Moving Glossary

• Additional Services - Non-standard services such as appliance servicing, unpacking, packing or carrying items up and down stairs due to your request that could mean more additional charges.
• Advanced Charges - These are charges charged by a third party for their service at your request. Advanced charges usually are paid for by the moving company and then added at the end on the Bill of Lading.
• Agent - A local moving company that is authorized to act on behalf of a national company.
• Bill of Lading - This is also known as the contract between the moving company and the customer. The Bill of Lading is also used as a receipt at the end of the move. Please make sure you understand and agree to all the terms before signing the Bill of Lading.
• Binding Estimate - A flat price quote given by the mover based on the inventory and size of move. This estimate is binding meaning no matter how long the move takes, the binding estimate is the amount due. Typically binding estimates are only given when a mover does an onsite estimate.
• Non-Binding Estimate - An estimate quote based on the size of the move and the mover’s previous moves similar to yours. These estimates are subject to change. Be careful of low non-binding quotes from movers. This is a marketing tactic to capture your attention.
• Carrier - The mover you are using for your move.
• C.O.D. - This stands for cash on delivery which means payment is due at the time when delivery arrives.
• Expedited Service - An agreement by the moving company to transport and move goods by a set date for a higher rate for their service.
• Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service - Non-standard service where pickup and delivery services are guaranteed by a certain date. This premium service is often backed by the mover with reimbursements for any delays.
• High Value Article - Items that have a value of $100 or more per pound.
• Inventory - A detailed list of all your household items listing the quantity and descriptive condition of each item.
• Linehaul Charges - Standard method of billing for any type of long distance moving service. The charges are determined by the weight of your items being shipped and the number of miles. Linehaul charges typically do not include any additional charges since those are usually added on top.
• Local Move - A local move is a move within the same state and less than 100 miles. The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates local moves and their hourly rates.
• Long Distance Move - There are two types of long distance move: intrastate and interstate. An intrastate move is a move within the same state that is more than 100 miles while an interstate move is a move from one state to another state. Interstate moves are regulated by the US Department of Transportation.
• Long Carry Charge - This is a charge that you need to ask your mover if it will apply to your move so it will not surprise you when you receive the bill. The long carry charge applies when an item or article has to be carried an excessive distance to the mover’s truck. Excessive can mean different distance between movers.
• Order for Service - A legal document that authorizes movers to move your goods to the truck.
• Peak Season - Rates during the peak season, typically summer months, a high rate is used to calculate the final cost of the move.
• Stair-Carry Charge - Another charge that sometimes movers tack on depending on what is being moved and the distance to the truck and whether or not movers will have to go up and down stairs.
• Valuation - This documents how much your items and articles are worth.