How Much Can Movers Legally Charge at Delivery?

Use the free tool — Moving Company Dispute

How Much Can Movers Legally Charge at Delivery?

The amount a mover can demand when the truck arrives depends on the type of estimate you signed and whether your move crossed state lines or stayed inside Florida.

Interstate move, non-binding estimate: the driver cannot legally demand more than 110% of that estimate at delivery.
Interstate move, binding estimate: the mover can only collect the exact binding amount you signed for.
Florida-only (intrastate) move: under Florida Statutes chapter 507, the mover must honor the written estimate.

If the number at the curb is higher than these limits, the mover may be breaking the rule — but this page cannot review your contract or weight tickets. Confirm with FMCSA, DBPR, or a professional.

Is It Legal for the Driver to Hold Your Belongings?

Holding your goods hostage until you pay more than what federal or Florida rules allow is treated as a serious problem by regulators, not just a private dispute.

If your goods are being held right now, call the FMCSA hostage-goods line today.
For a Florida-only move, contact DBPR — Florida movers must be registered with the state.
Involving the police is also listed as an option when goods are being withheld.

This is general information, not legal advice. Only FMCSA, DBPR, or law enforcement can actually intervene in your situation.

If Your Boxes Arrived Damaged

The value a mover offers for a damaged item depends on the valuation coverage in your paperwork. Under a basic or released-value option, an offer can be as low as $0.60 per pound for an item, regardless of what it actually cost, unless you purchased additional valuation coverage.

For interstate movers, damage claims are governed by the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), together with FMCSA household-goods rules (49 CFR Parts 370 and 375).

The 9-Month Deadline to File a Claim

You generally have 9 months from the delivery date to file a damage claim. This deadline is computed from the date you give as your delivery date — confirm your exact deadline with the mover or a professional, since this tool cannot see your bill of lading.

If a dispute ends up in court rather than as a claim with the mover, Florida small claims court covers amounts up to $8,000.

Who to Call Today

FMCSA hostage-goods line — if goods are being held for more money than the law allows.
DBPR — for Florida-registered movers and intrastate moves.
Police — when goods are actively being withheld.
The mover, in writing — to tender the lawful amount and start the paper trail.

What to Do Next

The free tool reads your own estimate and your own description of what happened. Paste the estimate type and amount, the bill, what was demanded, where your goods are, any damage, and the dates. It tells you whether interstate or Florida rules apply, what the mover may lawfully demand, whether holding your goods appears illegal, your 9-month claim clock, the valuation rules that apply, who to call today, and it drafts the demand letter.

Moving Company Dispute is an informational tool based on 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375, the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), and Florida Statutes chapter 507. It is not legal advice, it cannot see your contract or weight tickets, and it does not file complaints or claims for you. It is not affiliated with any mover, broker, or agency. The bill of lading, the estimate, and the mover's tariff control your situation — confirm details with the mover or a professional.

Use the free tool

Moving Company Dispute is an informational tool based on 49 CFR Parts 370 and 375 (FMCSA household-goods rules), the Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. 14706), and Florida Statutes chapter 507 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file complaints or claims. The bill of lading, the estimate and the mover's tariff control; interstate claims are governed by federal law. It is not affiliated with any mover, broker or agency.