Binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed
A non-binding estimate can legally grow. A binding estimate locks the price to the inventory. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is best for you: it can go down if your shipment weighs less, but never up. Ask for that in writing.
Dedicated truck vs consolidated freight
Consolidated shipments share trailer space with other households. They're cheaper, but delivery windows stretch to one to three weeks and your goods get handled multiple times. A dedicated truck costs more and delivers in days with one crew touching your things.
What to keep out of the truck
Nothing irreplaceable should ride in a moving truck on a multi-day haul.
- Passports, birth certificates, titles and closing documents
- Jewelry, cash and small valuables
- Prescriptions and medical devices
- Laptops and external drives
- Anything you'd need within 48 hours of arrival
Delivery day logistics
Confirm whether a tractor-trailer can legally reach your new street. Many new subdivisions and urban blocks require a shuttle to a smaller truck, which costs extra if it wasn't in the quote. Ask before you sign.