Most industries have their own set of terminology and the moving industry is no different. You may be confused as to what some of these terms mean, so to help you get the most out of your moving experience, here are some definitions:
Accessorial (Additional) Services
These are extra services that you may want to opt for in your move. Examples include packing or unpacking boxes, assembly and disassembly of items, and transporting any additional items that are not included in the base price of your move.
Agent
When a nationwide van line uses a local moving company to help you with your move, that moving company acts as the agent. This could be a local company that carries out your packing at origin or a company that performs services at your new location.
AMSA Certified Mover
The Federal Highway Administration overseas the regulation of moving companies that move across state lines. A certified mover abides by these federal transportation laws and is certified by the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association).
AMSA Certified Van Line
A certified van line is a moving carrier which uses several agents across the nation to complete your move. They operate under their own authority and are regulated by the Federal Highway Administration. This particular kind of van line is certified by the AMSA and abides by their Code of Conduct to give you the best service possible.
Appliance Service
If you opt for appliance service, you are asking the movers to prepare your appliances for the move. This can involve unplugging cables and ensuring that small parts stay put during transit.
Bill of Lading
When you move, you will receive a Bill of Lading typically from the driver, which acts as your receipt. You will be asked to sign this document to show that you agree to the terms. More than just a receipt, it also acts as a contractual document that should be kept in a safe place.
Binding Estimate
When you receive a binding estimate, you are getting a document in writing that states a set price according to the services you have requested be performed in your move. This total cost will not change unless you choose to add/remove a service and therefore changing the terms of the estimate.
Non-Binding Estimate
A non-binding estimate does not guarantee a total price for your move; it is subject to change. This document is simply a rough number to give you an idea of how much the service will cost.
Booking Agent
The booking agent is someone who helps you schedule your move. He or she acts as a representative of the moving company to give you quotes, dates, cost, and other information regarding your move. They can also sell you the services you request.
C.O.D.
This stands for “Cash On Delivery”, meaning you will pay the mover at the time they deliver your goods to the desired destination (or storage facility).
Carrier
The carrier refers to the moving company that carries out the transportation of your belongings.
Change Order
A change order is used when a change needs to be made to the initial agreed upon price. For instance, when services need to be added or removed.
Check-Off Sheet
This is a document to help the movers make sure that all of your items are accounted for when unloading the truck at your new residence. It acts as an inventory list so that we know every box and piece of furniture is accounted for.
Contract Number
You will be given a contract number assigned by our company in order to track your shipment. You can find this number on the service order and your bill of lading.
Destination Agent
This is the person(s) who will help you at your new residence. They will act as representative of the moving company to ensure all services you have ordered are carried out.
Estimate
The estimate is much like a quote. It gives you an indication of how much your move will cost, based upon the services you request and the weight of your items. If it is a binding estimate, then it is an accurate, final, and guaranteed cost for your move.
Expedited Service
You may request expedited service that will guarantee the movers get your shipment to its destination by a set date. There may be a minimum weight requirement.
Guaranteed Pickup/Delivery
When your mover promises to pickup and/or deliver your goods by a certain date. The mover will guarantee delivery/pickup by these dates or they will pay you back per day they are late. This service also requires a minimum weight to be shipped.
Hauling Agent
A hauling agent is a driver/mover who owns their truck and is hired by the van line to carry out your move.
High Value Article
When have high value articles involved in your move, you should let the moving company know ahead of time (during initial cost estimate) so they can make sure to protect them properly. High value articles are those with a value above $100 per pound.
Inventory
We will take an inventory of your items before moving them. This list gives a description, quantity, and the condition of each household good.
Linehaul Charges
These are the charges specifically for the transit section of your move. They are separate from other moving charges.
Long Carry
This refers to when the mover must haul your items from their truck to your new destination. Additional service charges apply.
Move Coordinator
Your move coordinator is the person who takes care of you throughout the entire move process. They are there to help answer your questions at every step of the way.
Order for Service
The Order for Service is a legal document which gives authorization for the movers to transport your items. It lays out all services to be performed in your move.
Origin Agent
The Origin Agent is the person and/or crew who will help carry out your moving services at your pickup location. This may or may not involve packing boxes, appliance service, taking inventory, and providing you with documentation.
Peak Season Rates
Just as you would pay more for a hotel on weekend nights versus during the week, you will often pay a higher premium for moving services during peak moving season (summertime).
Pickup and Delivery Charges
These charges apply to the transportation of your items from a temporary storage location to your destination.
Relocation Specialist
Much like a move coordinator, the Relocation Specialist is there to give you cost estimates and answer any questions you may have that pertain to your relocation.
Shuttle Service
Your movers may use Shuttle Service to move your items from their truck to your new home, if necessary.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
When there is a delay in moving your items to your final residence, then we keep them in temporary storage (Storage-In-Transit or SIT) for a maximum of 90 days. You must request SIT as an additional service if you need it. Additional storage charges will apply.
Third Party Charges
Additional moving services performed by another party at your request. We will bill the third party and add the charges to your Bill of Lading.
Valuation
You may also see this referred to as Maximum Value Protection. It is a total value of your goods being shipped for the purpose of determining valuation charges. These are charges that are paid to the mover for taking over the liability of your items during transit.
Van Line
The Van Line is the nation-wide company that contracts agents to carry out your move across state lines. It oversees the routing of your shipment as well as claims settlement for interstate moves.
Van Operator
This is the person who drives, handles, and loads/unloads your items to/from the moving van.
Warehouse Handling
This is a charge you will see on your Bill of Lading only if your move involves the temporary “storage in transit” service (SIT). This charge is meant to pay the mover for their efforts in moving your items to and from temporary storage facilities.