Moving Terms

Moving Services Glossary: Your Key to Understanding Relocation Terminology

We understand that the moving industry can be filled with unfamiliar terms and jargon. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive moving services glossary based on our expertise at Universal Relocations. By familiarizing yourself with these essential moving terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the relocation process and ensure that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities. The more knowledgeable you are about moving terminology, the more effectively you can protect yourself during the move.

Here’s a glossary of moving terms to enhance your understanding:

1. Accessorial (Additional) Services:

These are extra services you request or that are necessary due to special circumstances, such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or piano stair carries. The charges for these services are separate from the transportation costs.

2. Advanced Charges:

These are charges for services performed by professionals or craftsmen at your request but not by the mover directly. The mover covers the costs for these services and adds them to your bill of lading charges.

3. Agent:

A local moving company that represents a national van line. They may serve as a booking agent, origin agent, destination agent, or hauling agent.

4. AMSA Certified Mover:

An interstate carrier with its own operating authority granted by the Federal Highway Administration. AMSA Certified Movers adhere to the AMSA Code of Conduct and conduct their business in an efficient and professional manner.

5. Appliance Service:

Preparation of major electrical appliances to ensure their safe transportation.

6. Bill of Lading:

A receipt for your goods and a contract for their transportation. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand the bill of lading before signing it. If there is anything you disagree with, don’t sign it until you are satisfied that it is accurate. Keep your copy of the bill of lading safe and secure.

7. Binding/Non-Binding Estimate:

A binding estimate guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services specified in the estimate. A non-binding estimate is an approximation based on the estimated weight of the shipment and requested additional services. The final charges for a non-binding estimate are based on the actual weight and applicable tariff provisions.

8. Booking Agent:

An agent or person who sells and registers your move. They are not necessarily located at the origin or destination.

9. Carrier:

The moving company responsible for transporting your household goods.

10. Change Order:

A form used to modify the original estimate due to additions or deletions of items or requested services.

11. C.O.D.:

Transportation service for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence or warehouse.

12. Destination Agent:

An agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary services and information upon the completion of your move.

13. Estimate:

An overall calculation of transportation charges and costs for additional services. It includes an estimate of the shipment’s weight.

14. Expedited Service:

An agreement with the mover to transport your shipment by a specified date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.

15. Flight Charge:

An additional fee for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

16. Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service:

A premium service level where dates of service are guaranteed, and the mover provides reimbursement for any delays. Minimum weight requirements may apply.

17. Hauling Agent:

An agent who owns the van assigned by the van line to transport your belongings.

18. High Value Article:

Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure they are adequately protected.

19. Inventory:

A detailed descriptive list of your household goods, indicating the number and condition of each item.

20. Linehaul Charges:

Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move, separate from additional service charges.

21. Long Carry:

An additional charge for carrying articles over excessive distances between the mover’s vehicle and your residence.

22. Order for Service:

The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

23. Order (Bill of Lading) Number:

The unique number used to identify and track your shipment.

24. Origin Agent:

An agent at the origin responsible for packing and preparing necessary documentation.

25. Peak Season Rates:

Higher linehaul charges applicable during the summer months, which is the peak moving season.

26. Pickup and Delivery Charges:

Transportation charges applicable for moving your shipment between the storage-in-transit (SIT) warehouse and your residence.

27. Registration Number:

The number assigned by the van line to identify your shipment. It can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the Order for Service and the bill of lading.

28. Relocation Consultant:

The agent’s sales representative responsible for providing cost estimates and answering customer questions regarding the moving process.

29. Shuttle Service:

The use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover’s regular line-haul equipment.

30. Storage-In-Transit (SIT):

Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment when your new home is not ready for occupancy. You must request SIT service, which is limited to a maximum of 90 days. You are responsible for the associated charges, including warehouse handling and final delivery.

31. Valuation:

The degree of “worth” assigned to your shipment. Valuation charges compensate the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than provided for in the base transportation charges. It is also known as Extra Care Protection.

32. Van Foreman:

The van driver who holds overall responsibility for loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings.

33. Warehouse Handling:

An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for physically handling and storing items in the warehouse.