When Movers Can Charge More Than The Original Estimate
- American National Movers
- Dec 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
After looking at reviews from long distance moving companies, you might notice that even the most popular brands receive complaints about price increases. Customers claim that they were scammed because their long distance moving costs increased on the day of their move.
A price change is frustrating, but it is unfortunately common in this industry. The problem is that movers and estimators lack transparency, making it harder for customers to avoid or prepare for a potential price change. This article explains when movers are legally allowed to charge more than the original estimate, when they cannot, and how to protect yourself from unexpected cost increases before your move begins.
Was Your Price Increase Legit, Or Are You Being Scammed?
As long as your costs are not binding, an estimated price increase can be legit, but there are times when a moving company is being shady and deceptive. As long as your estimate is non-binding, movers are legally allowed to adjust the price if certain things change:
Increased Volume.
If your movers and estimator didn’t tell you, the majority of your long distance moving costs are calculated by weight or cubic feet. So, if you were quoted 800 cubic feet but have 1200 cubic feet, your movers can adjust the price and have you sign a new bill before performing the labor.
Additional Services / Added Items
Movers can also increase your price if you request services not included in the original contract, such as packing, long carries, stairs, shuttle services, or additional items not listed on the inventory.
As frustrating as it may be, an estimate is basically a guess of how much your long distance move may cost. However, a reputable mover should still provide a reasonably accurate quote.
Non-Binding Estimates.
If you have a non-binding estimate, A price change does not automatically mean you’re being scammed. A non-binding estimate is not a guaranteed price. It is an approximation of what your long distance move may cost based on the information available at the time of the estimate. This is why it’s legally allowed to change.
When Your Price Change Is Deceptive and Scam Likely.
In short, movers must disclose if there will be additional charges regarding your volume prior to loading your goods, and if there is a price change, it should be within reason, not double or triple the original estimate.
Here is a detailed explanation:
After Loading.
According to the FMCSA, a long distance moving company must disclose to its customers whether there will be additional fees before loading your household goods. If movers change your price after your items have been loaded, this is deceptive and considered a hostage move.
Dramatic or Unexplained Price Increases
Most long distance movers have enough experience to estimate weight or cubic feet reasonably well. If your final price doubles or triples without a clear, documented reason, there is a strong chance the increase is intentional rather than a mistake.
Price Change While Goods Are In Transit.
If a mover attempts to re-negotiate your long distance moving costs while your items are in transit, this is considered a hostage move. A hostage move is illegal, and you should contact the FMCSA and your local police department for assistance.
How To Protect Yourself From Estimated Cost Increases
The best ways to avoid unreasonable cost increases are to hire reputable long distance movers and request a binding not-to-exceed estimate.
Here is what to know:
A binding estimate locks in your price based on the agreed inventory.
When agreeing to a binding not-to-exceed estimate, you must provide an accurate inventory list. If you fail to do so, your movers can renegotiate the costs again.
The Importance Of An Accurate Inventory.
Most price increases happen because the inventory was incomplete or rushed. As time-consuming as it may be, it is important to fully disclose everything that you’re moving so you can avoid billing disputes with your movers.
To avoid this:
List every piece of furniture, including items in storage, garages, and closets
Mention large or heavy items (pianos, safes, sectionals, treadmills)
Disclose access challenges like stairs, elevators, or long carries
Pro Tip:
Instead of providing an inventory list over the phone, send the long distance moving company an itemized list via email. This saves you time and documents eveything in writing.
Get All Of Your Required Services In Writing
Even if an estimator tells you that certain services are included, those services must be listed in your written contract. Verbal promises do not protect you. Any service not clearly stated in the estimate or contract can legally be grounds for a price increase on move day.
Before hiring movers, confirm that your estimate clearly includes:
Packing or Partial Packing
A full or partial pack includes packing fragile items, linen, TVs, and any other items requiring packing beyond standard furniture. If packing is not listed in writing and movers are asked to pack items on move day, they can legally charge extra. Make sure the contract specifies what will be packed and what will not.
Shuttle Services (If a trailer is being used for delivery).
A shuttle service is required when a large moving truck or 18-wheeler cannot access your delivery location due to narrow streets, steep driveways, or parking restrictions. In this case, your household goods must be transferred from the larger truck into a smaller shuttle truck for final delivery.
A shuttle service fee can cost you an average of $700, and many major van lines and long distance movers use 18-wheelers for delivery; it’s typically industry standard.
Long Carried and Stair Fees.
A long carry is when a mover needs to carry your items from a significant distance between the truck and your home — for example, from a distant parking area, long driveway, or a long hallway. Long carry fees vary by company but are legitimate charges.
Storage, if applicable.
Most long distance movers offer 30 days of free storage, while some don’t. Either way, make sure the storage terms and charges are mentioned in the document before signing and hiring your movers, to ensure transparency.
Be Wary of Extremely Low Quotes
If one long distance mover is significantly cheaper than all others, it’s a warning sign — not a bargain.
Extremely low estimates are bait and switch tactics used to:
Secure the booking.
Moving salespeople can be like shady car salesmen; they will do and say anything to get you to sign so they can get paid. Then, when issues arrive, they are nowhere to be found.
Increase the price later and blame it on a dramatic increase in volume.
This is a deceptive business practice used by fly-by-night movers desperate for business. Many times, people have no choice but to agree to the extra charges because they can't find another mover and have to vacate the unit.
Pressure customers after loading.
If you find yourself in a situation where movers change the price once everything is being loaded, this is considered a hostage move. You should cancel the move immediately and hire another mover. You may be penalized for not vacating the unit on time, but it's better to be penalized than to let disreputable movers leave with your furniture.
A realistic, well-explained estimate is far safer than the cheapest one.
Conclusion: Moving Estimate Cost Increases Are Common.
Unexpected increases in moving costs are sometimes unavoidable. Even reputable national long distance movers have complaints related to price changes on move day. However, there is an important difference between an honest, legitimate adjustment and a deceptive price increase that should never occur.
As a consumer, the best way to protect yourself is to understand how estimates work, ensure your inventory is accurate, and work with a reputable long distance mover that is transparent about pricing and contract terms. Doing so greatly reduces the risk of billing disputes and the frustration that comes with hiring the wrong company.
At American National Movers, we strive to provide honest and transparent estimates from the start. Our moving sales estimators are trained to deliver accurate quotes and are paid hourly, not by commission, so there is no incentive to lowball pricing or misrepresent costs. This approach helps us maintain fair practices and hold our estimators accountable whenever issues arise.
When movers are upfront about pricing, services, and estimate terms, long-distance moves become far less stressful and far more predictable.
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