Moving Terms

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the moving industry jargon?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this video, Sarah breaks down key moving terms and concepts to help you understand everything from Bills of Lading to Storage-In-Transit (SIT) and Peak Season Rates. Whether you’re hiring a moving carrier or working with a broker, we’ll explain what to expect so you can move with confidence.

Accessorial (Additional) Services – Services other than line-haul transportation, such as packing, unpacking, appliance servicing, or piano carrying. These services may be requested by you or required due to landlord rules or special circumstances. Charges may apply in addition to line-haul charges.

Advanced Charges – Charges for services performed by someone other than the mover. A professional, craftsman, or other third party may provide these services at your request. The mover pays for these services and adds the charges to your Bill of Lading.

Agent – A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger national company.

Appliance Service by Third Party – Disconnecting or reconnecting major electrical appliances to prepare them for transportation. Charges may apply in addition to line-haul charges.

Bill of Lading – The receipt for your shipment and the contract for its transportation.

Broker – A company that arranges the transportation of household goods through a registered moving company.

Carrier – The mover responsible for transporting your household goods.

Cash on Delivery (COD) – Payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence or warehouse.

Certified Scale – A scale certified by an authorized inspection authority for weighing motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers. Certified scales may also include platform or warehouse scales.

Commercial Zone – A geographic area roughly equivalent to a city’s metropolitan area. Moves that cross state lines within a commercial zone are exempt from FMCSA jurisdiction. For example, a move between Brooklyn, NY, and Hackensack, NJ, falls within the New York City commercial zone and is not subject to FMCSA regulations.

Binding Estimate – A written agreement made in advance that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the listed quantities and services.

Non-Binding Estimate – An estimated cost based on shipment weight and requested services. Final charges are based on the actual weight, services provided, and applicable tariff provisions.

Expedited Service – An agreement to transport your shipment by a specific date for an additional charge.

Guaranteed Pickup and/or Delivery Service – A service option with guaranteed pickup or delivery dates. Reimbursement may be provided for delays and minimum weight requirements may apply.

High-Value Article – Items valued at more than $100 per pound that must be listed on a High-Value Inventory form.

Household Goods – Personal property used in a dwelling that is owned by the individual shipper and transported at their expense or on their behalf.

Household Goods Motor Carrier – A carrier that transports household goods and offers services such as estimates, inventorying, packing, loading, and unloading at residences.

Individual Shipper – A person who:
1. Is the shipper, consignor, or consignee
2. Is listed on the Bill of Lading
3. Owns the household goods
4. Pays their own transportation charges

Impracticable Operations – Conditions that prevent a mover from using standard equipment, requiring specialized equipment or extra labor. Additional charges may apply.

Inventory – A detailed list showing the quantity and condition of each item being moved.

Line-Haul Charges – Charges for the transportation portion of your move. Additional accessorial charges may apply.

Long Carry – An additional charge for carrying items an excessive distance between the mover’s vehicle and your residence.

Mover – A household goods motor carrier and its authorized agents.

Order for Service – The document authorizing the mover to perform the services listed in your estimate.

Order (Bill of Lading) Number – The number used to identify and track your shipment.

Peak Season Rates – Higher line-haul charges during peak moving season, typically May through September.

Pickup and Delivery Charges – Transportation charges for moving items between a residence and a storage-in-transit facility.

Reasonable Dispatch – Transportation provided within the agreed-upon time frame listed on the Order for Service or Bill of Lading.

Shipment – Your household goods being transported from the origin to the destination address.

Stair Carry – An additional charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

Storage-In-Transit (SIT) – Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment before final delivery.

Surface Transportation Board – The federal agency regulating household goods mover tariffs.

Tariff – A document outlining a mover’s rates, rules, and service terms.

Valuation – The declared monetary value of your shipment and the mover’s maximum liability.

Warehouse Handling Charge – A charge that may apply each time SIT services are used.

Check out more of our moving resources for helpful tips.

For more information about specific moving terms, contact National Van Lines or call 877-590-2810.