Like all industries, the moving industry has a number of terms to refer to different aspects of your move. If you are moving with us, it’s a good idea to check out some of the common terms you could come across in a contract or talking to your moving coordinator. For your reference, we’ve made a list of the most popular moving terms that you may encounter during a Move Happy move.
BILL OF LADING:
A legally binding document that outlines all of the details of the move from the shipping date to the items loaded on the moving truck. This document serves as a receipt of your agreement.
BINDING/NON-BINDING ESTIMATE:
A binding estimate is a true cost of your move based on the pre-move survey of the home that costs out every aspect of the move. Any changes to this estimate during the move can result in additional charges. A non-binding estimate offers flexibility of elements of the move that may not be known during the initial survey and contracting of the move. Costs will be added for elements that may be added in during the move process.
BLANKETS (ALSO KNOWN AS MOVING PADS, FURNITURE PADS AND MOVING BLANKETS):
An irregularly sized and shaped item for moving that requires specialized packing or transport like pianos, vehicles, etc.
CLAIM:
A submission to recover funds or compensation for damaged goods that occurred while materials were under the care of the moving company.
DIY PACKING
When a customer chooses to pack household belongings themselves.
DOT (DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION):
Organization that regulates transportation for both personal and business purposes. Most often, you will hear the term DOT number as a way to identify that a moving company is licensed through the DOT, which is mandatory for operation.
ESSENTIALS BOX:
A box that you pack to include items that can help you get through the final days before the move and the first day in your new home.
FMCSA (THE FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION):
Oversees consumer protection regulations and dictates the rules regarding the interstate transportation of goods. A consumer guide can be downloaded from the FMCSA website.
FULL VALUE PROTECTION:
In claims of loss of damage to goods, this will cover the cost to repair the item. If it can’t be repaired, this will cover the cost to replace the item with a similar replacement, not exceeding the total coverage amount for the move.
MOVING PERMIT:
Legal document that gives permission to temporarily park certain vehicles — such as a moving truck — in a designated location at specific times of the day.
NON-ALLOWABLES:
Goods that are not allowed to be transported because of safety concerns. These include hazardous materials, poisonous materials and perishables. (i.e., chemicals, combustible or flammable items, etc.)
OFF-PEAK SEASON:
The season referred to that is in less-demand for moving, and can often offer cost reductions for moves; primarily Fall and Winter in most seasonal climates. Spring and summer (which consequently coincide with peak home sale seasons) are in more demand due to milder weather, school and work schedules, etc.
PCS (PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION):
The term used for relocating active military personnel and their families from their residence to a new duty location.
STORAGE-IN-TRANSIT (SIT):
The temporary short-term storage of goods before they are delivered and unloaded at the final destination.
TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED STORAGE:
Regulates temperature to a range of degrees in the storage facility to protect items from damage related to hot and cold conditions.
VAN OPERATOR:
Manages the loading, hauling and unloading of goods for a move.
Now that you are familiar with moving terminology, you are better equipped to manage your next move. It's important to know what all the terms mean on moving documents. To best protect your things during a move, arm yourself with Move Happy’s moving terminology.
Phone: 844-327-2874
Email: ask@imovehappy.com
