Long-distance moving costs, explained
What goes into a long-distance moving estimate: shipment weight, distance, extra services, and the federal rules on binding and non-binding estimates.
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Quick answer
The cost of a long-distance move depends mostly on how much your shipment weighs and how far it travels, plus extra services such as packing, storage and stairs. Interstate movers must give you a written estimate. A binding estimate sets what you pay at delivery for the listed items and services. With a non-binding estimate, you pay no more than 110 percent of it at delivery and any balance is billed later.
What goes into a long-distance estimate
Federal rules require an interstate mover to put every charge in a written estimate, dated and signed by you and the mover. A spoken quote over the phone is not an estimate.
Most of the total is transportation, which is usually priced on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels. On top of that come accessorial services you ask for or that your homes require, and advanced charges for work done by a third party, such as servicing an appliance.
Binding and non-binding estimates
A binding estimate is a written agreement made before the move. You cannot be required to pay more than its amount at delivery for the items and services it lists. If you add items or services, you and the mover can keep the original estimate, write a new one, or convert it to a non-binding estimate. Charges for conditions at the destination that could not be foreseen, such as stairs, elevators or parking permits, can be billed after delivery. A mover may charge a fee to prepare a binding estimate.
A non-binding estimate is the mover’s forecast. The final bill follows the actual weight, the services provided and the mover’s published tariff, so it can differ from the estimate. At delivery the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate. Any remaining charges are billed after 30 days from delivery, and the shipment must be weighed with signed weight tickets.
Either way, an estimate can only be changed before your shipment is loaded, not after.
Factors that move the total up or down
These are the inputs that most often change a long-distance estimate.
- Shipment weight: more rooms, heavier furniture and full garages all add weight.
- Distance: a longer haul adds driving days, fuel and crew time.
- Access at both homes: flights of stairs, elevators and long walks to the truck can be separate charges.
- Packing: crew packing adds labor and materials.
- Storage: holding items between pickup and delivery adds handling and storage charges.
- Valuation coverage: check whether your estimate uses full value protection or the written waiver, because the choice is part of the total.
- Dates: dates in high demand can cost more, and a flexible pickup window can help.
Why Network Moving does not quote a price
Network Moving does not publish prices online. A useful number depends on what you are moving and the access at both homes, so federal rules ask the mover to base the estimate on a physical survey of your household goods, either on site or by video, unless you waive it in writing.
Use the cost factor explainer to see which parts of your move matter most, then request a written estimate for your own inventory and dates.
How to compare two estimates
Line up the estimates on the same terms before you look at the totals.
- The same inventory, room by room.
- The same services: packing, storage, stairs and any special items.
- The same valuation option.
- Binding or non-binding, written on the estimate.
- The mover’s USDOT number, checked on the FMCSA website.
FAQ
Questions about moving costs
Is a phone quote the same as an estimate?
No. Under federal rules a verbal quote is not an official estimate. An interstate mover must give you a written estimate of all charges, dated and signed by you and the mover.
What if my shipment weighs more than the estimate assumed?
On a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery. Any remaining charges are billed after 30 days from delivery, and the weight must be backed by signed weight tickets.
Can the total change on a binding estimate?
You cannot be required to pay more than the binding estimate at delivery for the items and services it lists, and the estimate cannot be changed after loading. If you add items or services before loading, you and the mover can keep it, write a new binding estimate, or switch to a non-binding one. Charges for conditions at the destination that could not be foreseen, such as stairs, elevators or parking permits, can be billed after delivery.
Does my move date affect the cost?
It can. Dates in high demand can cost more. If your dates are flexible, say so and ask each mover whether a different pickup window changes the estimate.
Does Network Moving list its prices?
No. Share your route, home size and move date, and a moving consultant calls you. You get a written, itemized estimate you can review before you commit.
Sources
- 49 CFR Part 375, Appendix A: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (eCFR) (opens in a new tab)
- FMCSA: Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (booklet) (opens in a new tab)
- FMCSA: What is a binding move estimate? (opens in a new tab)
- FMCSA Protect Your Move (opens in a new tab)
Last updated November 1, 2026
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