Moving Terminology
Below explains common terms used in the moving industry, and will help you understand
your moving estimate. (Definitions provided by the AMSA Certified Mover and Van
Line Program).
Accessorial (Additional) Services
Moving services such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking or extra pick-up
and/or extra deliveries that you request to be performed (or are necessary because
of landlord requirements or other special circumstances).Charges for these moving
services are in addition to the transportation charges.
Agent
The local moving company representing a national van line. May serve as booking,
origin, destination and/or hauling agent.
AMSA Certified Mover
An interstate carrier that transports your household moving 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 moving
business in the most efficient and professional manner possible.
AMSA Certified Van Line
An interstate carrier that transports your household moving 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 moving agents.
Appliance Service
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for moving.
Bill of Lading
The receipt for your household move including 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 made in advance with themover that guarantees
the total cost of the move based on the quantities and moving services shown on
the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the mover's approximation of the cost based
on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial moving services requested.
A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will
be based on the actual weight and actual moving services performed with the tariff
provisions in effect.
Booking Agent
Company/Agent who prices, sells and registers your move with North American Van
Lines. A booking agent does not necessarily have to be located at or near the origin
or destination of your move.
C.O.D.
Transportation for a privatemover for which payment is required at the time of delivery
at the destination residence (or moving storage).
Carrier
The professional movers providing transportation of your household goods.
Change Order
A form used to amend the amount indicated on the original moving estimate due to
the addition or deletion of items to be shipped or moving services requested by
the customer.
Check-Off Sheet
The check-off sheet is used at destination as your household goods are being off
loaded from the moving truck into your house. Each piece of furniture and all moving
boxes have numbered stickers associated with them - the check - off sheet is used
as a quick reference document to ensure all items are moved into your residence.
Contract 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 Bill of Lading.
Destination Agent
The moving agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary moving
services and information at the end of your move.
Estimate
A general calculation of the transportation charges, as well as costs for additional
moving services requested by the customer. Includes an estimation of shipment weight.
North American Van Lines provides a free moving estimate.
Expedited Service
An agreement with themover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for
moving charges based on a higher minimum weight.
Guaranteed Pickup/Delivery
An additional level of moving service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with
themover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium moving service is often
subject to minimum weight requirements.
Hauling Agent
Moving agent who owns the moving truck assigned by the van line to transport your
possessions.
High Value Article
Items included in a move that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items
should be disclosed to themover to ensure they are protected accordingly.
Inventory
The detailed descriptive list of goods in your household move showing the number
and condition of each item.
Linehaul Charges
Charges for the transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition
to the additional moving service charges.
Long Carry
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle
and your residence.
Move Coordinator
The individual who will coordinate your move from start to finish. This is your
single point of contact throughout your relocation and is there to assist with your
questions and keep you informed and updated until final delivery.
Order for Service
The document authorizing the moving company to transport your household goods, which
lists all the required and/or requested moving services.
Origin Agent
Moving agent at the origin location responsible for performing local moving services
such as packing, performing the visual survey, preparing the necessary documentation
for transportation.
Peak Season Rates
Higher linehaul charges that are applicable for moving during the summer months.
Pickup and Delivery Charges
Separate moving charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the temporary
moving storage warehouse and your residence.
Relocation Specialist
The agent sales representative or consultant responsible for providing the customer
with a moving estimate of the cost of his/her move, as well as for answering any
and all questions the customer might have with regard to the moving process.
Shuttle Service
Use of a smaller vehicle to 'shuttle' the household items from the moving truck
to the residences that are not accessible to the professional movers' normal size
equipment.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
Temporary moving storage of your shipment pending further transportation to final
delivery residence; for example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. You
must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of
moving storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service,
as well as the warehouse handling and final moving charges.
Third Party Charges
Charges for moving services not performed by themover but instead by a professional,
craftsman or other third partymover at your request. The charges for these moving
services are paid by themover and added to your Bill of Lading charges.
Valuation
The degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates themover
for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation
charges. This is also known as Maximum Value Protection.
Van Line
The national moving company through which affiliated agents are granted the necessary
authority to transport interstate shipments. The van line handles dispatching, shipment
routing and monitoring, paperwork processing and claims settlement for all interstate
shipments handled by its agents. North American Van Lines is a full service moving
company.
Van Operator
The van driver having overall responsibility for the loading, transport and unloading
of the customer's moving boxes and other belongings.
Warehouse Handling
An additional moving charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge
compensates themover for the physical placement and removal of items within the
warehouse.
