How is a long-distance move priced?
By weight with a minimum space reservation, listed in writing with the rate per pound. Or reserve the whole truck for a binding flat price.
Why do you not post a price per pound?
The rate depends on your route, timing and shipment, so David quotes it in writing for each move.
Does packing affect the price?
Packing services and materials are separate from transport, and boxes add weight to the shipment. Ask David to include them in your estimate.
Is a weight-based estimate binding?
The rate and minimum are fixed in writing; the final cost follows the actual weight. For one guaranteed number, reserve the whole truck.
Weight, not hours
Unlike local moves, a long-distance move is not billed by the hour. It is priced on the weight of your shipment, with a minimum space reservation that sets the floor. David prepares a written estimate that spells out the estimated weight, the rate per pound and the minimum, so you can see exactly how the number is built.
What your estimate shows
| Line | What it means |
|---|---|
| Estimated weight | David's estimate of how heavy your shipment will be |
| Rate per pound | The price applied to each pound shipped |
| Minimum space reservation | The least weight you pay for; 3,000 lb on moves within California |
If the shipment comes in heavier
Most of the difference between two estimates for similar homes comes down to weight: books, tools, solid wood furniture and exercise equipment add up fast. A careful inventory before David writes the number keeps the estimate close.
Your rate per pound does not go up when the load weighs more than estimated. The extra pounds are charged at the same rate written on your estimate. If it comes in lighter than the minimum, you pay the minimum. This makes the estimate easy to check: actual weight times the written rate, never less than the minimum.
The flat-price alternative
If you would rather have one fixed number, you can reserve the entire truck. That gives you a binding flat price, the same team at both ends and guaranteed pickup and delivery dates. Within California, flat-fee moves also carry no delivery accessorials. Interstate moves priced by weight may include add-ons such as stairs or a long carry, which we cover separately.
For an overview of routes and timing, see our long-distance page, and for local hourly pricing, the moving cost guide.