Moving Terminology

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As in other business spheres, moving industry professionals use terms and phrases that apply specifically to their trade. While this vocabulary is a handy tool for quick communication among industry insiders, it can confuse others. For instance, a moving serviceperson might refer to a “bill of lading,” “change order,” or “cube sheet” without clarifying their meaning to a client. Doing so risks miscommunication and, as a consequence, customer dissatisfaction. Therefore, business owners seeking professional corporate relocation services should rely on a provider with outstanding customer service to prevent such hiccups.

Able Moving & Storage offers such options and convenience in Tysons, VA, and the surrounding region. Our team works in the residential and commercial fields, earning our strong reputation for valuable services on each project. We also provide comprehensive resources on the moving industry and processes for anyone wishing to learn about them. Call (703) 330-3772 or visit our website and request a free quote for an upcoming move!

Below, we define several frequently used terms in residential and commercial moving:

Common Moving Industry Terms

  • Bill of Lading (BOL): Used for long distance moving and shipments, the BOL document contains a detailed list of shipment goods and serves as a customer’s receipt of agreement with the moving company.
  • Binding Estimate: Also known as a flat rate for commercial services, this term indicates that the quoted price in a service estimate is the amount you will pay regardless of additional costs that may occur.
  • Non-Binding Estimate: Sometimes called an hourly rate, a non-binding estimate differs from the binding variety in that the move’s price could be more or less than the estimated costs depending on the extra services rendered. Able typically uses this type of estimate for both residential and commercial clients.
  • Change Order: A term that applies in all residential and commercial moving services, it refers to a documented modification to an existing project or contract. Specifically, it details the time, material, and pricing changes to the original services, and all parties involved in the move must sign it.
  • Cash on Delivery (COD): Used for residential and commercial services, this transaction type involves customers paying in full prior to a scheduled move or delivery. Most movers require a deposit or have an option to pre-pay the estimated amount.
  • Cube Sheet: Lists the goods that are a part of the move and the cubic feet of space they will occupy on a truck. Moving consultants complete them in both commercial and residential moving services, as they can convert the listed items to weight and create a moving estimate.
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  • Delivery Window: Most often used for long distance moving, the delivery window is a time frame during which a moving company is scheduled to deliver a shipment to its destination. The movers try to schedule this around the customers’ preferred arrival date, but distance, traffic, and weather influence the delivery window.
  • Fuel Surcharge: An extra fee to cover fluctuating fuel costs. This fee is determined by your state and federal government. It can be used for intrastate and interstate moving but isn’t usually associated with local moves.
  • Full Value Protection (FVP): One of two liability coverage options that interstate moving services must offer, FVP requires a mover to cover the replacement value of customers’ lost or damaged goods. The coverage is comprehensive but comes with a charge, while RVP (see below) does not. Moreover, FVP relies on an estimated value of belongings, and a customer using FVP must declare the monetary value of items included in their move before signing a contract.
  • Released Value Protection (RVP): The second kind of coverage that interstate movers must offer, RVP insures belongings for 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of each item’s actual value. Therefore, its protective value is limited, though it comes at no additional cost to moving customers. RVP tends to be the  “standard” option for interstate moving.
  • Interstate Move: A move that involves crossing state or international borders. Some movers use the phrase long distance moving interchangeably with interstate moving.
  • Intrastate Move: A move that occurs entirely within state lines but more than 30 miles from its starting point.
  • Local Move: A move of 30 miles or less from its starting location. If a local move crosses state or international lines, it could also be considered an interstate move.
  • Order for Service: A contract, which customers sign, detailing a non-binding estimate and authorizing the company to move items.
  • Peak Season Rates: Refers to the pricing for moves during the moving industry’s busiest seasons, typically spring to late summer. We urge homeowners who wish to save money on moving to schedule services during winter when peak season rates will not be in effect.
  • Preferred Arrival Date: Used for long distance moving, the term refers to the customer’s requested date for delivery of their belongings.
  • Shuttle Service: Also called a moving shuttle or auxiliary service, a shuttle is used during long-distance moves when the primary service vehicle—usually a tractor-trailer—carrying customers’ belongings cannot access the immediate area around the destination (due to street size or other circumstances). The shuttle is a small vehicle that transports the items from the trailer to the destination. Customers coordinate this service with movers ahead of their arrival.
  • Warehouse Handling: Fees that occur when a customer uses temporary storage services. The pricing includes loading and unloading items, the warehouse space taken by those items, and the time they occupy it. Warehouse handling may not be charged as a separate line item or additional billing unless the shipment is delivered to a dock directly.
  • Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move: Refers to a federal government document with information about moving estimates, associated paperwork, insurance, and claims.

Corporate Relocation Services Available in Tysons, VA

One of the region’s top corporate relocation companies, Able Moving offers comprehensive moving options for home- and business owners. Our team works in Tysons, VA, and beyond, helping clients through the tumultuous transition moving entails with expertise and reliability. For more information on how we can fulfill your relocation and storage needs, call (703) 330-3772 or visit our website today!

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