Remember: A non-visual estimate is virtually worthless, and will usually work against you. A moving company with integrity rarely gives estimates over the phone, especially for a large job, says Jay Lucas of Santa Rosa Moving & Storage. “Don’t trust companies that do. Usually, the estimate won’t be binding.” Once the company comes to your house and actually views your possessions, they’ll adjust a low estimate upward—but probably not the reverse.
For the same reason, Mr. Lucas recommends against booking over the phone or online, because you open yourself up to potential fraud. In fact, he says, most complaints fielded by the California Moving and Storage Association regard “rogue movers” who are typically booked online. These movers quote a price without seeing the actual goods, unilaterally raise the price once they’ve hauled the goods away, then hold them hostage until the customer pays.
It’s also vital that your mover be fully insured and licensed, says Mr. Lucas. He even suggests prospective customers visit a company’s facility to gauge its level of professionalism. “Start your research a month ahead of time, so you can make sure they’re fully licensed and insured, with a physical address. You have to do your homework a little bit,” he says.
Below is a Moving Services Dictionary that offers useful terms related to moving.
Accessorial (Additional) Moving Services
Services such as packing, unpacking, or waiting time that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.
Advanced Charges
Charges for moving services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman or other third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.
Agent
A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company.
Appliance Service
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment.
Bill of Lading
The receipt for 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 carrier’s approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.
Carrier
The mover providing transportation of your household goods.
C.O.D.
Transportation for a private shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse).
Expedited Service
An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight.
Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service
An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.
High Value Article
Items included in a shipment 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 your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
Line haul Charges
Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.
Order for Service
The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.
Order (Bill of Lading) Number
The number used to identify and track your shipment.
Peak Season Rates
Higher line haul charges that are applicable during the summer months.
Pickup and Delivery Charges
Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the SIT warehouse and your residence.
Shuttle Service
Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover’s normal linehaul equipment.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation, 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 delivery charges.
TARIFF
The mover’s required, published price list of rules, regulations, rates and charges for the performance of interstate moving services.
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.
Warehouse Handling
An additional 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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