How to Read a Long-Distance Moving Contract To Avoid Disputes
- American National Movers
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Before hiring movers for a state-to-state relocation, it's important to know how to read your contract so you can understand the terms and what you're paying for. Unfortunately, most people sign contracts without understanding them, leading to billing disputes over price increases and delivery delays.
Long distance moving contracts can be confusing on purpose — especially when companies base your cost on estimated volume (cubic feet). If you don’t know what each section means, you could end up agreeing to charges you never expected.
To help you avoid that, let’s walk through a sample contract and show you exactly what to look for, where movers hide important details, and which parts impact your final cost the most.
Understanding the Estimate Section of Your Contract
The first—and most important—part of any long distance moving contract is the Estimate Section. Your estimated volume is the main factor long distance movers use to determine your total costs.
Most movers using volume-based pricing will label it clearly as:
Estimated Volume (Cubic Feet)
Rate Per Cubic Foot
Estimated Total Cost
If the estimate is off — even slightly — your final bill may increase on move day. This is why it’s important to work closely with your estimator, review your inventory carefully, and make sure the cubic-foot estimate matches the items you're actually moving. A small discrepancy in volume can translate into a significant price difference once your items are loaded.
Average Cubic Feet Of Your Move By Home Size.
One of the easiest ways to tell whether your estimated volume is accurate is to know the average cubic feet per home size. This helps ensure your long distance moving costs are accurate — not inflated or lowballed as a tactic to charge you more later.
Below is a simple visual guide that lets you compare your estimate to what your estimated cubic feet should be based on the size of your home:
Understanding Your Rate Per Cubic Foot.
Right under your estimated volume or near it, your moving contract will list a rate per cubic foot. This number is just as important as your volume, because it determines how much your price is based on the estimated volume.
Estimated Volume x Rate Per Cubic Foot = Your Long Distance Moving Costs.
Here Is What You Need To Know Before Signing Your Moving Contract:
The rate you are being charged per cubic foot is the main factor when calculating your costs.
What a Fair Rate Per Cubic Foot Looks Like
While every mover sets their own rates, most legitimate long distance moving companies fall into predictable ranges:
$3.50–$4.50 per CF → affordable rates for long distance movers relocating under 1500 miles.
$5.00–$7.00 per CF → Average industry range for reputable carriers, especially if your haul is relocating cross country.
$8.00–$10.00+ per CF → Premium pricing or inflated quotes
If your rate per cubic foot is too low (3.50 per cf), the mover is likely using it as bait and will increase your volume on moving day. If it’s too high, you’re simply being overcharged.
Read The Disclaimer That Allows Price Changes On Your Contract
Nearly all moving estimates include statements similar to:
“Final charges are based on actual volume. Additional items or greater volume may result in extra charges.”
This is the most important sentence in your contract.
If your estimate is inaccurate — or intentionally lowballed — this disclaimer gives the mover the legal right to increase your price on pickup day. It’s how many customers end up paying hundreds or thousands more than expected.
Red Flags to Look Out for on Your Moving Contract
Even if your estimated volume and rate per cubic foot appear reasonable, certain red flags inside your contract can signal a potential price increase, hidden fees, or deceptive practices. These warning signs are easy to miss — which is why they show up in most disputed moves.
Here are the biggest red flags to watch for before you sign anything:
The Rate Per Cubic Foot Seems Too Cheap.
If your rate is noticeably lower than other long-distance moving brands (for example, $3.00–$3.50 per CF), it’s usually bait. Movers offering the cheapest rates almost always increase your estimated volume on moving day to make up the difference.
A rate that looks “too good to be true” usually is.
Your Estimated Volume Seems Low.
Some movers intentionally lowball your cubic feet estimate to appear cheaper and win your business. Then, once your items are loaded, they dramatically increase your volume and charge you more than the original quote.
If your contract shows a cubic-foot estimate that doesn’t make sense for the size of your home, ask for a video walkthrough or a corrected inventory.
No Detailed Inventory Attached.
If your contract has no inventory list — or a vague one the mover can increase your volume and total cost on moving day and blame it on you. A contract without a clear, itemized inventory is one of the biggest red flags in the industry.
Understanding Your Liability Coverage (Released Value vs. Full Value Protection)
Every long distance moving contract must include a liability section that explains what happens if your items are lost or damaged. The FMCSA legally requires this section, but it’s often written in a way that most customers skim.
Here’s what it really means:
Released Value Protection (Default Coverage)
This is the free option that comes standard with every interstate move. Released Value Protection is minimal, and most customers don’t realize how low this coverage actually is:
Coverage: $0.60 per pound per article
Cost: Free
Best for: Nothing valuable
For Example:
If your 10-pound flat-screen TV gets destroyed, you receive:10 lbs × $0.60 = $6.00
Consumers who skip past this section assume that their items are fully insured when they're not.
Full Value Protection (Recommended Coverage)
This is the paid option that offers real protection:
Mover must repair, replace, or reimburse the item
Coverage applies to the actual Value of your belongings
Consider paying for full value protection if you have:
TVs
Electronics
High-value furniture
Instruments
Art
This Article Helps You Understand Moving Estimates Before Signing Them.
Understanding your long distance moving contract is the single most effective way to avoid unexpected charges, delivery issues, and disagreements on move day. It also helps ensure you're hiring a reputable brand that values transparency.
Most of the disputes consumers experience — inflated volume, higher final bills, vague delivery windows, or denied damage claims — can all be traced back to fine print or unclear terms hidden in the contract.
At American National Movers, we believe your contract should be clear, transparent, and easy to understand. Our estimators walk you through the entire agreement, answer every question, and make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to — and what you’re paying for — before you ever sign.
If you want a long-distance moving company that values honesty and transparency from the very first conversation, reach out today for a guaranteed, inventory-based quote you can trust.