02/12/20
Similarly, like any industry, the moving, relocation, and logistics sector possesses its own set of terminology and jargon. Furthermore, as you prepare for a residential move or organize an office relocation, you may encounter unfamiliar language.
To assist you, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently used terms in the moving industry. This way, as you prepare for your move, you’ll feel more knowledgeable and self-assured.
Glossary of Terms
Accessorial Services — Services that include packing, unpacking, appliance servicing or piano carrying that you request to be performed. These may be necessary due to landlord requirements or other special circumstances.
Advanced Charges — Charges for services performed by someone other than the mover.
ATA — The American Trucking Association (ATA) is a national professional association that represents carriers, agents and moving companies. This is for the residential/household goods moving industry.
Bill of Lading — A contract between you and the mover that contains a receipt of your belongings.
Broker — A company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, using for-hire carriers to provide the actual transportation.
Carrier — The actual mover transporting your belongings and household goods.
Cash on Delivery (COD) — A term used to indicate that payment is required at the time of delivery to the destination residence (or warehouse).
Estimate — A clearly written scope of services and associated fees for the services that the mover will perform.
Flight Charge — An additional charge for movers to carry items up or down flights of stairs (e.g., in a walk-up apartment building).
High-Value Article — Items valued at more than $100 per pound.
Inventory List — A receipt listing each item you shipped and its condition.
Line-Haul Charges — The charges for the transportation portion of your move (typically only applies to long–distance/interstate moves).
Long Carry — A charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover’s vehicle and your residence (e.g., homes with very long driveways where the truck cannot park close to the house).
Move Coordinator — Once you book your move with Interstate, the Move Coordinator will be your dedicated contact. They assist you with all of the details and logistics leading up to move day. As well as, for the day of the move and after the moving truck has pulled away from your new home.
Moving Consultant — For residential moves, the Move Consultant will survey your personal belongings (either in person or via our virtual survey app), educate you on the ins and outs of moving and provide a written estimate for your move.
Move Manager — The Move Manager oversees the entire crew and will be your main contact on moving day. The Move Manager is frequently the driver of the moving truck as well.
Order for Service — A list of all the services the mover will perform, showing the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT) — The temporary warehouse storage of your shipment or belongings, pending further transportation.
Tariff — A list of rates, rules, regulations and available services provided by the moving company. Each mover publishes its own tariffs, which can be provided to you upon request.
ULTRAWRAP — Interstate offers this proprietary service exclusively. To help protect your belongings, we wrap and pad your large items and furniture inside your home before moving them to the moving truck, reducing the risk of damage.
Valuation — The monetary value that you declare for your shipment. This is the maximum amount for which your mover is liable in the unlikely event of loss or damage to your shipment.
Warehouse Handling Charge — Each time SIT service is provided, the charge may be applicable.
Summary
Consequently, now that you are a moving expert, you’ll know what to expect before your move and reading your move contract will be a breeze!
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