COVID-19: The health & safety of our customers and team members is our top priority. Learn what we’re doing to prioritize your health.
Below, you can find definitions for common terms used in the moving industry, helping you to better understand your moving estimate and more. (Information provided by the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program).
Moving services, such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking or extra pick-up, including extra deliveries that you request be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these moving services are in addition to the standard transportation charges.
The local moving company representing a national van line. Can serve needs including booking, origin, destination, and hauling.
An interstate carrier that transports your household moving shipment under its own operating authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration. AMSA Certified movers subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct, and have pledged to conduct their moving business in the most efficient and professional manner possible.
An interstate carrier that transports your household moving shipment under its own authority, granted by the Federal Highway Administration on a national basis. Van Lines use a network of agents throughout the country to provide the origin, destination and hauling services needed to accomplish your move. Like Certified movers, AMSA Certified Van Lines subscribe to the AMSA Code of Conduct. They have pledged to conduct their business in the most efficient and professional manner possible and are responsible for the acts of their moving agents.
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for moving.
The receipt for your household move, including 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 completely satisfied that it is correct. The Bill of Lading is an important document, so please be sure to not lose or misplace your copy.
A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with themover 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 mover's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial moving services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and actual moving services performed with the tariff provisions in effect.
Company or agent who prices, sells and registers your move with North American Van Lines. A booking agent does not necessarily have to be physically located at or near the origin (or destination) of your move.
Transportation for a private mover for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or moving storage).
The professional movers providing transportation of your household goods.
A form used to amend the amount indicated on the original moving estimate due to the addition or deletion of items to be shipped or moving services requested by the customer.
The check-off sheet is used at destination as your household goods are being off loaded from the moving truck into your house. Each piece of furniture and all moving boxes have numbered stickers associated with them - the check - off sheet is used as a quick reference document to ensure all items are moved into your residence.
The number assigned by the van line to identify your shipment. Found in the upper right-hand corner of the Order for Service and the Bill of Lading.
The moving agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary moving services and information at the end of your move.
A general calculation of the transportation charges, as well as costs for additional moving services requested by the customer. Includes an estimation of shipment weight. North American Van Lines provides a free moving estimate.
An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for moving charges based on a higher minimum weight.
An additional level of moving service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium moving service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.
Moving agent who owns the moving truck assigned by the van line to transport your possessions.
Items included in a move that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure they are protected accordingly.
The detailed descriptive list of goods in your household move showing the number and condition of each item.
Charges for the transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional moving service charges.
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence.
The individual who will coordinate your move from start to finish. This is your single point of contact throughout your relocation and is there to assist with your questions and keep you informed and updated until final delivery.
The document authorizing the moving company to transport your household goods, which lists all the required and/or requested moving services.
Moving agent at the origin location responsible for performing local moving services such as packing, performing the visual survey, preparing the necessary documentation for transportation.
Higher line-haul charges that are applicable for moving during the summer months.
Separate moving charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the temporary moving storage warehouse and your residence.
The agent sales representative or consultant responsible for providing the customer with a moving estimate of the cost of his/her move, as well as for answering any and all questions the customer might have with regard to the moving process.
Use of a smaller vehicle to 'shuttle' the household items from the moving truck to the residences that are not accessible to the professional movers' normal size equipment.
Temporary storage of your shipment, pending further transportation to final delivery residence (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 moving storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service in addition to the warehouse handling and final moving charges.
Charges for moving services not performed by the mover, but instead by an outside professional, craftsman, or other third party mover at your request. The charges for these moving services are paid by the mover and added to your Bill of Lading charges.
The degree of "worth" of your shipment. The valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided by the base transportation charges. This is also sometimes known as Maximum Value Protection.
The national moving company through which affiliated agents are granted the necessary authority to transport interstate shipments. The van line handles dispatching, shipment routing and monitoring, paperwork processing and claims settlement for all interstate shipments handled by its agents. North American Van Lines is a full service moving company.
The van driver handling overall responsibility for the loading, transport and unloading of the customer's moving boxes and other belongings.
An additional moving charge applicable each time Storage-In-Transit service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.
