Mover's Glossary

Accessorial Charges

Extra charges for services such as packing, unpacking, and extra pick-ups. Could also include additional fees for long hauls.

Advanced Charges

Charges for services provided by a professional other than the mover. Can include a craftsman, or other third-party at the client's request. Charges are billed to the mover who in turn, bills the client.

Agent (Booking, Hauling, Destination)

A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company. An agent may be involved in booking, at the point of origin, at the destination and/or be the hauling agent.

Booking Agent: The agent who writes, registers and accepts the order for your move.

Hauling Agent: The agent who owns the assigned van to transport your possessions.

Destination Agent: The agent located at the destination who provides necessary services and information when you finish your move.

Anti-Static Bubble Wrap

Bubble cushioning wrap used for packing delicate or fragile items, while keeping static at bay. It is also lightweight, water resistant, reusable and non-scratching. Ideal for electronics and computers.

Appliance Service

The cost incurred in preparing major appliances for safe transportation. Appliances are disconnected at the originating residence and reconnected at the new residence. In most cases, appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators are covered in appliance service.

A fee for these services may depend on the time it takes to perform these services. If the mover does not perform this service or contracts with a third party, then it will be marked "NA".

Assessed Value

The amount of much money you pay per $1000 of assessed value to cover your household items to their fully assessed value. Opting for this coverage requires a cash value be assigned to the items you will be moving.

Auxiliary service

This is also known as shuttle service. This service is used if the assigned vehicle is unable to make the normal pick-up or delivery due to constraints (narrow road, inadequate parking, weak bridge). The auxiliary service is the use of a smaller vehicle to complete the pick-up or delivery.

Bill of Lading

The contract between the mover and you for the transportation of your household or business goods. Make sure you understand and agree with all statements before you sign. It is a binding contract. Also Known As: The receipt.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate

The flat rate quoted for the given inventory. The mover quotes a flat price no matter how long the job takes. This is the rate provided when the moving company performs the onsite estimate. A non-binding estimate is the initial quote given based on the company's past experience. It is usually quoted without performing an estimate. The final price is given once the job is completed.

Bulky Article

to ensure safe transportation, some articles included in a shipment (i.e. big screen TVs. Motorcycles, hot tubs, etc.) require extra handling and/or blocking. There is an extra charge for such items.

Carrier

The moving company you hired to move your household or business items.

Certified Scale

Any scale designed for weighing motor vehicles, including trailers or semi trailers not attached to a tractor, and certified by an authorized scale inspection and licensing authority. A certified scale may also be a platform or warehouse type scale that is properly inspected and certified.

C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery)

Transportation for an individual shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).

Cost of Move

The amount the move will cost without including the extra charges and insurance. Cost of move estimations are calculated based on information gathered at the estimate/sign-up interview. Be aware that many factors affect the cost of a move, such as flight of stairs and distance between your residence and the moving van.

Customs Clearance

Regulations and procedures surrounding the entry of your household belongings into another country. Check with the country you're moving to for details on what documents you will need. Also, your mover should be able to provide you with more information.

Declared Value

This is the value you need to declare for the household items you're moving. Your insurance will be based on this amount so make sure you assign proper values to all your goods.

Expedited Service

This applies when you pay a higher minimum rate in exchange for the mover transferring your household or business goods on a specified date.

Freight Service

A low cost moving service where the mover delivers your things at the door step of the address you specify. Your items must be boxed in advance, and no additional service is provided by the mover such as wrapping your furniture in blankets.

Fuel Surcharge

the carrier's tariff provides for a percentage adjustment to the transportation charge (and SIT Pickup and Delivery) to aid in recovery of the increased cost of fuel. The surcharge, which can change monthly, is based upon the national average cost of diesel, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Full Replacement Value Coverage

The amount of money per $1,000 of item value you will need to pay to protect your household goods for their full replacement value. Full replacement value is the amount of money it will cost to purchase a replacement for a damaged item regardless of the damaged item's age. If a deductible is applied, it should be stated in your contract.

Most policies require the entire load be covered, not just specific items. Ask your carrier for terms.

Full Service Move

The most common type of move, with the carrier moving your household items from your old address to your new address. All the items are picked up from the originating rooms and placed in the new rooms. Furniture is wrapped in blankets for protection during transport. For an additional fee, full service providers will pack and unpack your boxes and hook-up your appliances.

Gross Weight

The weight of the van and your goods after they have been loaded.

Guaranteed Pick-Up and Delivery

An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover proving reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.

High Value Inventory

The high value inventory is used for items such as antiques, valuable collections, and jewelry. Any item that is worth more than $100 per pound per article is considered to be of high value.

Household Goods

As used in connection with transportation, means the personal effects or property used, or to be used, in a dwelling, when part of the equipment or supplies of the dwelling. Transporting of the household goods must be arranged for and paid by you or another individual on your behalf. This may include items moving from a factory or store when you purchase them to use in your dwelling. You must request that these items be transported, and you (or another individual on your behalf) must pay the transportation charges to the mover.

Inventory

The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.

Linehaul Charges

Basic charges for long distance moves, calculated by mileage and weight of your shipment. Linehaul charges are usually on top of additional charges.

Moving Kit

Contains all the essential supplies needed to pack an entire house or apartment. Moving kits are available for a one-room apartment up to a ten-room house. Each kit contains boxes of varying sizes and specialities (wardrobe, lamp, etc.), wrap, bubble wrap, markers and sealing tape.

Net Weight

The gross weight minus the tare weight.

Order for Service

The number used to identify and track your shipment.

Operating Authority

The certification issued by a state or federal governmental department authorizing a mover or carrier to move household goods between designated geographical areas.

Order for Service

The authorizing document allowing movers to move your goods.

Overflow or Leave-Over

When articles to be shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary van. An additional van(s) is then utilized for transportation and delivery.

PBO (Packed by Owner)

When articles are packed by the customer for moving.

Packing Kit

Contains all the essential supplies needed to pack a particular room in your home. Packing kits are available for the bedroom, living room, kitchen, home office, garage, laundry room and bathroom. Each kit contains specialty boxes suited for that particular room such as wardrobe, mirror and electronics.

Peak Season Rates

Higher line haul charges that are applicable during the summer months.

Sealing Tape

Heavy-duty tape usually constructed with a polypropylene backing and rubber resin adhesive. Used for securely sealing boxes and packages, with some being capable of bearing up to 40 lbs. Make sure you check the manufacturer's description and guarantee.

Shuttle Service

Refers to a smaller vehicle being used to haul goods to a location which is not accessible to large trailers. Sometimes an additional charge applies.

Standard Coverage

By law moving companies must provide a minimum amount of free coverage, and refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. Typical amount is 60 cents per pound. This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage. For example, if you have priceless crystal which weighs 2 pounds, you would be entitled to only $1.20 should the crystal be damaged during the move.

Storage Extension Coverage

In case your belongings need to be put into storage you will probably need to purchase extra insurance or if you've already purchased moving insurance, this can usually be extended. This is called storage extension coverage. Check with the moving company or insurance company. Make sure you have definitive dates or if you're unsure, provide a longer coverage period than you think you'll need.

Storage-in-Transit (SIT)

Refers to temporary storage of your items pending further transportation. This may be necessary when your new home isn't ready to occupy and your items must be stored. You must specifically request this service and the time cannot exceed a set amount of days determined by the carrier. Additional charges apply, along with warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

Tare Weight

The weight of the van before any goods are loaded onto it.

Tariff

The mover's required, published price list of rules, regulations, rates and charges for the performance of interstate moving services.

Third Party Services

Services that the moving company can arrange for you; includes plumbing, appliance preparing and other specialty services. Ask for pricing and check the contract before you sign.

Total Loss

Restricted insurance for your household goods based on complete loss of your belongings. Make sure you check the details to ensure your covered.

Transit Insurance

This is the insurance that covers your household belongings while they are in transit between your old property and your new one. Check what kind of coverage you have before you move to ensure you're properly insured.

Transit Time

The time between when your belongings are picked up to when they are delivered to the new home or location.

Valuation

The degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.

Van Operator

The individual who oversees the loading, hauling and unloading of your household goods.

Warehouse Handling

An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.