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.
