The following information is provided by the
United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration

Glossary Of Moving Terminology

ACCESSORIAL (ADDITIONAL) SERVICES - services such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or piano stair carries 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.

ADVANCED CHARGES - charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman or other third party 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.

BILL OF LADING - 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/NON-BINDING ESTIMATE - a binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. 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 tariff provisions in effect.

CARRIER - the mover providing transportation of your household goods.

C.O.D. - transportation for an individual shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).

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 CHARGE - an extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

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.

INVENTORY - the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.

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 - the 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 - higher linehaul charges that are applicable during the summer months.

PICKUP AND DELIVERY CHARGES - separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the SIT 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 linehaul equipment.

STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT (SIT) - temporary warehouse storage of you shipment pending further transportation, for example, if your new home isn't 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 or limitations of the mover's liability. 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 SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

Points To Remember

• Movers may give binding estimates.
• Non-binding estimates may not be accurate; actual charges may often exceed the estimate.
• Specify pickup and delivery dates in the order for service.
• The Bill of Lading is your contract with the mover... READ IT CAREFULLY... If you have any questions ask your mover.
• Be sure that you understand the extent of your mover's liability for loss and damage.
• You have the right to be present each time your shipment is weighed.
• You may request a reweigh of your shipment.
• If you have moved on a non-binding estimate, you should have enough cash or a certified check to pay the estimated cost of your move plus 10 percent more at time of delivery.
• Unresolved claims for loss or damage may be submitted to arbitration; ask your mover for details.