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Moving companies often use technical terms in the documents and contracts they
send to their customers. If you are not a professional mover, chances are that
some of the terms are unknown or unclear to you. Use our Moving Glossary to
ease your move!
Term Finder
To get a description of a certain term simply select it from the list below.
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Space at and around the property for removal vehicles, and whether lifts are available for apartments. This is usually assesed by the consultant to ascertain any difficulties the vehicle may encounter. Services such as packing, unpacking, or shuttle service that you request 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. Charges for services performed by a third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.A person or company appointed by your mover to act on their behalf, or a member of a Van Line.Feature on a removal vehicle, to aid smoother transit.The cost of a complete disconnect of an appliance at the originating residence and a reconnect of the appliance at the new residence. Covered appliances include washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Certain movers charge a surcharge for this service while others simply charge the amount of time the actual service takes. If a particular mover does not perform this service or contracts with a third party, the field is marked "NA". Supplied by self-service movers to help you load and unload large items like appliances and oversized furniture.This specifies how much money per $1,000 of assessed value, you will need to pay to cover your household items to their full assessed value. Purchasing this protection requires that a cash value be assigned to the items you will be moving. If a deductible is applied, that value is stated next to the cost-per-$1,000 figure. For example, 7.50/100 means that the consumer must pay $7.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to cover the load against loss, and the first $100 of damage is not covered.
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 do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy. Binding: The mover quotes a flat price based upon a given inventory. No matter how long the job takes, the flat price is always paid. It is given only when an onsite estimate is performed.
Non-Binding: These estimates are based upon the movers' previous experience of jobs similar to yours. As the name suggests, these estimates are subject to change.
Hourly Rates: Customers are charged by the hour per man, per truck. Method of packing furniture to prevent damage in transit.Warehouse that meets with local Customs specifications, allows the storage of items that have not yet gained customs cleared status.The booking agent or "booker" is the agent you choose as your mover. If they are a member of a van line, they register your move with the van line and coordinate all of the dates and services to be performed during your move. This agent oversees your entire relocation.This is when payment is required at the time of delivery. Make sure to ask if your payment should be in cash, credit or check.The mover with whom you're working.The weight used by an airline to determine the air freight charge. This is the person to whom the shipment is to be delivered.This is the person from whom the shipment is to be picked up.Person who will call at your property, discuss your particular move requirements, usually making a note of items to be moved, provide information about their company and a removal quotation. Steel container used for shipping your belongings oversease, can be used for sea, road or rail shipments.Large wooden containers, your belongings are loaded into them, sealed and then the container is stacked away.Specialist removal vehicle which is designed to carry storage container, your belongings can therefore be loaded or unloaded at your residence.Your belongings are stacked on the floor in an allocated space and usually covered with sheeting.When your employer is responsible for the removal charges.This addresses how much the specific move will cost, not including the various extra charges and insurance. All cost estimates are calculated based on information obtained from the listed moving companies during a signup interview.A rate given on the estimated weight of your belongings. Note, ensure you are happy with the estimated weight, ask the mover for a list of the items the rate is based on and a Weight Ticket, confirming the actual weight at the time of the move. A rate given on the estimated space your belongings will fill on a truck / container. Note, ensure you are happy with the estimated volume, ask the mover for a list of the items the rate is based on. A rate given per hour based on the number of men and size of truck, you will be charged on the time taken to carry out the move. A wooden crate made specifically to carry a high value / delicate item e.g., Large Mirror or a wooden case made specifically to fit several items in for long distance or international moves.Warehouse that meets with local Customs specifications, allows the storage of items that have not yet gained customs cleared status.Regulations and procedures covering the entry of goods into accounts.Value you the owner declare your goods to be for the purpose of insurance. This will form the basis of your insurance cover and it is important that it reflects the value of your belongings, it could be the full replacement value or the second-hand (Indemnity) value dependant on the type of cover you are arranging.A truck or container carrying your belongings exclusively, with move dates specified by you and agreed by the mover.See Assessed Value Coverage.This is your local contact at destination who usually arranges a crew for your driver to assist in unloading, organizes your unpacking crew and reconnections and is one of your contacts for updates on the status of your shipment while in transit.Many self-service movers will place commercial goods behind your household possessions on the trailer. A divider is installed between these separate shipments to keep them secure.This specifies how much extra it will cost a consumer to have a divider (see definition) installed.Move within same country, state, county.This is a section on the Inventory Sheet for you to note exceptions to the condition of your furniture or cartons upon delivery. Any damage or missing items should be noted in that section prior to signing for delivery. A copy must be kept for your records. (You have up to 60 days to inspect your goods for missing or damaged items) The amount that will be deducted from any insurance settlement, may be a per item excess or per total claim.Items or cause of damage specifically excluded from the policy. For example money, jewellery, mechanical derangement, check the insurance information provided by your mover.This is an agreement to transport goods by a set date in exchange for a higher rate.Method of packing household and personal effects for transportation overseas. Small vehicle used when access at residence is restricted, the ferry vehicle goes between the house and large removal truck with your possessions.Specifically to cover the risk of fire, sometimes this risk is included within a policy, other instances it is specified separately.A rate given based on all the information supplied by you to the mover, this is the price charged as long as the information supplied is accurate. This tells you the additional cost, if any, of a flight of stairs either at the point of origin or the destination. Please note that a third-floor walkup counts as two flights since you are starting on the first floor. Serviceable elevators (an elevator large enough to transport the household goods) eliminate the need to pay this fee.Foam moulded to the shape of specific items, usually very high value and delicate items.A low-cost alternative to a full-service move, freight-service movers will move all of your household goods from your old address to your new address but will deliver the items only to the doorstep of your new home. Your items must all be boxed in advance, and your individual pieces of furniture will not be wrapped in blankets, as distinguished from full-service movers. See also Self-Service Mover and Full-Service Mover.A container carrying your belongings exclusively, with specified move dates as agreed with your mover.This specifies how much money per $1,000 of value, you will need to pay to protect your household items for their full replacement value. Full replacement value is the amount of money it will cost to purchase a new replacement for a damaged item, regardless of how old the damaged item was. If a deductible is applied, that value is stated next to the cost-per-$1,000 figure. For example, 7.50/100 means that the consumer must pay $7.50 per $1,000 of declared replacement value to cover the load against loss, and the first $100 of damage is not covered.
Some valuation policies are calculated on a sliding scale, where the price per $1,000 of coverage will vary depending upon the total amount of coverage. In such cases, carriers were requested to quote valuation prices based on $25,000 of coverage.
Please note that most valuation policies require that the entire load be covered, not just specific items. Ask your carrier for terms.The most common form of moving company, the full service mover, will move all of your household goods from your old address to your new address. The items are picked up from every room in your old home and delivered to the appropriate rooms in your new home. Individual pieces of furniture are wrapped in blankets to protect them during shipment. Full service movers will also provide, at additional cost, full packing and unpacking services as well as appliance service. See also Self-Service Mover and Freight-Service.Your belongings use part of the space in the container, the costs are shared and this method of transport usually results in a saving although transit times are usually longer.A premium service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This type of service is often subject to minimum weight requirements. Interstate Move -
Any move which crosses a state boundary, regardless of the number of miles. Distinguished from Local Move or Intrastate Move.items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure that they are protected accordingly. A certificate is sometimes given to you or held on your file by your mover. It is in accordance with the details you provide on the Insurance Proposal Form and confirms insurance has been arranged on your behalf.Usually a condition of arranging insurance. When completing the appropriate form consider that it maybe used in the event of a claim, ensure that you complete it comprehensively, any items you do not show will be considered not insured. Make sure you specify items of high value or of a special nature.Any move which does not cross a state boundary, typically over 40 miles. Distinguished from Local Move or Interstate Move.The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the quantity and condition of each item.Long Term Storage.Movers are required by law to obtain certifications necessary to transport household goods within state boundaries (i.e. local/intrastate) or across state lines (i.e. interstate). The license numbers shown are used to identify the status of the mover's operating authority and insurance coverage. Individual states may require additional licenses.Basic method of billing for long distance service. Linehaul charges are calculated by mileage and the weight of your shipment. Linehaul charges may not include fees for charges such as the ones noted in Additional charges. Provided by self-service movers to help you load your household goods onto the trailer. Local moving usually refers to moves of less than 100 miles within the same state. This type of move is based on hourly rates and is regulated by the states DOT (Deptartment of Transportation) or other regulatory body.An additional charge incurred when articles must be carried an excessive distance to the movers truck. A rate given based on the information supplied by you to the mover, this is the price charged as long as the information supplied is accurate.Staff to put items into cupboards such as clothing, bedding, kitchen equipment. Insurance specifically to cover your belongings whilst in transit over long distances and or across water by vehicle, ship or aircraft. The policy will cover specific marine risks, ensure that you are aware of the nature of the cover and it's inclusions and exclusions.Various items with which your belongings are packed for safe transit e.g., cartons, crates, bubble wrap and removal blankets. A Moving Company is the business offering your move program and that is in charge of transporting your belongings. The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods. The origin agent may also be your booking agent. This is often the case with the exception of moves for corporate accounts that are handled by specific agents ù sometimes located in different cities. The origin agent handles costing your move, packing, crating, third party services, etc.Insufficient space on the moving van may result in some of your belongings being left behind for the next truck headed to your area. The items left behind for the next truck should be the least essential items. If there is a possibility of not getting all of your goods on the truck be sure to leave the nonessentials for the last to load. You choose to pack your belongings yourself, either into cartons supplied by the mover or into your own boxes.Many full-service movers provide customers the option of having all of their possessions packed before the move and later unpacked at the destination. Specialist removal vehicle Your belongings take up part of the space on a truck or in a container, the cost is therefore shared and usually results in a saving, suitable for small moves. Note transit times are usually longer and you must have some flexibility on your move dates. A premium rate that is charged at certain times of the year. This rate is generally applied in the summer months.This specifies the additional cost to move a single 42-inch piano as part of the total household. This is not the cost to move the piano if that is the only item being moved. This is an additional charge that is applied when you have to transport your shipment between the Storage in Transit warehouse and your residence. Cartons delivered to your home by the mover in advance of the pick-up date for owner packing. Packing staff and materials arrive before the actual move date to pack and prepare your belongings for moving. This tells you how much the specific move will cost, not including the various extra charges and insurance. All cost estimates are calculated based on information obtained from the listed moving companies during a signup interview. Although every effort is made to gather the most accurate information, customers should be aware of the fact that many factors effect the cost of a move.Packing staff and materials supplied by your mover to carry out packing of your belongings. Method of packing furniture to prevent damage in transit.This is the tracking and identification number assigned to your move by the mover. It should be printed on your Bill of Lading. Refer to the registration number whenever you are contacting your mover.To provide advise / information source on aspects of home relocation, not usually removal specialist. Insurance that provides replacement of the item damaged beyond economical repair or lost. Ensure that if you are required to provide a valued inventory, the values declared are the replacement value.Companies in this category will provide a trailer for you at your old home. You load the trailer yourself and the company returns to move the trailer to your new destination. You then unload the trailer yourself and call the mover to remove the empty trailer. This type of move is becoming increasingly popular with consumers because it saves money in two ways. First, you do not pay for any of the loading/unloading labor. Second, the self-service mover will often load commercial goods on the trailer behind your household goods, to help defer the cost of the total shipment. See also Full-Service Mover and Freight-Service.Occurs when a smaller vehicle is used to haul goods to a location that is not accessible to large moving trailers.A truck or container carrying your belongings exclusively, with move dates specified by you and agreed by the mover. An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs. Movers, by law, are required to provide a minimum amount of free coverage. This number, typically 60 cents, refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage. For example, if you have a priceless vase which weighs two pound.In the event that your consignment is placed into storage you may need to extend an original insurance policy (Marine Policy usually), to cover for this period. There is usually an additional premium and you may need to give your insurance provider / mover written instructions to do this.Large wooden container, your belongings are loaded into them, sealed and then the container is stacked away.Temporary warehousing of your goods pending further transportation or transportation to your new home if it isn't ready for occupancy. You may not exceed a total of 180 days of storage, and you are responsible for the added SIT charges as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.A company appointed by your mover to carry out packing, loading, collection or delivery services on your movers behalf. A person who will call at your property, discuss your particular move requirements, usually making a note of items to be moved, provide information about their company and a removal quotation. Some movers offer to arrange / co-ordinate additional professional services e.g. Plumbers, House Cleaners, Waterbed dismantling/assembling, carpenters, maid service. Insurance for your belongings on the restricted basis of total loss only, this is very limited cover and you should check the details carefully.Insurance for your belongings whilst they are in transit, the cover provided maybe Indemnity or New for Old/Replacement, check the details of the cover you are offered.The time indicated between collection and delivery of your belongings. charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges. When the declared value of an item is less than the cost of replacement, insurance compensation will be restricted to the value declared as a maximum level of compensation.Valuation is not insurance. Valuation offered by your moving company is a tariff level of carrier liability based on the weight of your goods. Valuation covers your property by assessing value in three different ways explained above (Assessed Value Coverage, Full Replacement Value Coverage & Standard Coverage).
Valuation only covers your goods for damage or loss if you can prove negligence on the part of the carrier. IT DOES NOT cover any loss or damage due to Acts of God, (high winds, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes) riots, strikes, civil commotion, etc. and all claims are settled by employees of the carrier that damaged your goods.Group of independent moving companies who co-operate together to provide moving services throughout a specified country e.g., U.S.A.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.
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