Travel, mileage, and truck fees
Ask whether travel to and from the job is billed as time, a fixed trip charge, mileage, fuel, or a combination. Confirm the starting and ending location used for the calculation.
Access charges
Stairs, elevators, long carries, gated entries, remote loading areas, tight roads, and shuttle trucks can add labor or equipment. Give the mover photos and accurate distances during the estimate.
Materials and packing
Confirm whether cartons, tape, paper, mattress bags, TV boxes, wardrobe boxes, crates, and labor are included or priced separately. Ask how unused materials are handled.
Specialty and storage handling
Pianos, safes, pool tables, artwork, glass, wine, appliances, and oversized pieces may require special labor or third parties. Storage can include handling-in, monthly storage, handling-out, redelivery, and access fees.
Waiting time and changes
Closing delays, unavailable elevators, missing keys, added stops, unfinished packing, and inventory additions can change the work. Ask how the mover documents and approves changes before performing them.
A useful estimate lists likely extras and the rates used to calculate them. Avoid relying on verbal assurances that a charge will not apply.