June 4, 2015

10 Moving Terms You Need To Know

Summer is here and moving season is in full swing. Moving involves a lot of details that you need to juggle and manage. If this is your first time using a professional moving company it’s helpful to understand the lingo of the industry. Whether you are moving locally or long distance it’s likely some standard terms will be part of your moving contract. Check out the explanations below and give us a call if you still need help understanding your agreement.

Moving industry terms

1. Short haul – refers to a move within a 450 mile range of the starting point
2. PBO – means packed by owner
3. Long carry –  refers to the need to carrying articles excessive distances between the mover’s vehicle and your residence. Additional fees are typically charged.
4. Liability – moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they are transporting in the event of damage or loss. For specific details on this topic, take a look at our article on insurance and liability.
5. Accessorial or Additional service charges – refers to extra services such as packing and unpacking, extra stop or other services that a moving company offers.
6. Appliance service – an extra charge to prepare major electrical appliances making them safe to move.
7. Bill of lading – serves as a receipt of shipment when the goods are delivered to a predetermined destination. Your signature acknowledges that your household goods can be loaded on the van and released to the mover.
8. Overflow – occurs when articles being shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary truck. An additional truck is utilized for transportation and delivery.
9. Shuttle service – refers to the use of a secondary, smaller vehicle to complete the pickup or delivery.  Typically used in cases where the assigned truck is unable to make the pickup or delivery due to an inadequate parking area, extremely narrow roads or limited driving access, weak bridge on the route, etc.
10. Line haul charges – refer to charges for the transportation portion of your move.

All of these terms are important because they refer to standard charges or extra charges that you might see on your final invoice.  A professional, reputable mover will cover all the fees up front so you are aware of what you will be charged.  Hidden costs or surprise fees are the hallmarks of an unreputable mover. Make your life and your move easier – move with Good Stuff Movers!