculated by labor time, shipment weight or another stated method. • Whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. • Which services, materials and access assumptions are included. • How travel time, minimum charges, waiting time or schedule changes are handled. • What can change the amount and how additional work must be authorized. • Which valuation option applies; valuation is a separate issue from the pricing format. • The expected total under the same move scope, rather than one company’s hourly rate against another company’s incomplete total.
Hourly and weight-based pricing compared
An hourly estimate calculates eligible charges using time, often combined with a specified crew or equipment configuration. Ask when billable time starts and ends, whether a minimum applies, and how travel, breaks, delays or extra labor are treated. Difficult access, unplanned packing and an inventory larger than disclosed may increase the time required. A weight-based estimate calculates transportation in relation to shipment weight and may also reflect distance and selected services. Ask whether the weight is estimated or measured, how actual weight is documented, and which charges sit outside the transportation calculation. Interstate estimates commonly consider shipment weight, distance and selected services. North Carolina intrastate charges may be governed by an applicable tariff or contract; the North Carolina Utilities Commission publishes Maximum Rate Tariff No. 1 as part of the state’s regulated framework. Neither method is automatically less expensive. The useful comparison is the written total for the same inventory, addresses, access conditions and service level.
Binding and non-binding terms
A binding estimate generally commits the mover to the stated charge for the work and shipment described in the agreement. It does not make added inventory, newly requested services or undisclosed access problems free. Read the document for conditions governing scope changes. A non-binding estimate is an informed projection rather than a fixed final amount. The actual charge can vary under the applicable rules and agreement. Ask what will be measured, what could cause a revision and when you will receive notice. Do not infer the estimate type from phrases such as “flat rate” or “guaranteed.” Look for the written classification, scope, exclusions and procedure for approving changes.
Build an apples-to-apples total
Give each mover the same room-by-room inventory and disclose stairs, elevators, loading restrictions, long carries, oversized items, packing needs, storage and both addresses. Photos or video may help clarify items and access when accepted. For a detailed preparation method, use the moving inventory guide at /resources/moving-inventory-for-quotes/. Review possible additions such as packing labor, cartons and protective materials, disassembly or assembly, bulky-item handling, stair or elevator access, long carries, waiting time, storage, extra stops and date changes. A charge should not be assumed to apply—or to be included—unless the written estimate says so. Create one comparison sheet with the calculation basis, estimated quantity of hours or weight, included services, additional-charge rules, valuation selection and projected total. For move-specific pricing factors, see /cost-guide/. Then request a written estimate through /contact/ using the same documented scope for every comparison. Sources: North Carolina Utilities Commission — Transportation: https://www.ncuc.gov/industries/transportation/transportation.html; North Carolina Department of Justice — Moving Companies: https://ncdoj.gov/protecting-yourself/home-repair-and-products/moving-companies/