2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
CA Household Movers Exam Study Guide 250 Questions on
MAX 4 Tariff, Bill of Lading, Not-to-Exceed Estimates, and
Carrier Liability
This essential study resource features over 250+ practice questions specifically designed to
help you pass the California Household Movers Exam and secure your BHGS permit. The
guide provides in-depth coverage of high-stakes exam topics, including MAX 4 Tariff
calculations, the legalities of the Bill of Lading, and the "Not-to-Exceed" pricing rules for
written estimates. Each question is accompanied by an italicized rationale to ensure you
master the state-mandated consumer protections and operational regulations required for a
professional moving license.
What is the primary document governing maximum rates for household moves in
California?
A) Federal Motor Carrier Manual
B) Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4)
C) California Vehicle Code
D) The Bill of Lading
Answer: B
Rationale: Max 4 is the official tariff published by the Bureau of Household Goods and
Services (BHGS) that sets the rules and maximum charges for intrastate moves.
Which form must be provided to every prospective shipper at first personal contact?
A) The Final Invoice
B) Important Information for Persons Moving
C) Change Order for Service
D) Agreement for Moving Services
Answer: B
Rationale: Per Item 470, this booklet must be given to the consumer at the earliest
possible time to inform them of their rights.
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
What is the minimum amount of Public Liability insurance a mover must carry?
) $20,000
B) $500,000
C) $750,000
D) $1,000,000
Answer: C
Rationale: California law requires household movers to maintain a minimum of
$750,000 in public liability and property damage insurance.
Under Max 4, an estimate given over the telephone is:
A) Legally binding
B) Allowed for moves under 50 miles
C) Prohibited and unenforceable
D) Only allowed for commercial moves
Answer: C
Rationale: Item 108 states that estimates must be in writing and based on a visual
inspection of the goods.
The "Not to Exceed Price" on an Agreement for Moving Services is:
A) A rough guess
B) The maximum amount a mover can charge for listed services
C) Only applicable to packing materials
D) Optional for local moves
Answer: B
Rationale: The "Not to Exceed Price" protects the consumer by capping the total cost
unless a Change Order is issued.
What is the minimum height for the Permit Number displayed on moving vehicles?
A) 1 inch
B) 1.5 inches
C) 2 inches
D) 3 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Regulations require the BHGS permit number to be displayed on both sides
of the vehicle in letters at least 1 1/2 inches high.
How much Cargo Insurance is required for a Household Mover permit?
A) $10,000
B) $20,000
C) $50,000
D) $100,000
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Answer: B
Rationale: The Bureau requires a minimum of $20,000 in cargo insurance to protect the
shipper's belongings.
Which Item number in Max 4 defines technical terms like "Shipper" and "Mover"?
A) Item 10
B) Item 4
C) Item 100
D) Item 400
Answer: B
Rationale: Item 4 serves as the "Definitions" section for all technical terminology used
throughout the Tariff.
A "Change Order for Service" must be completed if:
A) The weather changes
B) The mover is running late
C) The shipper requests additional services not in the original estimate
D) The truck breaks down
Answer: C
Rationale: Per Item 120, any service added after the initial Agreement is signed requires
a written Change Order to adjust the Not to Exceed Price.
How long must a mover keep records of a completed move?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C
Rationale: California regulations require movers to maintain all shipping documents and
records for at least three years.
When does "Double Drive Time" apply?
A) During rush hour
B) For all moves over 100 miles
C) Between the point of origin and point of destination
D) When driving from the terminal to the origin
Answer: C
Rationale: Item 320 allows movers to charge double the actual driving time between
origin and destination to compensate for the return trip.
What is the standard valuation for lost or damaged goods if no extra coverage is
purchased?
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
A) Full Replacement Value
B) $0.60 per pound per article
C) $1.25 per pound
D) Original purchase price
Answer: B
Rationale: Unless the shipper pays for higher valuation, the mover’s liability is limited to
60 cents per pound per article.
Who is responsible for the "Visual Inspection" for an estimate?
A) The Shipper
B) The Mover
C) A third-party appraiser
D) The Bureau
Answer: B
Rationale: The mover must perform a visual inspection of the goods to provide a valid,
written Estimate of Cost.
Which form acts as the final contract and receipt for the move?
A) The Estimate
B) The Change Order
C) The Agreement for Moving Services
D) The Insurance Certificate
Answer: C
Rationale: The Agreement (Item 450) is the legal contract that includes the final charges
and terms of service.
Maximum rates in the Tariff are:
A) Mandatory for every move
B) The most a mover can legally charge for a service
C) Only suggestions
D) Set by the Federal Government
Answer: B
Rationale: Movers can charge less than the Tariff rates, but they may never exceed
them.
A "Split Pickup" occurs when:
A) Two different families move together
B) Goods are picked up at more than one location
C) The truck is too small and requires two trips
D) The mover uses two different trucks
Answer: B
CA Household Movers Exam Study Guide 250 Questions on
MAX 4 Tariff, Bill of Lading, Not-to-Exceed Estimates, and
Carrier Liability
This essential study resource features over 250+ practice questions specifically designed to
help you pass the California Household Movers Exam and secure your BHGS permit. The
guide provides in-depth coverage of high-stakes exam topics, including MAX 4 Tariff
calculations, the legalities of the Bill of Lading, and the "Not-to-Exceed" pricing rules for
written estimates. Each question is accompanied by an italicized rationale to ensure you
master the state-mandated consumer protections and operational regulations required for a
professional moving license.
What is the primary document governing maximum rates for household moves in
California?
A) Federal Motor Carrier Manual
B) Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (Max 4)
C) California Vehicle Code
D) The Bill of Lading
Answer: B
Rationale: Max 4 is the official tariff published by the Bureau of Household Goods and
Services (BHGS) that sets the rules and maximum charges for intrastate moves.
Which form must be provided to every prospective shipper at first personal contact?
A) The Final Invoice
B) Important Information for Persons Moving
C) Change Order for Service
D) Agreement for Moving Services
Answer: B
Rationale: Per Item 470, this booklet must be given to the consumer at the earliest
possible time to inform them of their rights.
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
What is the minimum amount of Public Liability insurance a mover must carry?
) $20,000
B) $500,000
C) $750,000
D) $1,000,000
Answer: C
Rationale: California law requires household movers to maintain a minimum of
$750,000 in public liability and property damage insurance.
Under Max 4, an estimate given over the telephone is:
A) Legally binding
B) Allowed for moves under 50 miles
C) Prohibited and unenforceable
D) Only allowed for commercial moves
Answer: C
Rationale: Item 108 states that estimates must be in writing and based on a visual
inspection of the goods.
The "Not to Exceed Price" on an Agreement for Moving Services is:
A) A rough guess
B) The maximum amount a mover can charge for listed services
C) Only applicable to packing materials
D) Optional for local moves
Answer: B
Rationale: The "Not to Exceed Price" protects the consumer by capping the total cost
unless a Change Order is issued.
What is the minimum height for the Permit Number displayed on moving vehicles?
A) 1 inch
B) 1.5 inches
C) 2 inches
D) 3 inches
Answer: B
Rationale: Regulations require the BHGS permit number to be displayed on both sides
of the vehicle in letters at least 1 1/2 inches high.
How much Cargo Insurance is required for a Household Mover permit?
A) $10,000
B) $20,000
C) $50,000
D) $100,000
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Answer: B
Rationale: The Bureau requires a minimum of $20,000 in cargo insurance to protect the
shipper's belongings.
Which Item number in Max 4 defines technical terms like "Shipper" and "Mover"?
A) Item 10
B) Item 4
C) Item 100
D) Item 400
Answer: B
Rationale: Item 4 serves as the "Definitions" section for all technical terminology used
throughout the Tariff.
A "Change Order for Service" must be completed if:
A) The weather changes
B) The mover is running late
C) The shipper requests additional services not in the original estimate
D) The truck breaks down
Answer: C
Rationale: Per Item 120, any service added after the initial Agreement is signed requires
a written Change Order to adjust the Not to Exceed Price.
How long must a mover keep records of a completed move?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C
Rationale: California regulations require movers to maintain all shipping documents and
records for at least three years.
When does "Double Drive Time" apply?
A) During rush hour
B) For all moves over 100 miles
C) Between the point of origin and point of destination
D) When driving from the terminal to the origin
Answer: C
Rationale: Item 320 allows movers to charge double the actual driving time between
origin and destination to compensate for the return trip.
What is the standard valuation for lost or damaged goods if no extra coverage is
purchased?
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
A) Full Replacement Value
B) $0.60 per pound per article
C) $1.25 per pound
D) Original purchase price
Answer: B
Rationale: Unless the shipper pays for higher valuation, the mover’s liability is limited to
60 cents per pound per article.
Who is responsible for the "Visual Inspection" for an estimate?
A) The Shipper
B) The Mover
C) A third-party appraiser
D) The Bureau
Answer: B
Rationale: The mover must perform a visual inspection of the goods to provide a valid,
written Estimate of Cost.
Which form acts as the final contract and receipt for the move?
A) The Estimate
B) The Change Order
C) The Agreement for Moving Services
D) The Insurance Certificate
Answer: C
Rationale: The Agreement (Item 450) is the legal contract that includes the final charges
and terms of service.
Maximum rates in the Tariff are:
A) Mandatory for every move
B) The most a mover can legally charge for a service
C) Only suggestions
D) Set by the Federal Government
Answer: B
Rationale: Movers can charge less than the Tariff rates, but they may never exceed
them.
A "Split Pickup" occurs when:
A) Two different families move together
B) Goods are picked up at more than one location
C) The truck is too small and requires two trips
D) The mover uses two different trucks
Answer: B
