Can a mover refuse to unload until I pay the full bill?

For an interstate move, federal rules limit what a mover may require at delivery under a binding or non-binding estimate, subject to limited exceptions. If the mover says more is due, ask for the written estimate, the written basis for the amount, and the applicable tariff terms.

What if my final bill is higher than my estimate?

A higher final bill can depend on the estimate type, the documented shipment and services, later requested additions, and the mover's tariff. The delivery-day amount and the final amount are separate questions on a non-binding estimate.

Does the 110% rule apply to local moves?

Not automatically. The federal rules discussed here apply to interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate moves follow state-specific rules.

What should I do if a mover demands more than the delivery-day amount?

Keep the estimate and moving documents, ask the mover to explain the amount in writing, and use FMCSA's consumer complaint channel for an interstate household-goods issue. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

MoveFinePrint guide

What Can a Mover Collect at Delivery?

For interstate moves, understand binding estimates, the 110% non-binding delivery rule, limited exceptions, and questions to ask before delivery.

Reviewed September 4, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

Short answer

For an interstate household-goods move, a mover generally cannot require more than the binding-estimate amount, or more than 110% of a non-binding estimate, before releasing the shipment at delivery. That is a delivery-day limit, not a guarantee that no other amount can be billed later. Local and intrastate rules vary by state.

Start with the estimate type

Read the exact words on the written estimate. Binding and non-binding estimates have different delivery-day rules. Before delivery, keep the estimate, any written revision, the inventory, and the bill of lading together so you can compare what each document says.

Binding estimates at delivery

On an interstate move, a binding estimate covers the listed shipment and services. A mover generally cannot require more than that amount at delivery for the listed work. Charges can still arise when you request additional services after the contract is executed or when an applicable federal exception applies.

FMCSA's Estimating Charges guidance explains the delivery rules and the written-estimate requirements.

Non-binding estimates and the 110% rule

A non-binding estimate is not a final-price guarantee. For the quantities and services shown on an interstate non-binding estimate, the mover generally may not require more than 110% of the estimated amount at delivery. The remaining balance can still be billed later under the applicable rules.

Do not describe the 110% figure as a cap on the final bill. It answers what may be demanded at delivery, not every question about later billing.

Limited charges that can be due at delivery

FMCSA identifies customer-requested services added after the bill of lading is executed and certain impracticable-operations charges as exceptions that can affect the delivery-day amount. The federal guidance limits impracticable-operations charges collected at delivery to 15% of other charges due at delivery. Ask the mover to identify the condition, rate, and written basis before treating it as resolved.

If the mover says more is due

Ask for a written explanation that identifies the estimate type, the calculation, any revised estimate or signed addition, and the relevant tariff provision. Keep copies of every page you sign and every payment record.

For an interstate household-goods issue, FMCSA provides a consumer complaint channel. This is general information, not legal advice or a prediction of an outcome.

A note about local moves

This guide concerns interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate moves can follow different state rules, so check the regulator or consumer-protection office for the state where your move occurs.

Frequently asked questions

Can a mover refuse to unload until I pay the full bill?: For an interstate move, federal rules limit what a mover may require at delivery under a binding or non-binding estimate, subject to limited exceptions. If the mover says more is due, ask for the written estimate, the written basis for the amount, and the applicable tariff terms.
What if my final bill is higher than my estimate?: A higher final bill can depend on the estimate type, the documented shipment and services, later requested additions, and the mover's tariff. The delivery-day amount and the final amount are separate questions on a non-binding estimate.
Does the 110% rule apply to local moves?: Not automatically. The federal rules discussed here apply to interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate moves follow state-specific rules.
What should I do if a mover demands more than the delivery-day amount?: Keep the estimate and moving documents, ask the mover to explain the amount in writing, and use FMCSA's consumer complaint channel for an interstate household-goods issue. This guide is general information, not legal advice.