Deposits - Professional movers generally don't require a deposit before moving you, and if they do it is generally just a small "good faith" deposit.However, some rogue movers or Internet brokers frequently require a large deposit. So, if a mover you are considering requires you to pay a big deposit to "hold your dates" or to insure "prompt service", you may want to choose another mover. Also, the FMCSA consumer regulations do not allow movers to require you to pay for your move before it takes place; instead, payment is due at delivery, when the truck arrives at your new home.(The FMCSA's rules are designed to protect you and to insure that you receive your shipment in a timely manner.If you have paid for your move "up-front" through a large deposit, the mover may have less incentive to deliver your shipment on time and free from unexpected problems).

The regulations provide that when your mover arrives at your new home (or in some cases if your shipment is placed into a storage facility), he may collect the charges due before the shipment is unloaded from the truck.

Most movers require payment in cash or by certified or traveler's check. Some movers also accept charge cards. Ask your mover before your move about the forms of payment that are acceptable. Do not assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover before your move. If you do not pay the charges due at the time of delivery the mover has the right to refuse to deliver your shipment and to place it into storage at your expense until the charges are paid. If your shipment is split for shipment on two or more trucks, the mover can require payment for each portion as it is delivered.

Your mover is not required to relinquish your shipment until the estimated transportation charges (either the charge shown on the binding estimate or not more than 110% of the charge shown on the non-binding estimate) have been paid. Your mover will also collect the charges applicable for any services that you may have requested after the contract was executed that were not included in the estimate. In other words, if you request more services (additional services or added quantities) than those included in the estimate, your mover may collect full payment for those added services at delivery.

For example, if you received a non-binding estimate from your mover for $5,000, you would be required to pay no more than 110% of this amount (or $5,500) at delivery for the services and quantities listed on your estimate. However, if your shipment weighs more than the estimated amount, your mover will invoice you for the additional amount after your shipment has been delivered.

And, in the event that shuttle service is required, your mover may also collect for the shuttle charges at delivery - provided that the shuttle charges collected at delivery do not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the total charges due at delivery. Your mover will invoice you for any remaining charges after delivery.