Apply the 110% rule for collecting payment at delivery on non-binding estimates
domain: fmcsa.dot.gov · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
For any shipment moving under a non-binding estimate, calculate 110% of the original estimated charges before delivery
At delivery, require the shipper to have available no more than 110% of the estimate to take possession of the shipment, even if actual charges (based on weight) run higher
If total charges exceed 110% of the estimate, accept payment of 110% at delivery, release the shipment, and defer billing the remaining balance for at least 30 days
You may still demand payment at delivery for additional services the shipper requested after the estimate was signed and were not part of it, plus limited charges for 'impracticable operations,' but the latter is capped (not to exceed roughly 15% of other delivery-due charges)
Document any post-estimate add-on services in writing so they can be legitimately billed at delivery outside the 110% cap
Known gotchas
Refusing to release the shipment after the shipper offers 110% (plus properly documented add-ons) can be treated as failure to transport with 'reasonable dispatch' and exposes the mover to a delay/cargo claim and an FMCSA hostage-goods complaint
'Impracticable operations' charges are capped relative to other delivery charges — padding this category to exceed the 110% cap is a compliance red flag
The 110% rule applies specifically to non-binding estimates; binding and binding not-to-exceed estimates work differently
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