Move Glossary

Time and again, it’s been said that “Communication is key”. When it comes to the business of moving, the same thing applies. In order for you to find the best providers, get the best prices and avail of the best services, you have to study the jargon. Study the following terms and amaze movers at how knowledgeable you are:

• Agent – A local moving company acting on behalf of a larger company
• Advanced Charges -  Cost resulting from service rendered before the move. This can be for the services of a craftsman, professional or any third party other than the movers. Advanced Charges are usually added up to the total charge.
• Bill of Lading – This refers to the transportation contract and the receipt for your goods.
• Carrier – The company transporting your household items. The movers.
• Declared Value – This amount refers to the value of all the items that you are moving. It is usually reported by the client himself. Try to be as accurate as possible because it will determine the insurance value.
• Estimate, Binding - A binding estimate is an agreement that you do with a mover, prior to transport. It guarantees that the cost of the move will not go over what was declared in the estimate. Always ask for a written copy from the movers.
• Estimate, Non-binding - Just like a Binding Estimate, a Non-binding estimate is made in advance with the mover regarding the services, coverage and cost of the move. The difference is that, this one is not binding on the mover. Final changes can be made, depending on the ACTUAL weight of your shipment.
• Flight Charge - No, this has nothing to do with airplanes and travel by air. What it refers to is the charge that movers ask for when carrying items up or down a flight of stairs.
• Full Service Move - This refers to the most common type of move in which a moving company will take care of all the details with regards to moving your items from one residence to another- from packing to transport and unloading.

• High Value Article - It refers to items in your shipment that are valued at more than a hundred dollars per pound. These are items that need special care and attention.
• Line Haul Charges - Charges for the vehicle transportation aspect of your move.
• Long Carry - Movers will charge you more if they have to carry your items for longer (additional) distances. An example is if your driveway is not accessible and they'd have to carry it through the back door.
• Mobile Container - Movers that don't offer full service moves will provide a mobile container for you to load your stuff in. This is a less expensive, but more tedious option for customers.  
• Order (Bill of Lading) Number - Take note of this because it is the number used to label and track your shipment.
• Peak Season Rates - Summer is the peak season for moving and this involves higher line haul charges.
• Storage-in-Transit (SIT) - If you are not available to receive your shipment or if your new home is not yet ready for some reason, the movers may decide to place your items in SIT (a temporary warehouse storage) with or without your permission. It will then be your responsibility to check on your shipment’s status, and pay for the corresponding SIT charges.  

These are only some of the most common terms used in the moving industry. Just like in any field, the terms evolve and grow over time. Try to stay updated so you’ll end up with the best deals possible. Communication IS key after all.