Moving Facts
Types of Moves
Local Moves
In Alabama, there are two standards that qualify a local move:
- Cites and municipalities are contiguous
- Not governed / no tariff
Local Movers usually charge by the hour or provide a flat rate.
Intrastate Moves vs. Interstate Moves
An intrastate move is the transportation of goods within one State that never crosses State lines or includes a segment outside of that same State, not considered local.
NOTE: In Alabama Intrastate moves are governed by a carrier's tariff.
Two Types of Intrastate Moves:
Intrastate Hourly = any move 30 miles or less and not considered local; based on the rates in the tariff
Intrastate Weight Mileage (per 100lbs) = The cost of a move over 30 miles, is based on the weight of your goods and the mileage they are being transported.
Interstate Moves means transportation of goods in the United States which is between a place in a state and a place outside of that state or between two places in a state through another state. Any move across state lines, whether 5 miles or 500 miles, is considered an interstate move.
For Intrastate and Interstate moves, Valuation is the degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than is provided for in its base transportation charges. All movers are required to assume liability for the value of goods that they transport.
Examples of Interstate Moves:
Types of Estimates
Binding (Standard estimate used by Motivated Movers)
An agreement made in advance with your mover, which guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on the estimate.
With a binding estimate, you will know exactly what you will be paying. With a binding estimate, the mover will assess your goods and give you an estimate for the move. This estimate is concrete and will not change depending on the actual weight of the shipment.
The good thing about binding estimates is that the cost of your move will not increase, even if the actual weight is high above what was estimated. However, if the weight of your shipment is below the estimate, you still have to pay the agreed-upon price.
Non-binding
After evaluating your goods, the mover will provide you with the estimated cost of the move.
Though they will give you the best estimate possible, the mover won't be able to tell you the actual cost of the move until everything is weighed on your moving day. Once your shipment is weighed, your movers will adjust the price. Depending on whether the shipment is more or less than what was estimated, the cost will either increase or decrease.
The final charges will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the tariff provisions in effect. You must be prepared to pay 10 percent more than the estimated charges at delivery (110 Percent Rule).
Binding, Not-To-Exceed
With a binding not-to-exceed estimate, the cost of your move will never go above the estimated price. At the same time, if the total weight of the shipment is actually lower than what is estimated, the price will be lowered.
For more information and a glossary of terms, please visit protectyourmove.gov.
Moving Tips
When selecting a mover, considering the following questions when interviewing each moving company:
- Are they insured and bonded?
- Are they able to move larger, more expensive items such as pianos, organs, or flat-screen TVs?
- What is their cancellation policy?
- How do they charge? By hour, by weights?
- Can they move nights and weekends and is there and extra charge for this?
- What payment options are available?
- Do they offer free estimates?
- Do they charge for travel time from their location to your home?
- Do they offer packing and unpacking services?
- Do they offer packing supplies and are any included in the price of the move?
- Is there a minimum charge?
- What is the training required for their movers and drivers?
- Will there be a contact person available during the time of my move?