Movers.com Moving Resources
Moving Glossary: A–Z Moving Terms Explained
Understand the moving terms you’ll see in estimates, contracts, and conversations with movers. Find clear explanations of costs, packing, transportation, storage, and protection options.
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Accessorial Charges (Additional Services)
Charges for moving services beyond basic transportation, such as packing, stair carries, long carries, or shuttle service. Check the written estimate to see which services are included and which may cost extra.
Actual Charges
The final charges for the services provided, calculated under the moving agreement and applicable pricing rules. They may differ from an estimate when changes are permitted.
Advanced Charges (Advance Charges)
Charges for outside services that a mover arranges or pays for on your behalf, such as appliance servicing or custom crating. They are added to your moving bill and are different from a booking deposit.
Agent (Moving Agent)
A company or representative authorized to act on behalf of another moving company or van line. An agent may handle booking, packing, pickup, delivery, or local coordination, depending on its agreement.
Appliance Dolly
A wheeled device designed to help move heavy appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Appliance Servicing
Preparing an appliance for transportation, which may involve disconnecting or securing components. Some tasks require a qualified technician and may not be included in standard moving services.
Arbitration
A process in which a neutral third party considers a dispute between you and your mover. Interstate household goods carriers must offer an arbitration program for certain loss, damage, and additional-charge disputes. Ask for the program's rules, fees, and effect of accepting a decision.
Auto Transport (Vehicle Shipping)
A service that transports a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle between locations, commonly using an open or enclosed carrier.
Auxiliary Service (Shuttle Service)
See Shuttle Service.
Bait-and-Switch Moving Scam
A deceptive practice in which a company advertises one price or service arrangement and later attempts to impose substantially different terms. Compare written estimates and verify the company before booking.
Bill of Lading
The document that serves as the receipt for your household goods and the contract for their transportation. It records shipment details and the agreed transportation terms. Also abbreviated BOL.
Binding Estimate
A written estimate that sets the price for the listed belongings and services. For interstate household goods moves, additions or changes must follow federal estimate rules; extra services can affect the amount owed.
Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate
An estimate that sets a maximum price for the listed belongings and services, with a lower final charge possible under the agreement. Confirm how the mover calculates any reduction and handles changes to the shipment.
Blanket Wrapping (Furniture Padding)
Using padded moving blankets to protect furniture and other belongings from scratches and damage during handling and transportation.
Booking Agent
An agent involved in arranging a shipment with a moving company or van line. The booking agent may differ from the company that physically transports the belongings.
Bulky Article
An unusually large or difficult-to-handle item that may require special equipment, additional labor, or a separate charge.
Cancellation Policy
The terms governing how and when a customer can cancel moving services, including any applicable deadlines, deposits, refunds, or cancellation charges.
Carrier (Moving Carrier)
The company that physically transports your belongings. A moving broker arranges transportation, while a carrier performs it; confirm which company will handle your shipment.
Carrier Liability
The mover's financial responsibility for belongings that are lost or damaged during the move. The amount and available remedies depend on the selected valuation option, the agreement, and applicable law.
Carrier-Packed (CP)
A notation indicating that a carton or item was packed by the moving company rather than the customer.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A document summarizing specified insurance policies carried by a moving company. A building may request one before move day. A COI provides evidence of insurance; it does not change the policy or guarantee payment for damage to your belongings.
Certified Scale
A properly inspected and certified scale used to weigh moving vehicles or shipments. It may be used to determine charges for weight-based moves.
Claim (Moving Claim)
A written request to the mover or insurer for compensation for loss, damage, or another covered shipment problem. Supporting records may include photos, the inventory, receipts, and repair estimates. A claim is different from a regulatory complaint.
Climate-Controlled Storage
Storage designed to regulate temperature and, in some facilities, humidity. Conditions and the degree of environmental control vary by provider.
Collect on Delivery (COD)
A payment arrangement in which specified transportation charges are collected at delivery, subject to the contract and applicable rules.
Commercial Move (Office Relocation)
The relocation of business furniture, equipment, records, or other workplace contents. These moves may require specialized handling or scheduling.
Consignee
The person or organization designated to receive a shipment at its destination.
Consignor
The person or organization sending or tendering goods for transportation.
Consolidated Shipment (Shared-Load Moving)
A shipment transported alongside other customers' shipments in a shared vehicle or transportation network. This arrangement may affect pickup and delivery scheduling.
Container Moving
See Moving Container.
Crating
Using a protective crate, sometimes custom-built, to transport fragile, valuable, oversized, or unusually shaped belongings.
Cross-Country Move
A long-distance relocation across a substantial portion of the country. The term does not establish a specific mileage threshold or regulatory classification.
Cubic Feet (Cu. Ft.)
A unit of volume used to measure the space belongings occupy or the interior capacity of a truck or container. One cubic foot equals a space measuring one foot by one foot by one foot.
Curbside Delivery
A delivery arrangement in which goods are brought to a designated curbside or accessible location rather than carried inside. Confirm what unloading and placement services are included.
Damage Claim
A request for compensation or another remedy when belongings are damaged during a move. Photographs, inventory records, and other documentation can help support the claim.
Declared Value
The value you state for your shipment or specific items when selecting valuation or insurance protection. Declaring a value does not automatically guarantee that amount will be paid for a claim.
Dedicated Truck (Exclusive Use)
An arrangement reserving an entire truck for your shipment instead of sharing it with other customers. Confirm this in writing: reserving a stated amount of truck space is different from reserving the whole vehicle.
Delivery Date
The date on which a shipment is scheduled or expected to arrive. Confirm whether it is an estimate, part of a delivery window, or a contractual guarantee.
Delivery Spread (Delivery Window)
The range of dates during which your shipment is expected or agreed to arrive. Check whether the dates are estimates or a guaranteed commitment, and what happens if delivery is delayed.
Destination Agent
An agent in the destination area that may assist with delivery, unloading, storage, or other local services.
Detention (Waiting Time)
See Waiting Time.
Disassembly and Reassembly
Taking furniture or equipment apart for transportation and putting it back together afterward. Confirm which items are included and whether special tools or outside technicians are needed.
Diversion
A change to a shipment's originally planned destination or transportation arrangements. It may affect charges and delivery timing.
DIY Move (Do-It-Yourself Move)
A move in which the customer handles some or all of the packing, loading, transportation, and unloading instead of hiring a complete moving service.
Dolly
A wheeled device used to move boxes, furniture, appliances, or other heavy items. Different designs serve different purposes.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A government department responsible for transportation matters. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Elevator Carry
Handling belongings using an elevator during a move. Depending on the mover's pricing rules, elevator-related handling may result in an additional charge.
Elevator Reservation
A scheduled period for using a building's elevator during a move. Property managers may require reservations, protective padding, or other arrangements.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Vehicle shipping in an enclosed carrier that provides protection from direct weather exposure and road debris.
Estimate Survey (Pre-Move Survey)
See Pre-Move Survey.
Exclusive Use of Vehicle
See Dedicated Truck (Exclusive Use).
Expedited Moving Service
A moving service offering an accelerated or more specific transportation schedule. Confirm any guarantees, limitations, and additional charges.
Extraordinary Value Article (High-Value Article)
See High-Value Article.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The U.S. federal agency responsible for motor carrier safety oversight and certain consumer protection requirements for interstate household goods transportation.
Flat-Rate Moving
A pricing arrangement in which a fixed amount is quoted for an agreed inventory and scope of services. Changes may affect the price under the contract.
Flight Charge (Stair Carry)
A charge associated with carrying belongings up or down stairs when the handling is not included in the base moving price.
Floor Protection
Materials used to help protect floors and walking surfaces from dirt, scratches, and other damage during a move.
Force Majeure
A contractual or legal concept involving extraordinary events beyond a party's control that may affect performance of an agreement. Whether it applies depends on the circumstances and governing law.
Fragile-Only Packing
A service in which professional packers handle selected fragile belongings while the customer packs other items.
Fuel Surcharge
An additional transportation charge associated with fuel costs when included under the applicable pricing terms.
Full-Service Moving
A move in which the company provides transportation, loading, and unloading, with other services defined by the package you choose. Confirm whether the written estimate includes packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, and reassembly.
Full Value Protection (FVP)
For covered interstate household goods moves, the mover's liability option that applies unless you select Released Value Protection. For covered loss or damage, the mover may repair the item, replace it with a similar item, or make a cash settlement under the plan. Charges, deductibles, and high-value-item rules may apply; FVP is different from a separate insurance policy.
Furniture Disassembly
See Disassembly and Reassembly.
Furniture Pad (Moving Blanket)
A padded covering used to help protect furniture from scratches and surface damage during handling and transportation. Also called a moving blanket.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum loaded operating weight specified by a vehicle manufacturer, including the vehicle, passengers, fuel, cargo, and other loads.
Gross Weight
The weight of a moving vehicle and its contents when loaded. For a weight-based shipment, the difference between the loaded and empty vehicle weights determines shipment weight under the applicable weighing procedure.
Guaranteed Pickup or Delivery
A service commitment supported by specific contractual terms for pickup or delivery timing. Review what is guaranteed and what remedies apply if the commitment is not met.
Hand Truck
An upright, usually two-wheeled device used to move boxes, appliances, and other items.
Hazardous Materials
Substances or items that present transportation safety risks, including certain fuels, chemicals, compressed gases, and flammable products. Moving and rental companies may prohibit or restrict them.
High-Value Article
An item that needs special attention because of its value. For federal interstate household goods valuation purposes, an article of extraordinary value is worth more than $100 per pound. Tell the mover about these items in writing and follow its declaration requirements.
Hoisting Service
Specialized lifting or lowering of belongings through a window, balcony, or another opening when ordinary access is impractical. It requires suitable equipment, trained personnel, and safety precautions.
Hourly Moving Rate
A moving charge based on time worked, sometimes subject to minimum hours, travel time, equipment charges, or other fees.
Household Goods
Personal belongings and household property transported during a residential move, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and boxes. Often abbreviated HHG in moving paperwork.
Impracticable Operations
Extra services needed because normal pickup or delivery methods cannot reasonably be used, as defined in the mover's tariff. On interstate household goods moves, federal rules limit certain charges collectible at delivery; those limits do not necessarily eliminate the remaining lawful charges.
In-Home Estimate
A moving estimate prepared after a representative examines the belongings and moving conditions at the customer's location.
International Move
A relocation involving transportation of belongings across national borders. Customs requirements, shipping methods, documentation, and destination services can affect the process.
Interstate Move
A move involving transportation between states or otherwise qualifying as interstate transportation under federal law. A move can qualify even when both addresses are in one state if the transportation crosses another state.
Intrastate Move
A move conducted within one state that does not qualify as interstate transportation. State-specific moving requirements may apply.
Inventory List (Moving Inventory)
A record of belongings included in a move. A mover-prepared inventory may document individual articles and their condition, while a customer-created inventory helps with planning and recordkeeping.
Labor-Only Movers
Workers hired for tasks such as packing, carrying, loading, or unloading. Transportation is generally arranged separately, so confirm exactly what the service includes.
Liftgate
A powered platform attached to a vehicle that raises or lowers cargo between the truck and ground level. Its use is subject to equipment and weight limits.
Linehaul Charge
The basic charge for transporting a shipment between origin and destination, excluding certain separately charged services.
Loading and Unloading
Placing belongings into a truck or container and removing them at the destination. Proper handling and secure loading help reduce the risk of damage.
Loading Ramp
An inclined surface used to move belongings into or out of a vehicle or container. Its weight rating and operating instructions must be followed.
Local Move
A move within a relatively limited area. Pricing methods and legal classifications vary by company and jurisdiction.
Long Carry
Moving belongings an unusually long distance between the property and the moving vehicle. An additional charge may apply under the agreement.
Long-Distance Move
A move covering a substantial distance. The term has no universal mileage threshold and is not necessarily the same as an interstate move.
MC Number (Motor Carrier Number)
An identifier associated with certain federal operating authority registrations. Its applicability depends on the business and transportation activity.
Minimum Moving Hours
The minimum amount of labor time billed under an hourly moving agreement, even if the work takes less time.
Move Coordinator
A representative who helps organize scheduling, communication, paperwork, and other moving arrangements.
Moving Broker
A business that arranges household goods transportation with a moving carrier. A broker does not transport the shipment in its broker role; ask for the carrier's identity and confirm each company's responsibilities.
Moving Container
A portable unit used to hold belongings during transportation, storage, or both. Confirm who loads and unloads it, when the provider collects it, and what delivery and storage services are included.
Moving Deposit
Money paid before moving services are performed to reserve or secure a booking. Refunds, cancellation terms, and application toward the final bill depend on the agreement.
Moving Estimate
A written estimate of the cost to move the listed belongings and perform the requested services. It may be binding or non-binding; a preliminary online quote may not be a formal estimate.
Moving Insurance
A separate insurance policy that covers specified moving-related losses under its own terms, limits, and exclusions. It is different from the moving carrier's valuation liability; check what each option covers before choosing.
Moving Labor
Physical moving assistance, including packing, carrying, furniture handling, loading, and unloading.
Moving Permit
Permission required by some local authorities or properties for activities such as reserving street parking, occupying loading areas, or using designated moving access. Requirements vary by location.
Moving Quote
A proposed price for moving services. A preliminary quote may not carry the same contractual significance as a formal written estimate.
Moving Truck Rental
An arrangement in which a customer rents a vehicle to transport belongings under the rental company's terms, including applicable driver, mileage, fuel, and return requirements.
Net Weight
The weight of a shipment calculated from the difference between the loaded and empty vehicle weights under the applicable weighing procedure.
Non-Allowable Items (Prohibited Items)
Belongings a moving company or transportation provider will not accept, or will accept only under specified conditions. Restrictions may apply to hazardous materials, perishables, and other items.
Non-Binding Estimate
A written approximation of moving costs rather than a guaranteed price. For covered interstate household goods moves, final charges depend on the actual shipment, services, and tariff, while federal rules limit certain amounts collectible at delivery.
110 Percent Rule
For covered interstate household goods moves with a non-binding estimate, a mover generally cannot require more than 110% of the estimate at delivery for the estimated services. Certain added services and impracticable operations have separate payment rules. This limits specified amounts due at delivery, not necessarily the final lawful bill.
Open Auto Transport
Vehicle shipping on an open carrier where vehicles are exposed to normal weather and road conditions.
Operating Authority
Government authorization required for certain commercial transportation activities. Interstate household goods carriers and brokers may need the appropriate federal operating authority.
Order for Service
A document describing and authorizing requested moving services. Federal rules no longer require a separate order for service for interstate household goods moves; the required information is included in the bill of lading. You may still encounter the term in older paperwork or other moving arrangements.
Origin Agent
An agent in the pickup area that may assist with packing, preparation, loading, or other local moving services.
Overflow
Belongings that cannot fit within the originally planned vehicle or available transportation space and require an additional arrangement.
Overtime Moving Charges
Charges for moving work performed beyond specified hours or under agreed overtime conditions. Applicability depends on the service agreement.
Packed by Owner (PBO)
A notation indicating that the customer, rather than the moving company, packed an item or carton.
Packing Materials
Supplies used to organize and protect belongings for transportation, including boxes, tape, packing paper, cushioning, and protective coverings.
Packing Service
Professional assistance with preparing belongings for transportation. It may cover the entire household or selected items.
Packing Tape
Adhesive tape intended to seal moving cartons and help keep their contents secure.
Partial Packing
A service in which professional packers prepare selected belongings or rooms rather than the entire home.
Payload Capacity
The maximum load a vehicle can carry within its rated operating limits. Payload includes cargo and other loads carried by the vehicle.
Peak Moving Season
A period of increased demand for moving services, often during warmer months or major lease turnover periods. Availability and pricing may be affected.
Pickup and Delivery Charges
Charges for certain transportation or handling services at pickup or delivery locations, including movements between a residence and storage facility under some tariffs.
Portable Storage Container
See Moving Container.
Pre-Move Survey
An assessment of your belongings, property access, and service needs used to prepare a moving estimate and plan the move. The survey may take place in person or remotely.
Proof of Delivery
Documentation confirming that a shipment was delivered or received, such as a signed delivery receipt or electronic acknowledgment.
Reasonable Dispatch
For interstate household goods transportation, performance of transportation on the dates or within the period agreed upon by the customer and mover, subject to applicable legal exceptions. It is not automatically a guaranteed-delivery service.
Released Value Protection
A basic liability option offered at no additional charge for covered interstate household goods moves. If you select it in writing, the mover's liability is generally limited to $0.60 per pound per item. For example, the limit for a lost 10-pound item is generally $6, regardless of its purchase price.
Rental Truck Mileage Allowance
The number of miles included in a truck rental agreement before additional mileage charges may apply.
Replacement Value
The amount associated with replacing an item with a comparable item under the applicable valuation, insurance, or claims terms.
Reweigh
An additional weighing used to verify shipment weight. For interstate moves, applicable rules govern when and how a customer may request one.
Rogue Mover
A mover that engages in deceptive, unlawful, or abusive practices, such as misleading estimates, unauthorized charges, or improper withholding of belongings.
Self-Service Move
A moving arrangement in which the customer handles tasks such as packing or loading while a provider performs transportation or other selected services.
Self-Storage
A service in which a customer rents storage space and generally manages access to and organization of the belongings.
Shipment Tracking
A service or process used to obtain information about a shipment's transportation progress or delivery status. Available tracking details vary by provider.
Shipper
The person or organization arranging for goods to be transported. In a household move, the shipper is commonly the customer.
Shuttle Service
Using a smaller vehicle to move belongings between the property and the main truck when the larger truck cannot reasonably reach the pickup or delivery location. Additional handling or transportation charges may apply. Also called auxiliary service.
Specialty Item Moving
Handling or transporting items that require unusual equipment, protection, or expertise, such as pianos, safes, antiques, and large artwork.
Stair Carry
Carrying belongings up or down stairs during a move. The service may be included or charged separately, so confirm any stair or flight charges in the estimate.
Storage-in-Transit (SIT)
Temporary storage arranged as part of an ongoing moving shipment before final delivery. It differs from a separately rented self-storage unit.
Stretch Wrap
Flexible plastic film used to help secure protective materials or suitable furniture components. It does not replace appropriate padding or load securement.
Survey (Moving Survey)
See Pre-Move Survey.
Tare Weight
The weight of a moving vehicle without the customer's shipment, determined under the applicable weighing procedure.
Tariff
A carrier's schedule of transportation rates, charges, rules, and service conditions used under the applicable moving arrangement.
Third-Party Service
A service performed by an outside provider rather than the primary moving company, such as appliance preparation or custom crating.
Transit Time
The time required to transport a shipment between locations. It does not necessarily represent a guaranteed delivery commitment.
Truck Clearance
The physical space a moving vehicle needs to pass safely under structures or through restricted areas, especially its overall height.
Truck Rental Coverage
Protection products or contractual coverage options offered with a rental truck. Coverage for the vehicle, cargo, liability, or occupants may differ and is subject to terms and exclusions.
Unloading Service
A service in which workers remove belongings from a truck or container and place them in designated locations under the agreed scope.
Unpacking Service
Assistance removing belongings from cartons. Organizing, installation, and packing-material removal may require separate arrangements.
USDOT Number
A federal identification number assigned to certain regulated transportation businesses. It can help customers check relevant company registration information.
Valuation
The level of the mover's financial responsibility for belongings lost or damaged during the move. For covered interstate household goods moves, the options are Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Valuation is different from a separate insurance policy.
Van Line
A moving company or network that coordinates household goods transportation, sometimes through affiliated agents in different locations.
Van Operator
A driver or transportation professional operating a moving vehicle, sometimes with responsibility for shipment handling and coordination.
Virtual Moving Estimate
An estimate prepared using video, photographs, digital inventory information, or another remote assessment instead of an in-person visit.
Waiting Time
Time when a moving crew or vehicle is delayed because the work cannot proceed, such as while waiting for building access. Charges may apply under the agreement or tariff.
Warehouse Handling
Charges for handling belongings when they enter, leave, or move within a storage warehouse as part of an applicable moving service.
Weight Additive
An additional weight amount that may be assigned to certain bulky items under an applicable mover's tariff for pricing purposes. It is not a universal charge.
Weight-Based Moving Estimate
An estimate in which expected or actual shipment weight is an important factor in calculating transportation charges.
Weight Ticket
A document recording a vehicle's measured weight. It may be used to support weight-based moving charges.
Know the Difference
Commonly Confused Moving Terms
Moving Broker vs. Moving Carrier vs. Moving Agent
A broker arranges transportation, a carrier transports your belongings, and an agent represents or performs services for another moving company or van line. Confirm the carrier's identity and each company's responsibilities before booking.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimate
A binding estimate sets the price for the listed shipment and services. A non-binding estimate approximates the cost, with final charges calculated under the applicable rules and agreement. Additions or service changes can affect either arrangement.
Moving Insurance vs. Valuation
Valuation describes the mover's financial responsibility for covered loss or damage. Moving insurance is a separate policy with its own coverage, limits, and exclusions.
Local vs. Long-Distance vs. Interstate Moving
Local and long-distance describe the general distance of a move; there is no universal mileage cutoff. Interstate describes its legal transportation classification. A long-distance move may stay within one state.
Labor-Only vs. Full-Service Moving
Labor-only movers handle agreed physical tasks, while transportation is generally arranged separately. Full-service movers provide transportation and the agreed moving work. Confirm packing, unpacking, and furniture services in the written estimate.
Storage-in-Transit vs. Self-Storage
Storage-in-transit is temporary storage arranged as part of an ongoing shipment. Self-storage is rented separately and is generally managed by the customer.
Before You Book
Moving Terms to Understand
Before Signing a Contract
Before agreeing to moving services, understand these six important terms.
Pricing & Charges
Documents & Delivery
Bill of LadingReview the transportation agreement and shipment details before signing.
Delivery WindowConfirm the arrival date range and whether timing is guaranteed.
Protection & Inventory
ValuationUnderstand the mover's responsibility and the protection option you select.
Inventory ListCheck your listed belongings and any recorded condition notes.
Ask for clarification in writing if any part of the estimate or agreement is unclear.
Plan Your Move With Confidence
Use Movers.com guides and calculators to understand your options, plan costs, and prepare for your move.
Moving company policies, charges, and legal requirements vary by service, location, and contract. Federal household goods rules discussed here apply to covered interstate moves; intrastate and international moves may follow different requirements.