A guide to help you understand the terminology in your moving quote
ASMA: Members of the American Storage and Moving Association offer relocation services. The association provides certification to companies that meet its requirements.
Accessorial (Additional) Services: Services such as packing, appliance servicing or unpacking that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.
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 bill of lading charges.
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 goods shipment 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 Movers, 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 of Lading: The receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy.
Binding/Non-Binding Estimate: A binding estimate is an agreement with the mover made in advance of the move. It 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 approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.
Carrier: The mover providing transportation of your household goods.
C.O.D.: Stands for cash on delivery. Transportation for a private shipper may require C.O.D. at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).
Expedited Service: An agreement with the mover 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 mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.
High Value Article: Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly.
Inventory: The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
Line Haul 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 your residence.
Order for Service: The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.
Order (Bill of Lading) Number: The number used to identify and track your shipment.
Peak Season Rates: Higher line haul charges that are applicable during the summer months.
Pickup and Delivery Charges: Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the SIT warehouse and your residence.
Shuttle Service: Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal line haul equipment.
Storage-in-Transit (SIT): Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation. For example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy you might use SIT. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 180 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.
Valuation: The degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.
Warehouse Handling: An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.