Moving Terminology

Moving Terminology for Your Use and Benefit

Our moving terminology guide will help you better understand what is required of you, while you start to plan your relocation. At New Times Moving, we understand that this might be your first move, or even your 2nd, we know that you may feel anxious and may not be sure of how to go about planning your move. That’s why we have taken the AMSA Certified mover and Van Line program’s knowledge of moving terminology and provided it below for your use.
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New Times Moving Resources: Why Moving Terminology?

New Times Moving terminology is very helpful, throughout the relocation process. When going through a move, you should understand every word referenced in the materials provided to you to ensure you know your rights, and to ensure that you are understand what is required of you. The more educated you are with moving terminology, the better protected you’ll be.

Moving Terminology for the Best Moving Education

Accessorial (Additional) Services:

As a reputable company with many successful years of experience to back us up, we are proud and confident in the services that we provide and know that we are by far the best qualified moving company for your future corporate relocation move. With our professional team mixed in with our warm and friendly environment, we will be sure to make your corporate move a personal one and treat every detail of your move and your personal needs as if it were our own. Consider New Times Moving trained professionals and rest assured that we will be with you every step of the way, to ensure a reliable and efficient service that is above all, easy on you!

Advanced Charges:

Charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman or other third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your overall Bill charges.

Agent:

The local moving company representing a national van line. May serve as booking, origin, and destination and/ or hauling agent.

AMSA Certified:

Mover An interstate carrier that transports your household goods shipment under its own operating authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration. AMSA Certified movers subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct and have pledged to conduct their business in the most efficient and professional manner possible.

AMSA Certified Van Line

An interstate carrier that transports your household belongings under its own authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration, on a national basis. Van Lines use a network of agents throughout the country to provide the origin, destination and hauling services needed to accomplish your move. Like Certified Moving companies, AMSA Certified Van Lines subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct. They have pledged to conduct their business in the most efficient and professional manner possible and are responsible for the acts of their agents.

Appliance Service:

Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment.

Bill:

The receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the Bill before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the Bill, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The Bill that you receive is an important document. Always hold on to it and preferably, make a copy of it as well.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate:

A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the moving company that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s approximated cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the additional services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and rates in effect.

Booking Agent:

Agent or person who sells and registers your move. A booking agent does not necessarily have to be located at or near the origin or destination.

Carrier:

The moving company providing transportation of your household belongings.

Change Order:

A form used to amend the amount indicated on the original estimate due to the addition or deletion of items to be shipped or services requested by the customer.

C.O.D.

Transportation for a private shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).

Destination Agent:

Agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary services and information at the end of your move.

Estimate:

A general calculation of the transportation charges, as well as costs for additional services requested by the customer. Includes an estimation of shipment weight.

Expedited Service:

An agreement with the moving company to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.

Flight Charge:

An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service

An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the moving company providing reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.

Hauling Agent:

Agent who owns the van assigned by the van line to transport your possessions.

High Value Article:

Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the movers to ensure they are protected and packed accordingly.

Inventory:

The detailed descriptive list of your household belongings showing the number and condition of each item.

Auto Transport Charges:

Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.

Long Carry:

An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover’s vehicle and the entrance to your residence.

Order for Service:

The document authorizing the mover to transport your belongings.

Order Number:

The number used to identify and track your shipment.

Origin Agent:

Agent at origin responsible for performing packing and preparing necessary documentation for your move.

Peak Season Rates:

Higher charges that are applicable during the summer months.

Pickup and Delivery Charges:

Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the storage warehouse and your residence.

Registration Number:

The number assigned by the van line to identify your shipment. Found in the upper right-hand corner of the Order for Service and the Order for Service.

Relocation Consultant:

The agent sales representative responsible for providing the customer with an estimate of the cost of his/her move, as well as for answering any and enquiries the customer might have with regard to the moving process.

Shuttle Service:

Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover’s normal trucks.

Storage-In-Transit (SIT):

Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment until further notices. For example, if you would like to start your relocation process but haven’t found your new home yet and need time to search, we will be able to store your items closer to your destination area and will then deliver your items to your home, once you are ready.

Valuation:

The degree of the shipments “value”. The valuation charge compensates the mover assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges. This is also known as Extra Insurance Protection.

Van Front Man:

The van driver having overall responsibility for the loading, transport, and unloading of the customer’s belongings.

Van Line:

The national moving company through which affiliated agents are granted the necessary authority to transport interstate shipments. The van line handles dispatch, shipment routing and monitoring, paperwork processing, and claims settlement for all interstate shipments handled by its agents.

Warehouse Handling:

An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the movers for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

Take Advantage of New Times Moving Resources

Now that you are better informed on the necessary terminology, you are better equipped to manage your next relocation. It’s very important to know what all the terms mean on moving documents, so that you can rest assured that you stay in control of your relocation process and are aware of your rights. For ongoing peace of mind, make sure to use New Times Moving terminology resources as frequently as needed before and while you are planning your upcoming move.