By grasping the terminology related to moving, you’ll be more knowledgeable and prepared throughout the entire moving journey. It’s crucial to understand the common terms associated with the safe and professional relocation of your valuables.
Additional Services are extra charges for services like packing, unpacking, moving pianos up stairs, servicing appliances, and similar tasks you ask for.
Agent or Moving Company refers to a local representative of a national moving company, such as Allied Van Lines.
Appliance Service involves preparing major electrical appliances like washers and dryers for transport.
Bill of Lading (BOL) is the document you’ll receive as proof of your goods and the transportation contract, which your driver will give you (make sure you keep it!).
Binding/Non-Binding Estimate is an agreement that sets the total moving cost in advance, based on the quantities and services listed in the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s rough estimate of the cost, which isn’t legally binding, and the final costs will depend on the actual weight of the items and the applicable tariffs.
Booking Agent is the person or company that arranges and registers your move.
Carrier is the moving company responsible for transporting your belongings.
Cartage Charges are separate fees for moving your items from the SIT warehouse to your home.
Change Order is a form used to adjust the cost of your move due to changes in the services or items being shipped.
C.O.D. (Collection on Delivery) is a service where you pay for the transportation at the time of delivery to your new home (or warehouse).
Committed Pickup and Delivery Service means the moving company guarantees specific dates for your move, and they offer compensation for any delays.
Destination Agent is the person or company near or at your new location who provides the necessary information and services after your move is complete.
Estimate is a rough calculation of the moving costs based on the weight of your items and the extra services you want.
Quote is a final price of your move ( within 10% )
Expedited Service is an agreement with the moving company to have your move transported by a specific date, with higher charges for this service.
Hauling Agent is the moving company that owns the van used for your move.
High-Value Article refers to items that cost more than $100 per pound, also known as “extraordinary” value items.
Inventory is a detailed list of all your household goods and their condition.
Linehaul Charges are additional fees for the transportation part of your move, on top of the service charges.
Long Carry is an extra charge for moving items over long distances between the moving company truck and your new home.
Order for Service is a document that gives the moving company permission to transport your belongings.
Origin Agent The moving company at the starting point is responsible for carrying out the essential tasks at the beginning of the relocation.
Peak Season Rates Increased transportation costs during the summer or peak season.
Registration Number The unique identifier given by the van line to track your shipment, found in the upper right-hand corner of the Order for Service and the Bill of Lading.
Relocation Consultant The person assigned to oversee your move. This individual will visit your home, provide an estimate for your move, address all your inquiries during the process, and handle any additional needs you might have.
Stair Carry Fee Extra cost for moving items up or down stairs.
Shuttle Service A smaller vehicle used to reach homes that are not accessible by larger trucks or vans.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT) Short-term storage of your belongings that does not last longer than 60 days. SIT requires extra fees and must be requested by the customer.
TALO Is a abbreviation for Take A Load Off Moving
Third Party Charges Additional fees for services provided by independent contractors, professionals, or other third parties not affiliated with the moving company, which are included in your bill of lading.
Valuation Also referred to as Replacement Value Protection, this coverage compensates the moving company for assuming more liability than what is covered by the basic transportation fees.
Van Foreman The driver of the van who is fully responsible for loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings.
Van Line The national moving company that grants its agents the authority to transport items between different provinces. The van line is in charge of arranging, tracking, monitoring, processing paperwork, and settling claims for all shipments handled by its agents.
Warehouse Handling Additional charge for the physical placement and removal of items in the storage facility whenever SIT service is utilized.