Ever feel like you need a translator when you’re talking to moving companies or reading a moving contract? “Bill of Lading,” “Valuation,” “Accessorial Charges” it can sound like a whole different language! Here at Two Men Will Move You, we believe in clear communication. We want you to feel confident and informed every step of the way. So, we’ve put together this handy moving terms glossary to decode some of the most common moving industry jargon. No more head-scratching – let’s get you fluent in “move-speak”!
Key Moving Terms Every San Diego, CA Mover Should Know
Understanding these terms will help you navigate your moving contract and conversations with any moving company.
Accessorial Charges (or Additional Services)
These are charges for services beyond the standard loading, transporting, and unloading of your goods.
Examples: Packing, unpacking, crating specialty items, shuttle service (if a large truck can’t get close to your home), stair carries, long carries, appliance servicing.
Why it matters: Make sure these are clearly listed on your estimate if you’ve requested or require them.For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our blog on Stop Dreading the Boxes: 10+ Pro Packer Secrets from Two Men Will Move You to Save Your Time & Sanity
Agent
A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, often national or international, van line. The agent handles local services like estimates, packing, loading, and unloading.
Bill of Lading
This is THE most important document. It’s your contract with the mover and also acts as a receipt for your goods.
What it includes: Mover’s information, your information, origin and destination, items being shipped, services requested, valuation chosen, and agreed-upon price/estimate.
Why it matters: Read it carefully before you sign it and before your goods are loaded. Keep your copy safe!
Binding Estimate
An estimate where the price quoted is guaranteed not to change, provided the inventory and conditions of the move (e.g., items to be moved, access) do not change from what was agreed upon in the estimate.
Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate
Similar to a binding estimate, this guarantees that the cost will not go above the estimated amount. However, if the actual weight of your shipment is less than estimated (for weight-based moves) or the job takes less time (for hourly moves), the final cost could be lower. This is often preferred by customers.
Carrier
The moving company providing the transportation of your household goods.
CP (Carrier Packed) or PBO (Packed By Owner)
These terms indicate who packed the boxes.
CP (Carrier Packed) / Pack and Load (P&L): Movers packed the boxes.
PBO (Packed By Owner): You packed the boxes yourself.
Why it matters: This can affect liability for damages. Generally, movers are not liable for damage to items in PBO boxes unless the box itself shows external damage caused during transit.
Estimate (or Order for Service)
An approximation of the moving costs based on the inventory you provide and the services you request. Can be binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed. (See above!)
Flight Charge (or Stair Carry Fee)
An additional charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs. Ensure this is discussed if your home has stairs.
Full Value Protection (FVP)
This is a type of valuation coverage where the mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged goods in your shipment (minus any deductible you choose). This is more comprehensive than Released Value Protection.
High-Value Article Inventory Form
A form you fill out listing any items in your shipment that are considered to be of extraordinary value (typically items worth more than $100 per pound, like antiques, art, jewelry).
Why it matters: Essential for ensuring proper valuation coverage for your most precious items.
Inventory List
A detailed list of your household goods being moved, noting the quantity and condition of each item before it’s loaded onto the truck. You’ll usually sign this at both origin and destination.
Why it matters: Crucial for checking that all your items have arrived and in the same condition.
Line Haul Charges
Charges calculated based on the mileage and weight/volume of your shipment. This is a primary component of the cost for long-distance moves.
Long Carry Charge
A fee for when movers have to carry items an excessive distance between the moving truck and the entrance of your home.
Non-Binding Estimate
An estimate that is the mover’s best guess of the cost. The final charges could be higher or lower based on the actual weight of your shipment and services provided. Movers are required to deliver your goods if you pay 110% of a non-binding estimate, with the remainder due within 30 days.
Released Value Protection (RVP)
The most basic, no-additional-cost liability coverage offered by movers. It provides minimal protection, typically $0.60 per pound per article.
Example: If a 10-pound stereo component valued at $500 is damaged, you would only receive $6.00 (10 lbs x $0.60).
Why it matters: Understand this is very limited coverage. Most people opt for Full Value Protection.
Shuttle Service
If a standard large moving van cannot directly access your residence (e.g., due to narrow streets, low-hanging trees in San Diego, CA), a smaller vehicle (“shuttle”) may be needed to transport your goods between your home and the larger truck. This service usually incurs an additional charge.
Tariff
A moving company’s published list of rules, regulations, rates, and charges for their services.
Valuation Coverage
This is NOT insurance, but it dictates the mover’s level of liability for your belongings if they are lost or damaged during the move. You’ll choose between Released Value Protection (basic) or Full Value Protection (more comprehensive, additional cost).
Feeling More Confident? We Thought So!
Understanding these key pieces of moving industry jargon can make your entire moving experience in San Diego, CA smoother and less stressful. At Two Men Will Move You, we’re always happy to explain any part of the process or your moving contract. Our goal is transparency and your peace of mind.
FAQ: Your Moving Lingo Questions, Answered!
Q1: Where will I see these moving terms used?
A: You’ll encounter them in your estimate (Order for Service), on the Bill of Lading (your contract), on inventory sheets, and in conversations with moving company representatives.
Q2: What’s the most important document in a move?
A: The Bill of Lading. It’s your contract and receipt. Read it thoroughly before signing and keep it safe.
Q3: If I pack my own boxes (PBO), is the mover responsible if something inside breaks?
A: Generally, if a PBO box arrives undamaged on the outside, the mover is not liable for damage to contents they didn’t pack. This is because they can’t verify the quality of packing or the pre-existing condition of items inside. If the box itself is crushed or clearly mishandled, then liability may apply.
Q4: Is “moving insurance” the same as “valuation”?
A: Not exactly. Valuation refers to the amount of liability a mover accepts for your goods, as defined in their tariff (e.g., Released Value Protection or Full Value Protection). Some movers may also offer separate third-party insurance policies, which are different. Always clarify what type of coverage you are selecting.