How we verify moving cost data

Cost tiers per size × distance synthesised from MoveBuddha 2026 calculator (direct fetch), Move.org 2024 distance bands (direct fetch), and Allied 2026 published averages (direct fetch). Cross-referenced and reconciled where the three disagreed. Provenance tagged in the data file per tier.

BLS occupational wage statistics (SOC 53-7062 movers), FMCSA regulatory pages (Protect Your Move, 49 CFR Part 375), FRED CPI for moving services (CUUR0000SEHJ02), and the NCCDB complaint database all returned HTTP 403 or TLS errors on direct fetch today. We use indexed search snippets for the well-established facts (110% rule, $0.60/lb released value, SOC 53-7062 median ~$37,680/yr) and flag explicitly that verbatim regulatory text needs to be verified on eCFR before legal reliance.

BLS SOC 53-7062 is a superset including warehouse laborers; the wage understates residential-mover compensation. HireAHelper's labour-only rates ($80-$150/hr crew) are not directly comparable to all-in figures because the truck is rented separately. The data file flags this for both.

Long-distance moves price by weight (or sometimes cubic feet). MoveBuddha's 2026 per-pound range is $0.15-$0.21/lb for packing — this is the packing cost, not the all-in transport cost. The cost tiers in the calculator use all-in published averages, not the per-pound rate.

Interstate movers must follow the 110% rule (cannot collect more than 110% of the non-binding written estimate at delivery). The remainder is billed within 30 days. Binding estimates lock the price. Non-binding estimates can vary by up to 10% before the 110% rule activates. Source: FMCSA Protect Your Move + 49 CFR Part 375 (verbatim text snippet-only; verify on eCFR).

MoveBuddha 2026 reports $20-$60 per mover for local moves, $40-$120 for long-distance, $80-$240 for cross-country. Calculator uses this range scaled by crew size from the relevant tier.

Quarterly against fresh MoveBuddha + Move.org + Allied data. Pre-deploy CI gate refuses to publish data >90 days stale.

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