A lot of customers do not know the difference between each pricing method, the answer is pretty simple- With weight you will be getting a NON-BINDING estimate which means that the price MAY change and with Cubic Footage, the movers can provide you with a BINDING estimate meaning the price will NOT EXCEED the estimated price.

The main reason is when it comes to CF (the estimator can estimate how much space you will NOT EXCEED, here is an example:
If you are looking to move 100 boxes and each box measures 3.0 CF then the estimator can provide you with a NOT TO EXCEED BINDING moving estimate based on 300 CF. Knowing that based on the number & sizes of boxes your space should NOT EXCEED 300 CF and even if it does, your price will NOT EXCEED the quoted price.

Is charging by cubic feet legal?

Yes, charging a customer for an interstate move based on cubic feet is legal if the mover has a provision for cubic feet charges in its tariff and follows the general provisions of the law. Charges based on cubic feet, or other volume based charges, are allowed if the written estimate is BINDING. A mover may also offer options to a customer to charge based on weight OR cubic feet if the mover has a TARIFF that allows for both options.

Federal law under 49 USC Section 14104(b)(1)(C) requires that “non-binding” estimates must be based on weight only. This section does not prohibit charges based on cubic feet; however it limits cubic feet charges to “binding” estimates. Moreover, a mover must generally follow certain requirements to legally charge a customer based on cubic feet. The following are general requirements for correctly/legally charging a customer based on cubic feet:

(1) Estimates based on cubic feet must be BINDING.
(2) Estimate or rescission must indicate that charges are based on cubic feet.
(3) A mover must have a TARIFF which permits cubic feet charges.
(4) The cubic feet charges must be based on accurate measurements.
(5) A mover may charge a fee for providing a written BINDING estimate.

When it comes to weight, it would have to be a NON BINDING estimate because we do not know if you will have 100 boxes of bricks or 100 boxes of feathers, so you will be just getting a NON-BINDING estimate. We provide NOT TO EXCEED BINDING estimates based on the list you have provided.