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Interstate Moving Estimate Reviewer: Binding vs Non Binding Quotes, the 110 Percent Rule, Released Value vs Full Value Protection, Broker vs Carrier Check, and a Claims Calendar
Compare interstate moving quotes under the FMCSA household goods rules before you sign: identify binding, non binding, and not to exceed estimates, work out what you could owe at delivery, compare released value with full value protection, check whether the company is a broker or the carrier, list the papers you should receive, and set up a claims calendar for damage.
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Prompt
Act as a household goods move coordinator who worked for an interstate van line and now helps families compare moving quotes, and who knows the FMCSA consumer rules in 49 CFR Part 375 well enough to spot a lowball phone quote. Inputs: - Each quote as written: company name, USDOT and MC numbers, estimate type, total, weight or cubic feet, rates, and accessorial charges (stairs, long carry, shuttle, packing): [Quotes] - How each estimate was made (in home survey, video survey, phone inventory, online form): [SurveyMethod] - The move: origin, destination, home size, dates, and any items of high value: [MoveDetails] - Valuation options offered and deductibles: [ValuationOffered] - Deposit terms and payment methods: [PaymentTerms] - Output format: [Format] Generate: 1. An estimate type read for each quote: binding (you pay the estimate unless you add items or services), non binding (the final bill follows actual weight and services), or binding not to exceed (you pay the lower of the estimate or the actual weight). Flag any quote that does not state its type. 2. A delivery payment calculation for non binding quotes: at delivery the mover can require no more than 110 percent of the written estimate, and any remaining balance is billed later, so show both numbers. 3. A survey check: a written estimate should be based on a physical survey (in person or virtual) unless the mover is far away or you waive it in writing; flag phone or online only quotes as high risk for a large increase. 4. A broker or carrier check: tell the user to look up each USDOT number on the FMCSA website to see whether the company is a broker or a motor carrier, and whether it has active authority for household goods. A broker does not move your goods and must name the carrier. 5. A valuation comparison: released value (no extra cost, 60 cents per pound per article) versus full value protection (repair, replace, or pay current value, with the deductible offered), using the high value items in MoveDetails to show the difference. 6. A red flag list for PaymentTerms and Quotes, such as large cash deposits, no written estimate, a quote far below the others for the same weight, or no booklet provided. 7. A paperwork list: the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet, the written estimate, order for service, inventory, and bill of lading, plus the right to observe weighing and request a reweigh. 8. A claims calendar: note damage on the inventory at delivery, file a written claim within 9 months, the mover acknowledges within 30 days and must pay, deny, or offer within 120 days. Constraints: - Never invent company safety ratings, complaint counts, or authority status; tell the user to check the FMCSA lookup. - Not legal advice; arbitration and court are for the user to decide. No em dashes.
Instructions
Replace every [bracket] with your details before running. Works on ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
Generated Output
This image was generated using the prompt above.
Examples
Example Input
Quotes: A) Summit Van Lines, USDOT 1234567, binding not to exceed, $6,850 for 7,200 lb, includes packing of kitchen. B) EZ Relocation Group, USDOT 7654321, non binding, $3,900 at 900 cubic feet, $8 per cubic foot over estimate. C) Harbor Moving, non binding, $5,600 for 7,000 lb, stairs $150 SurveyMethod: A video survey, B phone call, C in home survey MoveDetails: 3 bedroom house, Raleigh NC to Denver CO, pickup June 12; piano and a solid walnut dining set worth about $6,000 ValuationOffered: A full value protection $0 deductible for $420 or $250 deductible for $290; B 60 cents per pound included; C full value protection $500 deductible for $310 PaymentTerms: A 10 percent deposit by card; B 25 percent deposit by Zelle; C payment at delivery by card or certified check Format: comparison table, red flags, calendar
Example Output
Estimate types | Quote | Type | Survey | Most you pay at delivery | | A Summit | Binding not to exceed | Video | $6,850 or less if it weighs under 7,200 lb | | B EZ | Non binding, by volume | Phone only | 110% of $3,900 = $4,290, rest billed later | | C Harbor | Non binding, by weight | In home | 110% of $5,600 = $6,160, rest billed later | What B could really cost A 3 bedroom house that A and C measured at 7,000 to 7,200 lb is often well over 900 cubic feet. If the actual load is 1,300 cubic feet, that is 400 extra cubic feet at $8 = $3,200, so $7,100 total. You would pay $4,290 at delivery and still owe $2,810. B is not the cheapest quote; it is the least measured. Broker or carrier Look up USDOT 1234567 and 7654321 on the FMCSA company search. Confirm each is a motor carrier with active household goods authority. If B shows as a broker, ask which carrier will move you and check that carrier too. C gave no USDOT number on the quote; ask for it before going further. Valuation - Released value (B): 60 cents per pound per article. If the 150 lb walnut table is destroyed, the most you get is $90. - Full value protection (A, C): the mover repairs, replaces, or pays current value. On a $6,000 dining set, A with $0 deductible for $420 covers it fully; C with a $500 deductible for $310 leaves you paying the first $500. - Piano: ask each mover whether it has a separate piano charge and whether it must be listed as an item of extraordinary value on the inventory. Red flags 1. B: phone only estimate on a full house. 2. B: 25 percent deposit by Zelle, which is hard to get back. Pay deposits by card. 3. B: total far below the two surveyed quotes for the same home. 4. C: no USDOT number listed. 5. Ask all three whether they provided the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet. You should receive it. Recommendation A is the clearest: capped price, surveyed, full value protection with $0 deductible for $420. C is a reasonable second if it supplies its USDOT number. Skip B unless it does a video survey and gives a binding or not to exceed estimate in writing. Paperwork to collect Booklet, written estimate, order for service before pickup, inventory signed at pickup and delivery, bill of lading with the valuation you chose. For A and C you can watch the weighing or ask for a reweigh before delivery. Claims calendar (if delivery is June 18) - June 18: note damage on the inventory before signing, photograph it. - By mid March of next year (9 months): written claim with photos and repair quotes. - Within 30 days of your claim: mover acknowledges. - Within 120 days: mover pays, denies, or makes an offer.