Relocation Glossary

There are many terms and phrases that will cross your path when organizing a move. Here is a list of the important terms you should become familiar with:

ACCESSORIAL (ADDITIONAL) SERVICES
This include services such as packing, appliance handling, unpacking, or additional stair carries that you ask to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.

ADVANCED CHARGES
These are the charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.

AGENT
A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company.

APPLIANCE SERVICE
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment.

APPRAISAL FEE
An additional charge for the statement of property value.

BILL OF LADING
This is the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you disagree with a certain aspect of the bill of lading, do not sign it until it meets your requirements. The bill of lading is an important document so do not misplace your copy.

BINDING/NON-BINDING ESTIMATE
A binding estimate is made when the mover is able to evaluate your goods and offer you a fixed price that cannot be altered. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariffs in effect.

CARRIER
The mover that is providing transportation of your household goods.

CARRIER LIABILITY
The financial responsibility for damaged or lost good based on the amount they are insured for.

CASH ON DELIVERY (C.O.D.)
A cash payment that is required at the time of delivery for items transported to the destination residence or warehouse.

DECLARED VALUE PROTECTION
The value of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment times $1.25 per pound. This coverage protects goods at their current price less depreciation.

EXPEDITED SERVICE
An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.

FLIGHT OF STAIRS
An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs. A fourth floor walkup counts as three flights since your mover begins on the first floor. This fee is not applicable if your building has an elevator.

FREIGHT CHARGES
These are the calculated charges for transporting freight.

GUARANTEED PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICE
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 ARTICLE
Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)
This is required in many countries in addition to your driver's license. It is intended to be used while you are waiting to receive your new country's driver's license. You can obtain an IDP at your local DMV from your country of origin.

INVENTORY
The detailed descriptive list of your household belongings, listing the number and condition of each item.

LICENSE
Movers are required to obtain a license in order to be able to transport household goods within the state lines or from state to state.

LINEHAUL CHARGES
Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.

LONG CARRY
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence.

ORDER FOR SERVICE
A document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

ORDER (BILL OF LADING) NUMBER
The number used to identify and track your shipment.

PEAK SEASON RATES
Peak season usually occurs during the summer months; the most popular moving time. At peak season many moving companies will raise their rates because of increased business.

PICKUP AND DELIVERY CHARGES
Additional transportation charges for transporting your shipment between the storage-in-transit warehouse and your residence.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal, larger line haul equipment.

STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT (SIT)
Temporary warehouse storage of you shipment pending further transportation, for example, if you're new home is not quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

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

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.

WAREHOUSE HANDLING
An additional charge applicable each time storage-in-transit service is provided. This charge compensates the movers for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

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