Related glossary terms
Pricing & Billing
COD Payment
Also known as: Cash on Delivery, Pay at delivery
Definition
COD payment (Cash on Delivery) is the practice of collecting the full balance of a move at the time of delivery, before the truck is unloaded — a common practice for residential interstate and long-distance moves.
In practice
What it means on a move.
Standard COD policy: the crew lead presents the final invoice at delivery, and the customer pays the full balance before unloading begins. Payment methods accepted vary by carrier — cash, certified check, money order, sometimes credit card (with 3-4% surcharge). Personal checks are typically not accepted at COD because they can bounce. Customers should bring the COD amount in an accepted form to delivery. The COD amount is based on the actual weight + accessorials, which may differ from the original estimate.
Stakes
Why this matters.
COD prevents customers from receiving their goods and then disputing the bill. It also protects the carrier from non-payment. However, customers should understand the COD amount before delivery — the truck cannot be unloaded without payment, which can create same-day cash-flow pressure. Reputable carriers send a final invoice 24-48 hours before delivery so customers can arrange payment.
Our process
How Muscleman Elite handles it.
Muscleman Elite accepts COD via cash, certified check, money order, ACH, or credit card (3% surcharge). For corporate relocations, payment terms are handled through the RMC, not the customer. We send a final invoice 24-48 hours before delivery so customers can arrange payment.
Questions we get
About COD Payment.
- Can I pay by credit card on delivery?
- Yes — we accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx with 3% surcharge. Cash, certified check, money order, and ACH have no surcharge.
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Need a real quote?
Tell us the date.
Muscleman Elite always provides a written estimate before the move. Photo and video estimates available — no in-home visit required for most jobs.