Moving terminology
Glossary of Moving Terms
Use these plain-English definitions to understand moving estimates and shipment documents. Some terms apply mainly to international freight; definitions do not promise that a service or protection option is included.
Jump to: A · B · C · D · E · F · I · L · M · O · P · R · S · T
A
Access
The conditions for reaching your home and loading or unloading: parking, distance to the door, stairs, elevators and building restrictions.
Agent
A company acting for a carrier or another moving company on specified parts of a move. Responsibilities and charges depend on the agreement; not every agent service is automatically included.
B
Bill of Lading
The transportation contract and receipt for the shipment. Review its shipment details, services and terms before signing, and keep a copy.
Binding Quote
A written estimate tied to the described shipment and services. For an interstate move, added goods or requested services can affect the agreed charges; “binding” does not mean unlimited work at one price.
Bonded Warehouse
In international shipping, a customs-authorized facility where goods may be held under customs control pending release. It does not mean that any ordinary storage warehouse has this status.
Booker
The company or agent that books the move and establishes the initial arrangements with the customer.
C
Chargeable Weight
The weight used to calculate a freight charge, especially in air freight. It may reflect shipment dimensions as well as actual weight under the carrier’s rules.
COD (Collect on Delivery)
An arrangement in which charges are collected at delivery. Often called “cash on delivery,” it does not by itself specify which payment methods are accepted. The written terms identify those methods and when payment is due.
Consignee
The person or organization designated to receive a shipment.
Container
A transport unit, commonly a steel shipping container used for ocean, rail or road freight. The size and arrangement depend on the shipment.
Corporate Account
An employer or organization with arrangements for moving services. Its relocation policy and agreement determine which charges it pays.
Cost per 100 lb.
A rate expressed for each hundred pounds of shipment weight. Other charges may also apply; it is not necessarily the complete moving price.
Cost per cubic meter/cubic feet
A rate based on shipment volume. It is a measurement-based pricing term, not a guarantee of the final amount or the pricing method for every route.
Crate
A rigid protective case built or selected for particular belongings. Overseas household shipments may use a larger crate known as a liftvan.
Customs Clearance
For an international shipment, the process of meeting customs requirements for entry or release. It can involve documentation, duties and inspection; not every shipment is physically inspected.
CWT
Abbreviation for hundredweight, commonly 100 pounds in U.S. moving-rate calculations. A CWT rate is a charge per hundred pounds.
D
Declared Value
The value stated for the shipment in the applicable protection arrangement. In mover valuation it helps establish liability under the terms; declaring a value does not itself purchase an insurance policy.
Destination Agent
The agent assisting at the receiving end of a move. Its role may include delivery-related work or, for international shipments, destination arrangements specified in the agreement.
E
Export Wrapping
Protective packing selected for the handling and conditions of an overseas shipment, using materials suited to the belongings and route.
F
Full Container Load (FCL)
An international freight arrangement using a container for one shipment rather than shared container space. It does not by itself guarantee particular sailing or delivery dates.
Full Cover
An informal label that is not a reliable description of an insurance policy or mover’s liability. Read the actual limits, deductibles and exclusions; do not assume it means every risk is covered.
I
Insurance Certificate
A document evidencing insurance and identifying relevant coverage information. The policy terms determine coverage; a certificate is distinct from a mover’s valuation selection.
Inventory
A record of belongings in a move or storage shipment, sometimes including their condition. Review it with the team and retain your copy.
L
Less than Container Load (LCL)
An international freight arrangement in which a shipment uses less than a full container and may share space with other shipments.
Liftvans
Large protective crates used for household-goods shipments, often in international transport.
Linehaul
The main transportation portion of a shipment’s charges. Packing, storage or other services may be separate.
M
Marine Insurance
Insurance for specified transit risks associated with marine cargo; depending on the policy, related inland legs may be included. The policy—not the name alone—defines the protection.
O
Origin Agent
The agent assisting where a shipment begins, with responsibilities such as preparation or pickup as agreed.
P
Packed By Owner (PBO)
Belongings packed by the customer rather than the carrier. This can affect evidence in a damage claim, but it does not automatically mean all owner-packed goods are uninsured or excluded from mover liability.
Packers
People who pack and protect belongings. Loading, unloading and unpacking are separate tasks that may or may not be included in the agreed work.
Packing List
A record of packed contents used to identify and check goods during handling. For international moves it can support customs documentation; it may also help document a claim. It is not itself an insurance certificate.
R
Routing
The path and transport methods selected for a shipment, including transfers or different carriers where applicable.
S
Shipper
The person or organization whose goods are being shipped.
Storage In Transit (SIT)
Temporary storage between stages of transportation. Its duration, charges and conditions depend on the moving arrangement.
Survey Visit
An assessment of belongings, access and required services used to prepare an estimate. The survey method and requirements depend on the move.
T
Third Party Services
Work performed by a separate specialist rather than the moving crew. Any arrangements, responsibility and charges should be identified in the agreement; the term does not promise a particular trade service.
Transit Time
The expected time in transportation between collection and delivery. Check whether a stated date is an estimate or part of a specific agreed commitment.