Moving Glossary
Moving contracts and estimates are full of industry jargon. This glossary defines the terms you will encounter so you can read your contract with confidence.
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Bill of Lading
The receipt and contract issued by the mover at pickup that lists your inventory, delivery address, charges, and liability coverage. It is the most important moving document - keep a copy at all times.
Binding Estimate
A guaranteed price for your move based on the items and services listed. You pay the quoted amount even if the actual weight is higher. However, adding items not in the original estimate can trigger a revised price.
Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate
The best estimate type for consumers. It caps the maximum price at the quoted amount but allows the cost to go lower if the actual weight is less than estimated.
Broker (Moving Broker)
A company that arranges moves by selling the service and assigning the actual work to a carrier. Brokers do not own trucks or employ movers. The carrier they assign may offer different terms than the broker quoted.
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Carrier
A moving company that owns or leases trucks and directly employs the crews who load, transport, and deliver your household goods. Also called a motor carrier or van line.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A document proving the mover carries general liability and cargo insurance. Many apartment buildings and HOAs require a COI before allowing movers into the property.
COD (Cash on Delivery)
Payment terms requiring the full balance at delivery. Most long-distance moves are COD, meaning you pay the remaining balance when the truck arrives. Payment can usually be made by cash, check, or credit card.
Cube Sheet
A detailed inventory form that lists every item in your shipment with its dimensions and cubic footage. Used to estimate total volume and weight for pricing.
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Declared Value
The total value you assign to your shipment for liability purposes. Under full value protection, the mover is liable up to this amount. Higher declared values result in higher protection premiums.
Delivery Spread (Delivery Window)
The range of dates within which the mover will deliver your shipment. Typical spreads are 7-14 business days for moves under 2,000 miles and up to 21 days for cross-country moves.
DITY Move (PPM)
A Personally Procured Move (formerly "Do It Yourself" or DITY) where military members arrange and execute their own relocation. The government reimburses based on what a government-arranged move would have cost.
Destination Agent
The local moving company at your new location that handles unloading and delivery for a van line move. May be a different company than the origin agent but operates under the same van line brand.
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Flight Charge (Stair Carry Fee)
An additional fee of $50 to $100 per flight of stairs charged when there is no elevator. Applies at both origin and destination if applicable.
Full Value Protection (FVP)
The comprehensive liability option where the mover must repair, replace, or pay the current replacement value of any lost or damaged item. Costs 1-1.5% of declared shipment value with optional deductible.
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H
High-Value Article
Any item worth more than $100 per pound. Examples: jewelry, electronics, antiques, artwork, and coin collections. Must be declared on a separate inventory form for full coverage under full value protection.
Hundredweight (CWT)
A unit of measure equal to 100 pounds, used by movers to calculate long-distance rates. If the rate is $50 per hundredweight and your shipment weighs 5,000 lbs, the linehaul charge is $2,500.
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Linehaul Charges
The core transportation cost of moving your goods from origin to destination. Calculated by shipment weight multiplied by the rate per hundredweight for the distance. Does not include accessorial charges.
Long Carry
An extra charge when the truck cannot park within 75 feet of your door. Typically $75 to $150 per 50 additional feet. Common in urban areas and properties with long driveways.
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Order for Service
The document you sign to authorize the move. It confirms the pickup date, services requested, estimate type, and valuation coverage. It must be signed before the mover begins loading.
Origin Agent
The local moving company at your current location that handles the estimate, packing, and loading phase of a van line move. The origin agent represents the national van line in your area.
Overflow
When your belongings do not fit on the assigned truck. The remaining items must be loaded on a second truck or left behind. Can cause delivery delays and additional charges.
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PCS (Permanent Change of Station)
A military order directing a service member to relocate to a new duty station. PCS orders authorize government-funded moving benefits including household goods shipment, travel pay, and temporary housing.
Portable Moving Container
A storage unit delivered to your driveway that you load at your pace. The company transports it to your new home. Major providers: PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT. Costs $2,000 to $5,500 for long-distance moves.
Peak Season (Moving Season)
June through August, when approximately 60-70% of all moves occur. Rates are highest, availability is lowest, and booking 8-12 weeks ahead is recommended.
Pickup and Delivery (P&D)
The two main events in a long-distance move. Pickup is when the mover loads your belongings at the origin. Delivery is when they unload at the destination. These may happen days or weeks apart.
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SIT (Storage in Transit)
Temporary warehouse storage provided by the mover when there is a gap between pickup and delivery dates. The first 30 days typically costs $150 to $300. Common when move-in and move-out dates do not align.
Shuttle Service
A smaller vehicle used to ferry belongings between the moving truck and your home when the truck cannot access your property. Costs $300 to $600 and is common in dense urban areas.
Stair Carry
The physical process and associated fee for moving items up or down stairs. A flight charge of $50 to $100 per flight is standard. Charged at both origin and destination if applicable.
Supplemental Estimate
A revised estimate issued on moving day when the shipment includes items not in the original survey. Common when movers discover additional items in the garage, attic, or storage that were not visible during the estimate.
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Tariff
The published rate schedule that a moving company files with the FMCSA. It contains the rates, rules, and charges for all services. Interstate movers must make their tariff available to customers upon request.
Transit Time
The number of days between when the mover picks up your shipment and when it is delivered. Local moves are same-day. Long-distance moves range from 2 to 21 business days depending on distance.
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Valuation (Mover Liability)
The level of financial responsibility the mover assumes for your belongings. Not technically insurance - it is a liability agreement. Two levels: released value ($0.60/lb, free) and full value protection (replacement value, paid).
Van Line
A large national moving company network that coordinates long-distance moves through local agents. Examples: United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines.
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