GLOSSARY OF MOVING TERMS

The following glossary of moving terms will help explain the meaning of common moving words.

Review these so that you will be more knowledgeable about the moving industry.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES These are services like packing, unpacking, appliance service, stair carry, or shuttle, to name a few. These may either be required or requested, and will usually result in an extra charge.

AGENT A local moving company affiliated with a larger, national company, and authorized to act on their behalf.

APPLIANCE SERVICE The cost of disconnection of appliances at origin to prepare them for transport. There may also be an appliance service required at destination after delivery.

APPLIANCE DOLLY A special heavy duty dolly for moving heavy furniture & appliances. A self-mover may rent one from a self-service mover.

BILL OF LADING The contract between the moving company (carrier) and the customer. Make sure you understand everything on it and get your copy after loading is complete.

CARRIER The moving company with whom you are working.

CERTIFIED SCALE Any scale that is certified by regular authorized scale inspections. These are large enough to weigh trucks, tractor-trailers, and are usually available at most moving companies and truck stops.

C.O.D. Cash On Delivery. Payment of these charges will be required before delivery at destination.

DRIVER The person driving the truck or tractor (moving van)

FLIGHT CHARGE Usually an additional charge at origin and/or destination which could be a flight of stairs (or 2) or an elevator.

FULL SERVICE MOVER A moving company who can handle all aspects of your move from your old house to your new house. Including but not limited to: packing, unpacking, appliance service,moving vehicles, moving pianos, & offering storage service.

HELPER Any person hired by the driver/mover or by you to help with your move. They are trained and experienced.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS In regards to transportation, this is everything from your house. Clothes, furniture, appliances, & all personal property.

INVENTORY A detailed list and description of your household items. Usually identified with a colored inventory sticker.

INTERSTATE MOVE Any move taking you out of your home state. See also intrastate, and local move.

INTRASTATE MOVE Any move within your own state, but usually over 50 miles.

LOADING The act of putting all furniture and boxes into the moving van or truck or trailer.

LOCAL MOVE Any move usually under 50 miles or under

LONG CARRY CHARGE An additional charge if the household items must be carried a long distance to the moving truck. Usually over 75 feet. This usually happens at apartment complexes with poor access.

LUMPER Same as helper. They carry furniture and boxes to the driver or loader. They also assist in disassembling furniture to ready it for the move.

MOVING COMPANY The company offering you all moving services and transportation of your household goods

NEWSPRINT The paper used for newspapers before it is printed on.

PACKING The act of wrapping and packing all your small household items into boxes safely to prepare them for your move

PEAK SEASON RATES A premium rate that may be charged during the busy season which is usually during the summer months.

P O D S -- Portable On Demand Storage A container (usually steel) that is delivered to your residence for you to load with all your belongings. They are not attached to the truck, so can be left at your residence. They are weather resistant and can be locked with your padlock.

QUOTE An estimate of the cost of your move from a moving company. Or an estimate from a truck rental company.

SELF-SERVICE MOVER A company who will rent you a truck or trailer (like U-Haul) that you will load & move yourself. A company that will deliver their trailer, then you load it and they drive it to your destination.

SHUTTLE SERVICE An additional charge for a small truck to haul your household goods from your house to the moving van (truck). This usually occurs when the house in at the end of a long narrow road or drive that is not accessible by the moving truck. Some cities also require a shuttle, because large trucks are not permitted access within the city. Some apartment complexes do not have access for large trucks either.

STAIR-CARRY CHARGE Same as Flight Charge

S I T Storage-In-Transit. This involves storing your household items until you have a house or apartment to move into. This could take place at origin or destination, and there are additional charges for this service.

TARIFF This is a government published list of rules, regulations, and charges for moving services that must be followed by all moving companies.

TRACTOR The cab part of a semi that pulls the trailer.

TRUCK Usually a uni-body truck that has a large enclosed box for hauling.

TRAILER The van or flatbed that is being pulled by the tractor.

VAN An enclosed trailer being pulled by a tractor.

WAREHOUSE A secure facility offered by moving companies for storage of household goods.

top of page

Back to Home Page from GLOSSARY OF MOVING TERMS