A moving company tariff is a published document that lists a carrier's rates, rules, and charges for moving services. Federal law requires all interstate movers to maintain a tariff and make it available to customers on request. The tariff is the authoritative source for pricing — it governs what a mover can charge and under what conditions.
Definition
Published rate schedule governing all charges for moving services
Required by
FMCSA for all interstate household goods carriers
Your right
Request a copy free of charge before signing any contract
In the moving industry, a tariff is a formal, published schedule of rates and rules that a carrier uses to price its services. The term originates from transportation law, where carriers were historically required to file tariffs with government regulators to ensure consistent, non-discriminatory pricing.
For interstate household goods movers, the FMCSA requires that a tariff be available for public inspection. The tariff is the binding document that governs how a mover prices its work — your estimate should always align with the rates in the tariff.
Local (intrastate) moves may be governed by state tariff rules, which vary. Some states require filed tariffs; others do not. Interstate moves are always subject to federal tariff requirements.
A complete moving tariff is a detailed document that covers every aspect of the mover's pricing. Key sections include:
Base transportation rates
The primary rate structure, typically expressed as a rate per hundred pounds (cwt) for a given distance range. Long-distance rates are usually based on weight and mileage; local rates may be based on hourly labor.
Minimum charges
The minimum amount a customer will be charged regardless of shipment size. This protects movers from small jobs that are unprofitable at base rates.
Accessorial service charges
Extra charges for services beyond standard pick-up and delivery: stair carries, elevator use, long carries (excess distance from truck to door), piano/safe handling, packing and unpacking, debris removal, and shuttle service.
Fuel and peak season surcharges
Variable charges applied based on fuel costs or high-demand periods (typically May through September). Tariffs must specify how these are calculated and when they apply.
Storage rates
Daily or monthly rates for storage-in-transit and permanent storage. Conditions under which storage rates apply and how the customer's goods can be released.
Valuation and claims rules
The valuation options available (Released Value and Full Value Protection), the process for filing claims, and time limits for doing so.
Under 49 U.S.C. § 13702, interstate household goods carriers are required to:
Practical note for movers
Your tariff is your pricing contract with the world. Keep it current, make sure your estimators know it, and ensure your software applies the correct rates automatically. Inconsistent pricing leads to customer disputes and potential regulatory issues.
A moving estimate is built from tariff components stacked together. For a typical interstate move, the final price includes:
| Component | Source in Tariff | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Linehaul | Weight + distance rate table | 6,000 lbs × $0.80/lb = $4,800 |
| Fuel surcharge | Percentage applied to linehaul | 15% × $4,800 = $720 |
| Full Value Protection | Valuation rate table | Based on declared value + deductible |
| Stair carry | Accessorial charge schedule | $75 per flight, both origin and destination |
| Packing services | Packing rate schedule | Per-carton + materials |
| Long carry | Accessorial charge schedule | $100 per 75 feet beyond 75 feet |
Moving CRM software like DriveSales stores your tariff rates and applies them automatically when building estimates — reducing pricing errors, ensuring consistency, and making it easy to train new estimators.
As a customer, you have the right to:
For moving companies
Publishing your tariff prominently and explaining it clearly to customers is a competitive advantage. Customers who understand your pricing trust you more, dispute less, and refer more. DriveSales estimate templates make it easy to present itemized charges that align with your tariff transparently.
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Movers must provide a copy of their tariff at no charge. If a mover refuses, that is a FMCSA violation.
Red flag
If a mover can't explain how your estimate was calculated or refuses to show you their tariff, walk away. Legitimate movers are transparent about rates.
Common questions about tariffs from customers and moving company operators.
DriveSales stores your rate tables and applies them consistently across every estimate — no manual math, no pricing errors, no customer disputes.