Tariff
Definition
The published rate schedule that a moving company files with the FMCSA. It contains the rates, rules, and charges for all services. Interstate movers must make their tariff available to customers upon request.
A tariff is the complete pricing document for an interstate mover. It lists every rate and charge the company can assess, including linehaul rates by weight and distance, accessorial charges, valuation rates, and any special service fees.
Federal law requires interstate movers to maintain a tariff and make it available to customers who request it. However, most consumers never see the actual tariff document - they receive a simplified estimate instead.
The tariff matters because: the mover cannot charge more than what is published in their tariff, it provides transparency into how rates are calculated, and it is the reference document in disputes over charges.
You can request to see the tariff at any time. If a charge on your bill does not match the published tariff, you have grounds to dispute it. The FMCSA can intervene when movers charge rates not reflected in their filed tariff.