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.
Which document is the primary legal contract between the mover and the
consumer?
A. The Estimate
B. The Inventory list
C. The Bill of Lading
D. The Order for Service
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Bill of Lading is the official contract of carriage required by the BHGS; it
sets the terms, conditions, and liability for the entire move.
What is the minimum Public Liability and Property Damage (PL&PD) insurance
required for a Household Mover permit?
A. $300,000
B. $500,000
C. $750,000
D. $1,000,000
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: California regulations mandate a minimum of $750,000 in public liability
insurance to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage.
What is the minimum Cargo Insurance requirement for a household mover?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $20,000
D. $50,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per BHGS rules, movers must maintain at least $20,000 in cargo insurance
to cover loss or damage to the consumer's household goods during transit.
Under MAX 4 Tariff, "Double Drive Time" (DDT) applies to which of the following?
A. Any move over 50 miles
B. The time spent driving between the origin and destination
C. The total time of the entire job
D. Packing time only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Double Drive Time is a standard California calculation where the actual
driving time between the old and new residence is doubled to account for the return trip
to the warehouse.
How long must a household mover keep copies of Bills of Lading and shipping
records?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 7 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California law requires movers to retain all business records, including
contracts and estimates, for a minimum of three years for audit purposes.
What is the maximum time allowed for a consumer to file a written claim for loss or
damage?
A. 30 days
B. 90 days
C. 9 months
D. 1 year
Correct Answer: C
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Rationale: Standard Tariff rules allow the consumer up to 9 months from the date of
delivery to submit a written claim for damages.
A "Not-to-Exceed" price is established by which document?
A. The Verbal Quote
B. The Written Estimate
C. The Inventory
D. The Bill of Lading
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A written estimate provided after a visual inspection creates a "Not-to-
Exceed" price, meaning the mover cannot charge more than that amount plus any
agreed-upon change orders.
If a mover discovers additional items not on the original estimate, what must be
issued before the work is done?
A. A verbal agreement
B. A Change Order for Service
C. A new Bill of Lading
D. A second inventory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any changes to the scope of work or price must be documented in a written
Change Order signed by the customer before the additional services are performed.
What is the standard valuation for "Basic Life" (Released Value) coverage provided
at no extra cost?
A. $0.30 per pound per article
B. $0.60 per pound per article
C. Full Replacement Value
D. $1.25 per pound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The default liability limit for movers in CA is $0.60 per pound per article;
anything higher requires the consumer to pay for additional valuation.
Which state agency currently regulates household movers in California?
A. CPUC (Public Utilities Commission)
B. DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
C. BHGS (Bureau of Household Goods and Services)
D. CHP (California Highway Patrol)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oversight of household movers was transferred from the CPUC to the
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) under the Department of Consumer
Affairs.
What is the "Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods" booklet?
A. A marketing brochure
B. A document that must be given to every consumer before a move
C. A list of insurance agents
D. A map of California
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Movers are legally required to provide this BHGS-approved booklet to
consumers to ensure they understand their rights and the mover's responsibilities.
When calculating hourly rates, what is the smallest increment a mover can charge?
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 1 hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under MAX 4, hourly charges must be computed in increments of no more
than 15 minutes.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a legal estimate?
A. Must be in writing
B. Must be based on a visual inspection
C. Must be signed by the mover and the customer
D. Must be a verbal guess over the phone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In California, a binding "Not-to-Exceed" estimate cannot be given over the
phone; it must be in writing following a physical or virtual visual inspection.
What is "Flight Carry"?
A. Moving items by airplane
B. Carrying items up or down stairs
C. Moving items a long distance from the truck to the door
D. Using an elevator
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flight Carry refers to additional charges allowed for carrying goods up or
down flights of stairs at the origin or destination.
If a move is delayed by the mover, the mover must notify the customer:
A. Only if the delay is more than 24 hours
B. Within 2 weeks
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.
Which document is the primary legal contract between the mover and the
consumer?
A. The Estimate
B. The Inventory list
C. The Bill of Lading
D. The Order for Service
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Bill of Lading is the official contract of carriage required by the BHGS; it
sets the terms, conditions, and liability for the entire move.
What is the minimum Public Liability and Property Damage (PL&PD) insurance
required for a Household Mover permit?
A. $300,000
B. $500,000
C. $750,000
D. $1,000,000
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: California regulations mandate a minimum of $750,000 in public liability
insurance to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage.
What is the minimum Cargo Insurance requirement for a household mover?
A. $5,000
B. $10,000
C. $20,000
D. $50,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per BHGS rules, movers must maintain at least $20,000 in cargo insurance
to cover loss or damage to the consumer's household goods during transit.
Under MAX 4 Tariff, "Double Drive Time" (DDT) applies to which of the following?
A. Any move over 50 miles
B. The time spent driving between the origin and destination
C. The total time of the entire job
D. Packing time only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Double Drive Time is a standard California calculation where the actual
driving time between the old and new residence is doubled to account for the return trip
to the warehouse.
How long must a household mover keep copies of Bills of Lading and shipping
records?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 7 years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: California law requires movers to retain all business records, including
contracts and estimates, for a minimum of three years for audit purposes.
What is the maximum time allowed for a consumer to file a written claim for loss or
damage?
A. 30 days
B. 90 days
C. 9 months
D. 1 year
Correct Answer: C
,2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Rationale: Standard Tariff rules allow the consumer up to 9 months from the date of
delivery to submit a written claim for damages.
A "Not-to-Exceed" price is established by which document?
A. The Verbal Quote
B. The Written Estimate
C. The Inventory
D. The Bill of Lading
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A written estimate provided after a visual inspection creates a "Not-to-
Exceed" price, meaning the mover cannot charge more than that amount plus any
agreed-upon change orders.
If a mover discovers additional items not on the original estimate, what must be
issued before the work is done?
A. A verbal agreement
B. A Change Order for Service
C. A new Bill of Lading
D. A second inventory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Any changes to the scope of work or price must be documented in a written
Change Order signed by the customer before the additional services are performed.
What is the standard valuation for "Basic Life" (Released Value) coverage provided
at no extra cost?
A. $0.30 per pound per article
B. $0.60 per pound per article
C. Full Replacement Value
D. $1.25 per pound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The default liability limit for movers in CA is $0.60 per pound per article;
anything higher requires the consumer to pay for additional valuation.
Which state agency currently regulates household movers in California?
A. CPUC (Public Utilities Commission)
B. DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
C. BHGS (Bureau of Household Goods and Services)
D. CHP (California Highway Patrol)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oversight of household movers was transferred from the CPUC to the
, 2026 UPDATED QUESTIONS DOWNLOAD
Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) under the Department of Consumer
Affairs.
What is the "Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods" booklet?
A. A marketing brochure
B. A document that must be given to every consumer before a move
C. A list of insurance agents
D. A map of California
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Movers are legally required to provide this BHGS-approved booklet to
consumers to ensure they understand their rights and the mover's responsibilities.
When calculating hourly rates, what is the smallest increment a mover can charge?
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 1 hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under MAX 4, hourly charges must be computed in increments of no more
than 15 minutes.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a legal estimate?
A. Must be in writing
B. Must be based on a visual inspection
C. Must be signed by the mover and the customer
D. Must be a verbal guess over the phone
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In California, a binding "Not-to-Exceed" estimate cannot be given over the
phone; it must be in writing following a physical or virtual visual inspection.
What is "Flight Carry"?
A. Moving items by airplane
B. Carrying items up or down stairs
C. Moving items a long distance from the truck to the door
D. Using an elevator
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Flight Carry refers to additional charges allowed for carrying goods up or
down flights of stairs at the origin or destination.
If a move is delayed by the mover, the mover must notify the customer:
A. Only if the delay is more than 24 hours
B. Within 2 weeks
