The 6 Hidden Fees Most Moving Companies Don’t Tell You About — And How MoveNavigator Makes Them Disappear

Moving isn’t cheap — but what shocks most people isn’t the price they agreed to… it’s the price they end up paying.

Hidden fees are one of the biggest complaints in the moving industry, and most homeowners never see them coming.

Here are the six most common ways movers increase your bill, including one “legal scam” even big-name companies use.

1. The Most Common “Legal Scam”: Day-Of Weight Spike (Long-Distance Moves)

This is the big one — and it’s completely legal.

A mover gives you a great price for a 20,000 lb shipment. Do they know it’s probably closer to 30,000+ lbs? Yes. Do they lowball the estimate to win your business? Yes.

The Trap

On moving day, you sign the loading paperwork.

Hidden in the fine print, in industry jargon, is a clause saying:

If the actual weight exceeds the estimate by more than 2,000 lbs, the estimate becomes void and the mover can legally charge a higher rate per federal regulations.

It sounds official — “per federal regulations” — but all it means is:

They underbid the job, then legally raise the price after loading.

The Knockout Punch

They load your items → they drive to the highway patrol weigh station → suddenly:

32,000 lbs… not 20,000.

They get an Official Highway Patrol ticket, "The law says it weighs more. You have to pay more."

Now you owe thousands more.

The worst part?

They can legally hold your belongings hostage until you pay.

This is the #1 cause of massive day-of price increases on interstate moves.

2. “Unforeseen Circumstances” Price Increase (Local Moves)

This is the local-move version of the scam above.

Movers arrive and say:

“Your job is a lot bigger than we expected.”

Or:

“This will require more hours/labor/equipment.”

You can’t call another company the same day — they know that — so you’re forced to accept the new, inflated price.

3. Long Carry Fees

If movers can’t park near your home, they charge extra for how far they must carry items.

Common in:• Apartments• Condos• Tight neighborhoods• Long driveways

Hidden names this appears under:

• Long Carry Fee

• Shuttle Fee

• Access Fee

Often added after the job or buried in jargon-heavy contract language.

4. Stair Fees

Some movers charge per flight of stairs.Others charge per step.

Look for wording like:

• Vertical Carry Fee

• Stair Fee

• Elevated Access Charge

Not a big deal… until your home has three flights.

5. Fuel Surcharges

Fuel fees are one of the most inconsistent charges in the industry.

Movers may charge:

• A flat fee

• A percentage of the move

• A fluctuating “market fuel rate”

• Or simply make up a number

There is almost never transparency.Customers usually cannot verify whether the surcharge is real or inflated.

Many movers use fuel charges as a quiet way to increase the job total without raising the “base price.”

6. Materials Charges

Shrink wrap, boxes, tape, moving blankets — if movers can charge for it, they do.

Common markups:

• $12 shrink-wrap → charged at $50

• $0.80 boxes → charged at $3.50

• $0.25 tape rolls → charged at $3

And here’s the trick:

The more materials they use, the more they make… so they use a LOT.

This is one of the most common forms of nickel-and-diming.

Why These Fees Happen

Most customers don’t:

• Read or understand contract language

• Know what typical moving charges should be

• Recognize loopholes or red-flag phrases

• Realize the pricing traps until it’s too late

Movers rely on this.

How MoveNavigator Makes These Fees Disappear

We review every quote and contract before you choose a mover.

When you use MoveNavigator:

✔ Every quote is checked for hidden fees

✔ We require clear, binding, predictable pricing

✔ Movers cannot slip in loopholes or day-of price spikes

✔ We hold movers accountable to their contract

✔ Our team supports you before, during, and after moving day

Result:

You get the best price, the cleanest contract, and a move without financial surprises — guaranteed.