What’s Included in a Moving Estimate — and What Isn’t?
Getting a moving estimate feels straightforward — you describe your move, the company gives you a number, and you compare quotes. The problem is that what’s inside that number varies significantly from one company to the next. Two estimates that look similar on the surface can produce very different final bills depending on what each company includes, excludes, and charges for separately.
This guide walks through what a standard moving estimate covers, what commonly gets left out, and how to read an estimate so you’re comparing apples to apples.
The Two Types of Moving Estimates
Before looking at line items, you need to understand which type of estimate you’re receiving. This affects everything.
| Estimate Type | What It Means | When It’s Used |
| Binding estimate | Final price is guaranteed regardless of actual weight | Long distance / interstate moves |
| Non-binding estimate | Price is an approximation — final bill based on actual weight | Some long distance moves |
| Hourly estimate | Time-based rate; final bill depends on hours worked | Local moves |
| For interstate moves, always request a binding estimate. A non-binding estimate carries no price guarantee — your final bill could be substantially higher than quoted, and under federal law, you’re required to pay at least 110% of the non-binding estimate before your goods are released. |
What a Standard Moving Estimate Includes
A legitimate written estimate should clearly itemize what’s covered. Here’s what is typically included in the base quote:
Transportation
The truck and fuel to move your belongings from origin to destination. For local moves, this is usually included in the hourly rate. For long distance moves, it’s priced based on weight and mileage.
Labor
Loading and unloading your items. For local moves, this is part of the hourly crew charge. For long distance moves, origin and destination labor is sometimes included, sometimes quoted separately — always confirm.
Standard Liability Coverage (Released Value Protection)
All licensed interstate movers are required to include basic liability coverage in your estimate at no charge. However, this coverage is minimal: it pays 60 cents per pound per item. A 50-pound flat-screen TV that gets damaged would receive a $30 settlement under this coverage. Full value protection is a separate add-on.
Basic Equipment
Moving blankets (furniture pads), dollies, and hand trucks are standard equipment included in the base service.
What’s Typically NOT Included (Common Add-Ons)
These are the line items that most commonly cause the final bill to exceed the initial quote. Some are legitimate and unavoidable; others are sometimes not disclosed upfront.
| Add-On | Typical Cost | When It Applies |
| Packing service | $300–$2,500+ | If movers pack your boxes for you |
| Packing materials | $50–$400+ | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, paper |
| Full value protection | $150–$600+ | Enhanced liability coverage |
| Stair carry fee | $50–$150 per flight | Any stairs at origin or destination |
| Long carry fee | $75–$200+ | If truck can’t park within 75 feet |
| Elevator fee | $50–$150 | If elevator use is required |
| Shuttle fee | $150–$500+ | If a smaller truck is needed for access |
| Piano / specialty item | $150–$600+ | Pianos, safes, pool tables, artwork |
| Storage-in-transit | $100–$400+/month | If delivery is delayed |
| Appliance service | $50–$150 per unit | Washer/dryer disconnect and reconnect |
How to Read Your Estimate Correctly
When you receive a written estimate, go through it line by line with these questions:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? If non-binding, what’s the maximum I could pay?
- Is packing service included, or just transportation and labor?
- Are packing materials itemized? What’s the per-box or per-roll rate?
- Is there a stair or elevator clause? What’s the fee per flight?
- What liability coverage is included? What does full value protection cost?
- Are there any fuel surcharges, peak season fees, or weekend premiums?
- What’s the payment policy — cash, card, certified check? When is payment due?
| Ask every company the same set of questions before requesting a formal estimate. This gives you a true apples-to-apples comparison and surfaces companies that aren’t transparent about fees upfront. |
The Inventory Sheet: Your Most Important Document
For long distance moves, the estimate should be based on a written inventory of everything you’re moving — either from an in-home survey or a virtual walkthrough. This list becomes the basis for the weight estimate and the binding price.
Keep a copy of this inventory sheet. When your goods are delivered, walk through the inventory with the driver before signing the delivery receipt. Note any damaged or missing items on the bill of lading before you sign. Once you sign without noting damage, recovering compensation becomes significantly harder.
What Wheatland Van Lines Includes in Every Estimate
At Wheatland Van Lines, our written estimates are itemized and transparent. For long distance moves, we provide binding estimates — no surprise charges when the truck arrives. Our base quotes include transportation, crew labor (load and unload), and standard equipment. Request a free estimate and we’ll walk you through every line item and answer any questions about what’s included.
We serve moves across Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. Explore our long distance moving services or learn about our packing and storage options if you’d like full-service handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is packing always included in a moving estimate?
No. Packing service is almost always an add-on. A standard estimate covers transportation and labor (loading/unloading). Confirm with the mover what’s included before assuming packing is part of the quote.
Can a moving company charge more than the estimate?
It depends on the estimate type. A binding estimate locks the price. A non-binding estimate can result in a higher final bill — under FMCSA rules, you must pay at least 110% of the non-binding amount before your goods are released. Always request a binding estimate for long distance moves.
What liability coverage do movers provide?
All licensed interstate movers must include Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound per item) at no charge. Full Value Protection — which covers repair or replacement at current market value — is available for an additional fee and is usually worth the cost for long distance moves.
What should I do if the final bill is higher than the estimate?
For binding estimates, the carrier cannot charge more than the quoted price for the services listed, except for legitimate add-on services you authorized. If you have a non-binding estimate and the final bill is more than 110% of the quote, you’re entitled to 30 days to pay the balance beyond 110%. Document everything and file a complaint with the FMCSA if you believe there’s been a violation.