CMC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A moving crew is about to depart but notices the truck's rear is sitting noticeably lower than normal. What is the most appropriate action? → Redistribute weight by moving items forward toward the cab
2. What is the primary reason moving blankets (furniture pads) should NOT be used as the sole layer of protection for antique wood furniture? → They can trap moisture against the wood surface causing warping or mildew
3. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of lump-sum & binding estimate types as it applies to Certified Moving Consultant? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
4. Which principle holds that a carrier is not liable for damage caused by an 'act of God' such as a tornado during transit? → Common carrier exception for acts of God
5. A consultant recommends 'cell boxes' (divider boxes) to a customer. These are best suited for packing: → Bottles of wine or liquor
6. A mover is packing a box with both heavy books at the bottom and fragile ceramics on top. What is the maximum recommended total box weight? → 35 lbs
7. Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when packing fine oil paintings for a household goods move? → Wrapping oil paintings in plastic wrap to seal out moisture
8. What is the BEST way to use testimonials during a sales consultation? → Reference a specific testimonial that mirrors the prospect's situation to make it relevant
9. What minimum cargo liability insurance amount is required for interstate household goods carriers under FMCSA regulations? → $5,000 per shipment or $10,000 per occurrence
10. Which technique is recommended when packing flat-screen TVs without the original box? → Stand upright, pad with moving blankets, use a TV box with foam inserts
11. A customer claims an item was damaged during the move and demands full replacement value. The CMC's FIRST step should be to: → Review the declared value protection selected at booking and explain the claims process
12. Which federal agency has jurisdiction over household goods carrier complaint investigations related to cargo claims? → The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
13. A household goods carrier is required to reweigh a shipment if the shipper requests it and the shipment has not yet been delivered. Who pays for the reweigh? → The carrier always pays for reweighs
14. Which technique is MOST effective for building long-term customer relationships in the moving industry? → Following up after delivery to ensure satisfaction
15. If a customer requests a reweigh of their shipment, who is responsible for the cost of the reweigh if the new weight is lower than the original? → The carrier pays if the reweigh produces a lower weight
16. When a carrier issues a binding not-to-exceed estimate, what happens if the actual cost of the move is less than the estimate? → The customer pays only the lower actual cost
17. When must a household goods carrier provide written notice to a shipper about their valuation options? → Before the shipment is loaded, as part of the order for service
18. If high-value items (e.g., jewelry, antiques) are included in a shipment, what must the customer do to ensure full carrier liability? → List them on a high-value inventory form
19. Why is it important to disclose all services in an estimate? → To avoid misunderstandings and ensure transparency
20. What should be the tone when addressing a dissatisfied customer? → Calm, professional, and empathetic
21. When should a moving consultant recommend splitting a shipment across two trucks rather than using one larger vehicle? → When the total weight or cube exceeds one truck's safe capacity
22. Which of the following BEST describes a consultative selling approach in the moving industry? → Asking questions to understand needs and then tailoring the service recommendation
23. A shipper's goods must be reweighed after the initial weigh because the shipper believes the first weight was inaccurate. Who pays for the reweigh? → The shipper pays if the reweigh confirms the original weight was correct
24. Under FMCSA regulations, what is the maximum number of days a carrier has to acknowledge a loss or damage claim from a household goods customer? → 30 days
25. Which element is required on a written binding estimate to make it enforceable? → Carrier's MC number, origin, destination, and the total binding price
26. What is the significance of a shipment's 'density' in load planning? → It helps calculate how much space high-weight items require relative to low-weight items
27. Which federal agency primarily regulates interstate household goods movers in the United States? → Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
28. A motor carrier's USDOT number must be displayed on which side(s) of a commercial motor vehicle? → Both sides
29. What does a 'binding not-to-exceed' estimate mean, and why is it significant during client counseling? → The client pays the lower of the estimated price or the actual cost based on weight
30. What distinguishes a 'binding estimate not to exceed' from a standard binding estimate? → The customer pays the lower of the binding price or actual charges