Moving Industry Glossary
Every term you need to know in the moving industry — defined and explained.
Accessorial Charges
Additional charges for services beyond basic transportation, such as stair carries, long carries, elevator fees, or packing materials.
Agent
A local moving company that operates under the authority of a larger van line carrier to perform moves on their behalf.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The legal contract between the shipper and the carrier that details the shipment, services, charges, and liability. Required by FMCSA for all interstate moves.
Binding Estimate
A written agreement that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the items and services listed. The mover cannot charge more than the estimate.
Bobtail
Driving a truck without a trailer attached, typically when repositioning equipment between jobs.
Bulky Article
An item that requires special handling due to its size, weight, or shape, such as a piano, pool table, or hot tub.
Carrier
The moving company responsible for transporting household goods. Must be registered with FMCSA for interstate moves.
COD (Collect on Delivery)
Payment collected at the time of delivery rather than in advance.
CWT (Hundredweight)
A unit of weight equal to 100 pounds, commonly used in long-distance moving pricing. Rates are often quoted per CWT.
Cube Sheet
A detailed inventory form used to estimate the volume (cubic feet) of a shipment for pricing purposes.
Declared Value
The value of the shipment as stated by the shipper, used to determine the carrier's maximum liability.
Dispatch
The process of assigning crews, trucks, and equipment to scheduled moves. Modern systems use digital dispatch boards.
DOT Number
A unique identification number assigned by the Department of Transportation to commercial motor carriers operating in interstate commerce.
Estimate
A written approximation of moving costs provided to the customer before the move. Can be binding or non-binding.
Flight Charge
An additional fee for carrying items up or down stairs, typically charged per flight above the first.
Full-Value Protection
The highest level of valuation coverage where the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items.
Gross Weight
The total weight of the loaded truck including the truck itself, fuel, and the shipment.
Household Goods
Personal property used in a dwelling, including furniture, appliances, clothing, and other personal belongings.
Inventory
A detailed list of all items being transported, including their condition at origin. Used for claims and tracking.
Interstate Move
A move that crosses state lines. Subject to FMCSA regulations and requires proper operating authority.
Linehaul
The transportation charge for moving goods from origin to destination, typically based on weight and distance for long-distance moves.
Long Carry
An additional charge when items must be carried more than a specified distance (usually 75 feet) between the truck and the residence.
MC Number
Motor Carrier number issued by FMCSA granting authority to transport household goods in interstate commerce.
Non-Binding Estimate
An estimate that is not guaranteed. The final cost may be higher or lower based on actual weight and services.
Order for Service
A document authorizing the mover to perform the move on a specified date with specified services.
Origin Agent
The local agent or company responsible for loading the shipment at the pickup location.
Packing
The process of wrapping and boxing items for safe transport. Professional packing is an additional service.
Peak Season
The busiest time for moving companies, typically May through September, when demand and prices are highest.
Released Value
The minimum level of carrier liability at no additional cost, typically 60 cents per pound per item.
SIT (Storage in Transit)
Temporary storage of a shipment at a warehouse when it cannot be delivered immediately at the destination.
Shuttle Service
Use of a smaller vehicle to transport items when the primary truck cannot access the pickup or delivery location.
Tariff
A published schedule of rates, rules, and charges that a carrier applies to its moving services. Required for interstate movers.
Tare Weight
The weight of the empty truck before loading, used to calculate the net weight of the shipment.
Valuation
The degree of liability assumed by the carrier for loss or damage to the shipment. Not insurance — it's the carrier's liability.
Van Line
A large moving company network that coordinates long-distance moves using local agents across the country.
Weight Ticket
An official weigh station receipt showing the truck's weight before and after loading, used to determine shipment weight.
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