Like any other profession, certain terms apply to the moving company business. Professional movers use words in a specific way. They have terminology you should understand before you sign a contract with them. In Lancaster PA, experts agree any person who decided to hire a professional mover should understand certain basic terms. Below, you will find key definitions of specific words and terms used most frequently in the moving business.
Key Terms and their Definitions
Accessorial (Additional) Services: The extra services requested from, and charged by the moving company. They include such things as packing, unpacking, piano stair carries and appliance servicing
Agent of Moving Company: A local agent represents professional movers of a national company.
Appliance Service: The readying of various major appliances for shipping
Bill of Lading: A contractual document and goods receipt between the professional movers and you. You must have a copy before the movers leave the starting point
A broker or Booking Agent: Brokers and booking agents are parties not directly responsible for or involved in the actual transportation of your goods from Lancaster PA to Knoxville TN or Fort Worth TX. They arrange for it to happen.
Change Order: This form alters the estimated cost to reflect the actual moving costs. It includes changes in the number of items shipped
Committed Pickup and Delivery Service: Under such a policy the actual pick-up and delivery dates are guaranteed
Estimate: Professional movers always provide you with an estimate. This is a general calculation of what it will cost to move your goods. It may be binding – guaranteeing the total cost is equal to the original estimate or non-binding with the final tally reflecting any changes.
Expedited Service: This agreement sets a specific date of delivery, but it will be at an agreed upon higher minimum weight charges
Inventory or Inventory List: The professional movers provide this list detailing every item you are shipping, as well as its condition. You need to go over the list before you agree to what it says about your possessions
Order for Service: A documented list of all the services the moving company will do, together with the pick-up and delivery date of your
Peak Season Rates: The higher costs moving companies charge during the summer months or peak moving season
Stair Carry Charge: How much it will cost you if going up and down stairs is required
Tariff: This is a variable list of the diverse rates, regulations, rules and available services established by and differentiating professional movers. You must receive these on request
Professional Movers
Moving companies have their terminology. Make sure you understand what they are saying. It does not matter whether you are in Lancaster PA or Los Angeles CA; the best way to avoid problems with professional movers is to educate yourself on all aspects of their involvement with you.
