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Binding and Non-Binding Estimates
BINDING ESTIMATES OF TOTAL COST
The mover may charge you for providing a binding estimate which must clearly
describe the shipment and all services provided. When you receive a binding
estimate, you cannot be required to pay any more than that amount. However,
if you have requested the mover to provide more services than those included
in the estimate, such as destination charges (i.e., long carry charges,
shuttle charges, extra stair carry charges, or elevator charges) often not
known at origin, the mover may demand full payment for those added services
at time of delivery. To be effective, a binding estimate must be in writing
and a copy must be made available to you before your move. If you agree to a
binding estimate, you are responsible for paying the charges due by cash,
certified check, traveler's check, or bank check (one drawn by a bank on
itself and signed by an officer of the bank) at time of delivery unless the
mover agrees before you move to extend credit or to accept payment by charge
card. If you are unable to pay at the time the shipment is delivered, the
mover may place your shipment in storage at your expense until the charges
are paid.
NON-BINDING ESTIMATES OF APPROXIMATE COST
The mover is not permitted to charge for giving a non-binding estimate. A
non-binding estimate is not a bid or contract. It is provided by the mover
to give you a general idea of the cost of the move, but it does not bind the
mover to the estimated cost. Furthermore, it is not a guarantee that the
final cost will not be more than the estimate. The actual cost will be in
accordance with the mover's published tariffs. All movers are legally
obligated to collect no more and no less than the charges shown in their
tariffs regardless of prior rate quotations contained in non-binding
estimates. The charges contained in the tariffs are essentially the same for
the same weight shipment moving the same distance. If you obtain differing
(non-binding) estimates from different movers, you will be obligated to pay
only the amount specified in the tariff. Therefore, a non-binding estimate
may have no effect on the amount you will have to pay. Non-binding estimates
must be in writing and clearly describe the shipment and all services
provided. Any time a mover provides such an estimate, the amount of the
charges estimated must be on the order for service and bill of lading
relating to your shipment. If you are given a non-binding estimate, do not
sign or accept the order for service or bill of lading unless the amount
estimated is entered on each form when prepared by the mover. If you are
given a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than
the amount of the original estimate, plus 10 percent, at time of delivery.
You will then have at least 30 days after delivery to pay any remaining
charges.
IF YOU REQUEST THE MOVER TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES THAN THOSE INCLUDED IN
THE ESTIMATE, THE MOVER MAY DEMAND FULL PAYMENT FOR THOSE ADDED SERVICES AT
THE TIME OF DELIVERY. ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPACE RESERVATIONS,
EXPEDITED SERVICE, EXCLUSIVE USE OF A VEHICLE OR GUARANTEED DELIVERY.
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