Understanding moving company tariffs
A "tariff" is a moving company's published rate structure and rules — the underlying rulebook their estimates are calculated from. You'll probably never read one in full, but knowing it exists, and that you have a right to ask about it, is useful.
What a tariff actually contains
- Base rates for weight and distance (linehaul charges)
- Accessorial fees — charges for stairs, long carries, shuttle service, storage-in-transit, and similar add-ons
- Rules governing estimate types, cancellation policies, and claims procedures
- Valuation coverage terms and pricing
Tariff vs. your specific estimate
The tariff is the general rate structure; your estimate is that structure applied to your specific move — your weight, your distance, and the specific services you're requesting. A binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate locks in a number regardless of the underlying tariff math, but that number was still generated from it.
Why this matters even if you never read one
Understanding that accessorial fees (stairs, long carries, shuttle service) come from a published fee schedule — not an arbitrary number the crew makes up on moving day — helps you ask sharper questions upfront: "What are your accessorial fees for stairs and long carries?" is a more useful question than assuming your quote already covers every possible scenario. See our full list of common fees movers add on.
Your right to ask
Movers are generally required to make tariff information available to customers on request, even though it's not automatically provided. If a specific charge on your bill doesn't match what you expected, you can ask the company to explain exactly where in their rate structure it comes from.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a right to see a mover's tariff?
Yes — movers are generally required to make their tariff (or a summary of relevant rates and rules) available to customers on request, even though it's not typically handed over automatically.
Is a tariff the same as my estimate?
No — your estimate is a specific price quote for your move, generated using the company's tariff as the underlying rate structure. The tariff itself is the general rulebook; your estimate is the application of it to your specific shipment.
Why don't movers just quote a flat price without referencing a tariff?
Some effectively do, especially binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimates, which lock in a number regardless of the underlying tariff math. But that number is still calculated from their tariff-based rates and accessorial fee schedule.
Should I ask to see the tariff before booking?
For most household moves, asking specific questions about what's included and how the final price is calculated gets you more useful information faster than requesting the full tariff document — but you're within your rights to ask for it if something in your estimate doesn't make sense.