How To Get An Accurate Moving Quote With Movers
- American National Movers
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
To obtain an accurate moving quote, the key is to choose a long distance mover that charges a rate per pound, not by cubic feet. Weight is easier to estimate upfront, and experienced movers can get close based on your inventory. Even if the estimate is slightly off, it's easy to verify any up-charge with certified weight tickets after pickup.
Pro tip:
When negotiating your quote, request a Binding Not‑to‑Exceed (BNTE) price so you know your ceiling before anyone loads a box. Some companies may charge a little more for a true flat/guaranteed price—decide if the peace of mind is worth it for you.
Important consideration On Flat Long Distance Rates:
If you end up with a non‑binding estimate, any increase on a weight‑based quote must be backed by scale tickets (empty vs. loaded). If a mover won't provide them, escalate: ask for their DOT/MC info and arbitration program, and consider filing a complaint with the FMCSA.
Why Weight Moving Estimates Are More Accurate Than Cubic Feet.
Weight-based estimates are generally accurate because it is easier to determine the weight of an item rather than the space it takes in the truck. The majority of complaints about movers online are based on cubic foot-based estimate increases. Long distance moving companies that charge per pound have much fewer complaints online for billing disputes (low-ball estimate / up charges).
Weight vs. Cubic Feet Estimates.
Some brands claim it doesn’t matter whether your long‑distance move is priced by weight or by cubic feet. In practice, it does matter—because it changes how easy the number is to verify. Weight can be proven with certified scale tickets (empty vs. loaded). Cubic feet is an estimate that can change on loading day based on “load factors,” pad thickness, and the tightness of item stacking. Even good companies can run into disputes over space-based adjustments because, from the curb, volume is difficult for a customer to audit.
How Movers Estimate Weight (and how you can verify it)
For an accurate moving quote, ask your long distance movers to survey your items in person or virtually. They’ll predict pounds using industry tables and past jobs—but the actual number is set on move day: the truck is weighed empty (tare) and then loaded (gross) at a certified scale. Gross − tare = your additional shipment weight. Request both weight tickets and keep copies. If the final weight is higher than estimated, those tickets prove it.
How Movers Estimate Cubic Feet.
Cubic‑foot estimates are also a prediction. Movers enter your itemized list into industry inventory software (their CRM), which assigns each piece an average size ("cube"). Then they adjust for packing pads, odd shapes, and stacking gaps—called a load factor. That means the final space claim can move around until the truck is actually loaded.
How to Determine the Cubic Feet of Your Items (DIY)
If you prefer working with a long distance mover that calculates your costs by cubic feet because they are cheaper, here is how to determine how much CF your load is:
Measure each item in inches: length × width × height.
Add up the total cubic feet of each item in your calculator and divide that number by 1,728. The total will be the cubic feet of that specific measured item.
Once you have calculated the cubic feet of each item, add up the total to give your movers for an accurate estimate.
The Bottom Line
For an accurate and verifiable estimate, go with long distance movers that price by pounds, cap it with BNTE, and keep the scale tickets. If the long distance movers charge by space, consider another moving option or request a flat rate. That’s how you get an accurate quote with no surprises—and it’s exactly how we price at American National Movers. Contact us at (800)-245 7967 EXT 0 for an accurate moving estimate on your long distance move today.