In order for a mover to get authority to move, he must first file a tariff and it must be approved. Most U.S. movers are using the existing tariff called the 400N. This is because it is a monumental task to formulate all the possible charges for all the possible moving services in all the possible cities of the U.S. This tariff must be published and available to the public for inspection.

This definition is gleaned from existing data and experience in the moving industry. The American Heritage Dictionary defines tariff as: “ n. 1. A list or system of duties imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. 3. Any schedule of prices or fees. “

If so, it is a virtual certainty that they are not operating from any known tariff. By law movers must have and subscribe to a published tariff. The tariff has all charges laid out and accounted for. You should find another mover.

Standard movers do not demand half of the money up front. Their service speaks for itself. Unless you require a very specific day or time it is highly unusual for a standard mover to need a deposit.

If the mover guaranteed a price for cubic feet *, now you must know how to determine cubic feet, very few people know this or take the time to do it. You are thus under the complete mercy of the “mover” and you could be taken advantage of. This should not be debated after the “mover” picks up your things. If they are criminal, it is too late. The best rule if you are quoted in this fashion is to find another mover. If you really want to keep working with that mover there are a couple of ways to solve this:

— If you have a decent size move, say, more than 2 bedrooms, have the mover come out and give you an estimate. If they won’t, have another mover who may be closer to you come out and see your things and give you an estimate. You want to know how many cubic feet and how many pounds the mover saw. That mover should be able to fix a price for you and the “mover” who would not come out may be able to fix a price now. The point is, now you have data that you can share with other movers to get a quote. — If you have a smaller move, will the “mover” allow you to list your items and guarantee the price to move those items, in writing?

*Definition: CUBIC FEET: Length X width X height. Example: 2′ X 3′ X 4′ = 24 cubic feet. In inches the equation is: 24″ X 36″ X 48″ = 41,472 cubic inches. To convert to feet: 41,472 ÷ 1728 = 24 cubic feet.

All movers want to know your cubic feet so they can convert them into pounds. The equation is generally 7 pounds per cubic foot so in the above example 24 cubic feet would convert to 24 X 7 = 168 pounds.

Why are pounds important? The known tariffs are based on mileage and pounds. You always have the right to have your things weighed at a certified weigh station. You can witness the light weight (before pick up) and the heavy weight (after pick up). You meet the driver at the closest scale to your home, and follow him back to your home, and then to the scale after pick up. You will have a certified weight ticket, and will know the exact poundage. Standard movers will be perfectly willing to accommodate you.