Glossary of Moving Industry Terms

Below are some key terms and descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your move from beginning to end.

additional moving services
Supplementary moving services such as packing and unpacking. There may be additional charges for additional moving services.
Also known as: accessorial moving services

advanced charges
Charges for moving services that are performed by a third party, not the moving company. These charges are usually added to your moving company’s charges.
Also known as: advanced charge

agents
Professionals who represent moving companies and act on behalf of them.
Also known as: moving agents

appliance service
The work that’s done to keep electrical appliances safe during shipping.

bill of lading
The contract and receipt for your moved items. Don’t sign the bill of lading if there’s anything you disagree with.
Also known as: order number

bulky items
Items that have a low weight compared to their size, such as campers or golf carts. These items cost extra.

carrier
The moving company that will be transporting your items.
Also known as: mover, moving company

claim
A statement of loss or damage that has occurred to your household items while they were in your mover’s care.

C.O.D.
“Cash on delivery” means payment is required at the time of delivery. This usually occurs when a private shipper delivers to a destination.
Also known as: cash on delivery

declared valuation
The amount of value of your household items that are being shipped.
Also known as: declared value

dishpack
A box that is specifically used for packing dishes.
Also known as: dishpacks

driver
The operator of your moving truck.

expedited service
An arrangement with the moving company to complete the move by a set date.
Also known as: expedited moving

full-service moving company
A company that provides all the services that are required for a successful move, including packing, loading, moving and unpacking.

full-service packing
The moving company will provide all of the supplies needed for packing.
Also known as: full-service moving

gross weight
The weight of the moving truck after your household goods have been loaded.

guaranteed pickup and delivery service
If the mover doesn’t meet the guaranteed date, they will provide some type of reimbursement.

high-value articles
Items that are valued at more than $100 per pound.
Also known as: high value articles

inventory
A list that provides a description and the condition of each item in your household.

long-distance moving company
Companies that move households and businesses over long distances. Some long-distance carriers are affiliated with national van lines or international shipping companies, which allows them to provide service across state lines and internationally.
Also known as: long distance moving companies

moving company
A company that arranges and conducts the transport of household items to a new location.
Also known as: mover

order for service
This authorizes the moving company to transport your household items.

packed by owner
This simply means that you will do all the packing for your move. A driver does have the right to inspect boxes that they think are packed unsafely.
Also known as: PBO

peak season rates
Charges that may be added during the summer months, when the line haul charges are higher.

pickup and delivery charges
Charges for taking your shipment between the storage in transit and your home.
Also known as: pickup and delivery charges

shuttle service
The use of a smaller vehicle when the residence can’t be reached with normal moving equipment.
Also known as: auxiliary service, shuttle truck

storage-in-transit
The temporary storage of your belongings waiting on further transportation. There may be a maximum total for days of storage.
Also known as: SIT

valuation
How much your shipment is worth. This is an important figure because it will help determine what restitution is paid if there’s any damage or loss of items during the move.
Also known as: value

Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.

Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic
Sonoma County Movers
Santa Clara County Movers
Contra Costa County Movers
San Francisco Movers
Solano County Movers

Related Articles
The Essential Guide to Moving & Hauling Services
Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies
Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)