Moving companies have different ways of charging for their services, and one of the most common is by weight. This is because the Department of Transportation (DOT) can weigh your shipment and verify the weight against the estimate. When moving locally, most moving companies charge an hourly rate and estimate the cost based on the number of carriers and trucks needed for how long. Local moving companies are regulated at the state level and charge and operate differently in different markets.
Some states have little or no regulation, and others are highly regulated. It's important to ask your moving company what is included in the hourly rate and what additional charges you may incur. The minimums are the smallest amount a moving company will charge for a job. A typical minimum for local moves is 3 working hours (different moves charge differently).
So, if you only have to move an item a short distance, the moving company will charge the minimum, even if it takes less time. Each local moving company may charge a little differently. Some may group all of these costs into an hourly rate and some may not. When it comes to long-distance moves, moving companies will charge according to the weight of the goods, the distance they are traveling, and any additional or additional charges that may occur.
There are usually not too many additional charges when it comes to a local move. Since moving charges an hourly rate, no matter how difficult or unique your move is, if there are stairs, long transports, elevators, etc., in the end, everything is based on time. But once again, all moving operators are different, so ask about any additional charges you may incur. In some states (such as California), moving companies are required by law to charge double driving time for the time it takes from place to place. For example, if it takes half an hour to drive, local carriers will charge 1 hour.
This is to take into account the time it takes for the moving company to leave and return to its premises before and after the move. If you choose not to purchase valuation coverage, consumers are entitled to free coverage that includes 60 cents per pound per item. If you are moving to the warehouse, moving companies will charge based on the weight of the goods and the length of time they are stored. If you are moving long distance and your home isn't ready, the moving company will offer short-term storage at a nearby facility until your home is ready. If this is the case, the moving company will charge for carriers to unload at the storage location, you will be charged for warehouse labor for workers to inventory your items and put them in storage vaults, you will also be charged for storage time and then move back to the house. Suspicious moving companies usually set a low weight or cubic feet so they can offer you a lower price upfront. When you move long distance, moving costs are usually higher.
Long-distance moves can be done in and out of state. We generally refer to interstate moves as long distance and are charged based on the weight or volume of your inventory. Most companies charge for weight and distance. Therefore, how much moving companies charge per pound will be relative, because for some companies their move may be local, while for others it may be long-distance. Now, your next question is: why? To simply answer this, long-distance moves are charged on a weight-based basis because it is required by the Department of Transportation. Most legitimate long-distance carriers charge based on the weight of the shipment.
Some moving companies charge based on the volume of your cargo measured in cubic feet, but it's much easier for a moving company to overcharge you this way. The best thing to do is to ask how the company calculates its rates and only get full quotes of those they charge by the pound. Most moving companies do not charge exclusively by weight or volume, unless there are freight shipments involved in the move, in which case both weight and volume come into play in determining the cost of the move. So, how much moving charges per hour and per pack is relative and will reflect the standard of the area you live in, the category of the moving company and the number of people moving and working hours. Below you'll find information on how local and long-distance moves are charged, as well as additional information on what to expect from moving.
