When you make the choice to move it is possible to suddenly find yourself overwhelmed with all the new terminology. A lot of times the moving company does not simplify it for you. However, knowing what your moving quote is saying is crucial to ensure that you get everything that you were promised.
- ASMA
The American Storage and Moving Association is a group of moving companies who offer services to those wishing to relocate to a new place. The ASMA awards certificates to the companies who meet the required standards.
- Accessorial Services
These services are also called additional services. They include packing, unpacking or appliance servicing which you have asked them to perform, or that they have to do due to other circumstances for example because your landlord requires them. The cost of these additional services are usually added to the charges of transportation.
- Advanced Charges
These are charges for services which the mover does not perform, but gets other professionals to do because you made a request. These costs are usually paid by the mover to the third party and added to your moving bill.
- AMA ProMover
This program was created in 2009. It is used as a means to identify AMSA members who have passed a more stringent screening process than other movers. These members have to complete a Significatory Agreement stating that they are prepared to uphold AMSA’s Code of ethics. When you use an AMSA ProMover you are guaranteed the best care.
- Appliance Service
This is whereby major electrical equipment is prepared to ensure that it is safe for shipment.
- Bill of Lading
This is a document consisting of the receipt for your property and the contract you sign for their transportation to a new location. It is your duty to ensure you comprehend everything on the document before placing your signature. In the event that you have any qualms regarding anything in the document, you can choose not to sign it until you have satisfaction that it is correct. Take care of this document.
- A Binding or A Non-Binding Estimate
Binding estimates are agreed upon with the mover before a move takes place. This agreement ensures that all your belongings will be transported at the cost shown on the estimate. On the other hand, a non-binding agreement is an approximation, and the final charge is based on the actual weight of the belongings.
- Carrier
This refers to the mover r moving company that will be transporting your goods to their new home.
- O.D
These is an abbreviation for cash on delivery.
- Expedited Service
This is an agreement which the client has with the mover so that their belongings can get to the destination by a set date at a higher cost based on a higher minimum weight requirement.
- Flight Charge
This is an extra cost charged if items have to be carried up or down a flight of stairs.
- High Value Article
These are items being shipped which have a value that is greater than 100 dollars per pound. You should disclose this to the mover to make sure that they are given the appropriate care.
- Inventory
This is a detailed list, with descriptions, of all your household belongings. It indicates the quantity and the condition of every single item.
- Line Haul Charges
These are the costs for the vehicle transportation part of your relocation. These costs are added with the additional service charges.
- Long Carry
This is an additional cost charged if your belongings have to be carried very long distances between your home and the moving vehicle.
- Order for Service
This is a document that indicates that you have given the mover the authority to transport your household belongings.
- Order Number
This is the number that you use to track your shipment as it makes it way to the new home.
- Peak Season Rates
This are higher line haul charges which are usually present during summer months.
- Pickup & Delivery Charges
These are separate costs for transporting your belongings between the storage in transit warehouse and your home.
- Shuttle Service
This is the utilization of a smaller vehicle to get to residences which cannot accommodate the mover’s usual equipment.
- Storage-in-Transit
SIT is a temporary warehouse where belongings are stored as they await further transportation.
- Valuation
This is the total worth of the belongings you are shipping.
- Warehouse Handling
This is an extra charge which is applicable every time the SIT service is given. This cost compensates the mover for the moving of items in and out of the warehouse.
This clarification of terms should simplify your moving encounter the next time you make a trip to Hertz or Home Depot for their moving services.
