§ 375.3 - Estimates of charges.

(a) Binding estimates. Motor common carriers engaged in the transportation of household goods as defined in § 375.1(b)(1) may provide in their tariffs for the preparation and furnishing to shippers of binding estimates of the costs which the shippers will be required to pay for the services included in the estimates. Binding estimates must be furnished in writing to the shipper or other person responsible for payment of the freight charges and a copy of each such estimate must be retained by the carrier as an addendum to the bill of lading. All such estimates shall have clearly indicated on its face that the estimate is binding on the carrier and that the charges shown are the charges which will be assessed for the services identified in the estimate. Binding estimates must clearly describe the shipment and all services to be provided.

(b) Non-binding estimates. Motor common carriers engaged in the transportation of household goods as defined in § 375.1(b)(1) may provide estimates of the approximate costs which will be assessed for the transportation of such shipments. Non-binding estimates shall be reasonably accurate. Estimates of approximate costs shall not be binding on the carriers providing such estimates. The final charges on shipments moved on non-binding estimates shall be those appearing in the carriers’ tariffs applicable to the transportation. Non-binding estimates must be furnished without charge and in writing to the shipper or other person responsible for payment of the freight charges and a copy of each such estimate must be retained by the carrier as an addendum to the bill of lading. All such estimates shall have clearly indicated on the face thereof that the estimate is not binding on the carrier and that the charges shown are the approximate charges which will be assessed for the services identified in the estimate. Non-binding estimates must clearly describe the shipment and all services to be provided.

(c) Estimated charges required to be entered on the order for service and bill of lading. Motor common carriers furnishing non-binding estimates shall enter the estimated charges on the order for service, if an order for service is required, and on the bill of lading.

(d) Maximum charges required to be paid at time of delivery on collect on delivery shipments subject to non-binding estimates of approximate costs. At time of delivery of a collect on delivery shipment, except when such shipment is delivered to a warehouse for storage at the request of the shipper, on which a non-binding estimate of the approximate costs has been furnished by the carrier under the provisions of paragraph (b), the shipper may request delivery of the shipment upon payment, in a form acceptable to the carrier, of an amount not exceeding 110 percent of the estimated charges. The carrier shall, upon request of the shipper, relinquish possession of the shipment upon payment of not more than 110 percent of the estimated charges and shall defer demand for the payment of the balance of any remaining charges for a period of 30 days following the date of delivery.