Movers Charging By Cubic Feet

Posted by David Piotrowski

Two of the most common ways movers like to charge is 1) by weight (price per pound) and 2) by cubic feet (calculated by the amount of volume the shipment takes up). Both options are legal in certain instances. Many moving companies and consumers, believe that cubic feet charges are illegal at worst, or misleading at best. So long as the mover is reputable and trustworthy, charges based on cubic feet are perfectly legal and reasonable in many cases.

In order for a mover to charge based on cubic feet, the following must apply:

1. The mover must have a provision in their interstate moving tariff that allows for charges based on cubic feet.
2. The written estimate that the moving company provides to the customer must be binding (if the estimate is a non-binding estimate, then the mover may not charge based on cubic feet).
3. The written estimate must state that the estimate is based on cubic feet.
4. The cubic feet charges should be based on the accurate volume of goods, based on a physical survey (unless a physical survey exception applies).

In sum, movers may charge their customers based on cubic feet so long as the movers tariff allows for it, the estimate is binding, the estimate states the the estimate is based on cubic feet, and the cubic feet charges are based on an accurate measurement of the goods.