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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 the mover 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 private mover for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).
| Carrier | |
The mover 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 van into your house. Each piece of furniture and box has a numbered sticker associated with it -- 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 the mover 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 the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium moving service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.
| Hauling Agent | |
Moving agent who owns the van 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 the mover 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 storage warehouse and your residence.
| Relocation Specialist | |
The agent sales representative or consultant responsible for providing the customer with an 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 van to the residences that are not accessible to the movers normal size equipment.
| Storage-In-Transit (SIT) | |
Temporary warehouse 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 storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final moving charges.
Charges for moving services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman, or other third party mover at your request. The charges for these moving services are paid by the mover and added to your bill-of-lading charges.
| Valuation | |
The degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover 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 belongings.
| Warehouse Handling | |
An additional moving charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.
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Moving Terminology