Important Moving Terms You Should Know

These two terms have to do with the starting location and the final destination of a move. If you are relocating within your state, we’re talking about an intrastate relocation. If, however, you are relocating across the state border, that is an interstate move.

An inventory is a comprehensive list of all household goods scheduled for shipment, as well as the condition and contents of boxes. It’s a must since 73% of all moved items are inside of your house.

If an object gets damaged, broken, or stolen during shipment, its ACV is calculated. This is the cost of replacing or repairing the object.

This is a service providing the shipment of goods via aircraft. It is usually only used for international moves.

A.M.S.A. is an organization dedicated to maintaining the high quality of shipment services provided by relocation companies in the country.

Also called the shuttle service, it is needed when a shipping truck can’t access the desired destination due to, for example, narrow roads. In such cases, a smaller vehicle is used and charges for auxiliary services are added to the overall cost.

This is a document that serves as a contract between the movers and the client, as well as a receipt for the relocation solutions.

Sometimes, moving companies call themselves carriers. Some other names you might stumble upon include moving experts, relocation companies, movers, or removal companies.

If you are relocating on a tight schedule and need to do it as soon as possible, you should request expedited services. Keep in mind that they come at an additional cost.

These are conditions that make it impossible for movers to do their job with their usual equipment. If special equipment or more staff is required, there may be additional charges.

The approximate overall weight of all the household goods being shipped.

These are household goods for which the estimated value exceeds $100 per pound of weight. Such items need to be listed on a separate form.

Stair carry charges, also known as flight-carry charges are charges added to the overall price if the movers need to carry items up or down a flight of stairs between your home and the truck.

If your new home isn’t move-in ready, you can use the storage facilities provided by the movers. However, you may be additionally charged for storage-in-transit.

These are goods that relocation companies aren’t allowed to transport. These include items such as flammable chemicals, illegal goods, weapons, pets, plants, or perishable foods. Contact your chosen relocation company for a more detailed list of non-allowed items.

These auto carriers are most commonly used in car shipping. They are trucks where the vehicles loaded for shipment are exposed to weather conditions and road debris.

These carriers fully protect a vehicle from the elements during the shipment. They are more expensive and are usually reserved for show cars, luxury four-wheelers, or race cars.

Your car may be picked up from and delivered to your front door, or it may be dropped off at the nearest terminal for you to pick up. You choose the mode of delivery based on your preferences. While door-to-door delivery is more convenient, terminal-to-terminal delivery may save you some money.

This is a network of routes and terminals used by auto carriers for the shipment of vehicles all across the country. When you’re working with professionals such as Long Distance USA Movers, you’ll get all the needed info before the moving day, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

A pliable, transparent plastic material used for packing fragile items. It consists of numerous small air pockets that provide cushioning and protect against impacts during transit.

Small, lightweight foam pieces, used to fill empty spaces in packing boxes. They prevent items from shifting and absorbing shock during movement.

A service offered by moving companies where they handle all aspects of packing your belongings.  With Long Distance USA Movers it also means we’ll deal with your belongings if more than 15 boxes are needed. We’ll securely pack each item, ensuring professional handling and safety.

Stands for “Do-It-Yourself” packing, where you take on the responsibility of buying packing materials and wrapping and boxing all your belongings. This option can be more cost-effective but requires significant time and effort.

A highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around items to secure them during transit. It keeps items tightly bound and protected from dirt and moisture.

Tall cardboard boxes with a metal hanging bar across the top, designed for transporting hanging garments. These boxes allow clothes to be moved directly from closet to box without folding, minimizing wrinkles.

Thick, padded blankets are used to cover furniture and large items to prevent scratches, dents, and dust during the move

A sturdy, double-walled box specifically designed for transporting dishes, glasses, and other kitchenware. These boxes typically come with cell dividers to isolate each item and provide additional protection.

An agent is an affiliated removal company that is authorized to act on behalf of the one you hired. Some of the things an agent may do include booking, pickup and destination services, or pretty much anything else. Agents are usually local companies that act on behalf of national ones.

Unlike an agent, a broker is not an actual relocation company. This is a company that intermediates between movers and clients. They offer relocation services to clients and pair them with available truck drivers.

Whether it’s for moving or car transport, you will likely be dealing with price estimates, also known as quotes. A quote is an approximate price of the services you would like to receive that a relocation company calculates based on the information you provide. A binding estimate is given upon an onsite survey and comes in the form of a flat price. A non-binding quote, on the other hand, may be subject to change.

A tariff is a document containing all the rules and rates of a relocation company. You could say it is the Terms of Use of the relocation industry.