10 Moving Terms You Should Know

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    10 Moving Terms You Should Know

    Like all industries, the moving business comes complete with its own very specific set of jargon — terms that your movers might throw around casually — while you have no idea what they’re talking about. Understand exactly what you’re getting from your movers by familiarizing yourself with these 10 common moving terms.

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    Accessorial Services

    Moving services that go above and beyond the basic transportation of household items traditionally included in a moving estimate, and will typically incur an additional fee. Examples include packing boxes, carrying large items up and down stairs, or transporting high value or fragile goods.

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    AMSA

    The American Moving and Storage Association, a professional, third-party trade association that provides industry-wide standards and recommendations for moving professionals. As a consumer, hiring companies registered with the AMSA, like Orange Movers, can ensure a high-quality, satisfactory experience.

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    Bill of Lading

    A receipt that must be provided and signed when a shipment arrives at its final destination. The bill of lading (or BOL) outlines exactly what was shipped, when it arrived, and the charges incurred.

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    Binding Estimate

    A final, contracted estimate provided by a mover that specifies what the cost of a move will be, and the services provided in exchange.

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    Declared Value Protection

    Ancillary insurance coverage that allows a homeowner to set a per-pound value for their belongings. For example, if a consumer insured their shipment at a declared value of $10 per pound, and the shipment was 1,000 lbs, the maximum insurance coverage for the shipment would be $10,000.

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    Destination Mover

    In long-distance moves, this is the company responsible for unloading the contents of a truck when it arrives at its final destination.

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    DOT License Number

    The Department of Transportation License Number, which proves registration with the DOT, and is required by law for all professionally operating moving companies.

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    Non-Binding Estimate

    An initial quote provided by a moving service that gives a general overview of the anticipated costs of a move. Unlike a binding estimate, a non-binding estimate is still subject to change and is not considered a contract.

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    Origin Mover

    This is the company charged with packing and moving belongings out of a home, loading them onto the truck, and managing transportation logistics of the items to their final destination.

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    Released Value Protection

    The basic level of insurance coverage that all moving companies are required to provide on shipments. Released value protection provides insurance coverage at a set rate of 60 cents per pound of the shipment.

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