Moving Glossary — 75+ Industry Terms Defined

Accessorial Charges FMCSA

Additional services beyond the basic transportation, billed separately. Stair carries, long carries, shuttle service, expedited delivery, and packing materials are all accessorial charges. They appear as line items on the bill of lading and final invoice.

Actual Charges FMCSA

The real, final cost of the move based on weight (or volume), distance, and accessorial services performed — as opposed to the estimated charges quoted before the move.

Advanced Charges FMCSA

Money paid by the moving company on the customer's behalf to a third party (for example, crating by an outside specialist). Reimbursed by the customer at delivery. Usually billed at cost plus a small handling fee.

Agent FMCSA

A local moving company that operates under the trade name of a national van line. The agent handles pickup or delivery; the van line provides the long-distance transportation network. Some moves involve multiple agents (origin agent, destination agent, hauling agent).

Appliance Service FMCSA

Disconnecting and preparing major appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators) for transport, then reconnecting at destination. Often performed by a third-party specialist. Almost always billed as an accessorial charge.

Bait and Switch

A common moving scam: a low estimate is quoted to win the booking, then on moving day the price balloons through inflated weight, claimed accessorials, or fabricated delays. Usually combined with a hostage-load threat to force payment.

Bill of Lading FMCSA

The legal contract between you and the mover. It lists the parties, pickup and delivery addresses, agreed services, charges, and the mover's liability. Required by federal law for every interstate move (49 CFR §375.401). Read it before signing; you cannot later dispute charges that were on the BOL.

Binding Estimate FMCSA

A written agreement that fixes the price for the move based on the inventory provided. The mover cannot charge more than the binding amount unless you add items or services on moving day. A BOL must reference the binding estimate by date and amount.

Read more: Binding vs Non-Binding Estimates

Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate FMCSA

A hybrid estimate: the price is capped at the binding amount, but if the actual weight is less than estimated, you pay the lower amount. The best-of-both-worlds estimate, but movers offer it less often than basic binding or non-binding.

Booking Agent

The agent who books the move and acts as your primary contact. May or may not be the agent that performs pickup or delivery (which would be the origin agent or destination agent).

Broker FMCSA

A company that arranges transportation but does NOT operate trucks. Brokers connect customers with actual moving companies (carriers) and take a fee. By federal law (49 CFR §371.3) brokers must clearly disclose they are brokers. A broker's quote is not binding on the actual carrier.

Bulky Article Charge

An extra fee for items that take up unusual space relative to weight — pianos, large-screen TVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, hot tubs. Listed in the carrier's tariff. Typical range: $90–$400 per item.

Carrier FMCSA

The actual moving company that operates trucks and transports your goods. Distinct from a broker (which arranges but doesn't transport). Every interstate carrier must have a USDOT number issued by FMCSA.

Claim FMCSA

A formal written demand for compensation when goods are lost or damaged. Must be filed within 9 months of delivery under federal law (49 CFR §370). The mover has 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to deny, pay, or make a firm offer.

COD (Cash on Delivery) FMCSA

Payment due in full at delivery before the mover unloads. For non-binding moves, federal law caps COD at 110% of the original estimate (the 110% rule); the rest is billed and due within 30 days. Movers can require certified check, money order, or sometimes credit card.

Consumer Advisor FMCSA

FMCSA's Customer Service personnel who handle complaints. Reach via 1-888-DOT-SAFT or the National Consumer Complaint Database (nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov).

Cube Sheet / Inventory

A pre-move document listing every item to be moved with estimated weight or cubic-foot value. Used by movers to estimate weight without an in-home survey. The cube sheet must match the actual inventory taken on moving day.

Delivery Window FMCSA

The agreed-upon range of dates within which the mover will deliver. For interstate moves, common windows are 1–14 days depending on distance. The window must be on the bill of lading and is enforceable.

Destination Agent FMCSA

The local mover who delivers your goods at the destination on behalf of a van line. May be different from the origin agent and the hauling agent.

Discount

A reduction off the carrier's published tariff rate. Most interstate movers discount their tariff (often 50–70%) — that's why two quotes can look wildly different despite being from the same van line. Always ask what tariff the discount is applied to.

Estimate FMCSA

A pre-move quote for the cost of services. Federal law requires estimates be in writing for interstate moves and based on either an in-home survey or a virtual inventory. Estimates can be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed.

Estimated Charges FMCSA

The pre-move quoted cost. For non-binding estimates, actual charges may vary up to 110% of estimated at delivery (the rest due within 30 days). For binding estimates, estimated = actual unless inventory or services change.

Expedited Service

Faster-than-standard delivery, usually for an extra fee. Useful for tight timelines or single-customer trucks. Quoted on the bill of lading as an accessorial.

Flight Charge

An extra fee for carrying items up or down stairs. Usually billed per flight (one floor), with the first flight sometimes free. Stair-heavy buildings can add hundreds.

FMCSA FMCSA

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — the federal agency that regulates interstate moving companies. Issues USDOT numbers, enforces consumer-protection rules (49 CFR Part 375), maintains the National Consumer Complaint Database, and licenses brokers and carriers.

Full Service Move

The mover does everything: packs, loads, transports, unloads, unpacks. Highest cost, most convenient. Includes packing materials, professional packers, debris removal at destination.

Full Value Protection FMCSA

The default valuation level required for interstate moves: the mover is liable for the replacement value of any item lost or damaged. Premium typically 0.5%–1% of declared value; deductible options reduce premium. Replacement value, not depreciated cash value.

Read more: Insurance vs Valuation

Gross Weight FMCSA

Truck weight AFTER your shipment is loaded. Subtract tare weight to get net weight (the weight of your stuff that the bill is calculated from for non-binding moves).

Hauling Agent FMCSA

The agent that physically transports your goods from origin to destination. May be different from the booking agent, origin agent, and destination agent on a single move.

High-Value Article FMCSA

Any item worth more than $100 per pound (jewelry, art, antiques, electronics, collectibles). Must be declared on the high-value inventory before loading or coverage is capped at the standard rate. Don't ship them with the mover if you can avoid it.

Hostage Load FMCSA

When a mover refuses to deliver unless paid more than the contracted price. A federal violation under 49 CFR §375.211. File an immediate complaint with FMCSA (1-888-DOT-SAFT or nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov). The mover must release the goods or face penalties.

Read more: How to Avoid Hostage Loads

Household Goods (HHG) FMCSA

Personal effects of a household — furniture, appliances, clothing, books, etc. The federal moving regulations (49 CFR Part 375) apply specifically to interstate household-goods moves, distinct from commercial freight.

In-Home Survey

A walkthrough of your home by a moving estimator to inventory items and assess access. Required by reputable interstate movers for binding estimates. Now often done virtually (video survey) — same legal weight when documented.

Interstate Move FMCSA

A move that crosses state lines. Regulated by FMCSA (federal). Must have a USDOT number, written estimate, bill of lading, and federally-mandated valuation options.

Read more: Interstate vs Local Moves

Intrastate Move FMCSA

A move that stays within one state. Regulated by the state (Public Utilities Commission, Department of Transportation, or similar) — NOT FMCSA. Rules vary widely by state.

Read more: Interstate vs Local Moves

Inventory FMCSA

The official list of every item being moved, with a unique tag/sticker number on each. Created at pickup, signed by both parties, and delivered with the goods. Mark damage on the inventory at delivery BEFORE the driver leaves — claims for items not noted are harder to win.

Linehaul Charges FMCSA

The base transportation cost — weight × per-mile rate (or weight × distance × tariff) — excluding accessorials. Usually the largest single line item on the bill.

Long Carry

An extra fee when the truck cannot park within a reasonable distance of the front door (usually 75–100 feet). Common in dense urban areas, gated communities, or buildings with restricted truck access.

Lowball Estimate

An unusually low quote designed to win the booking, knowing the price will rise on moving day. Common red flag: estimates significantly below 2–3 competing bids on the same inventory. Often paired with bait-and-switch on moving day.

Net Weight FMCSA

Gross weight minus tare weight = the actual weight of your shipment. For non-binding interstate moves, the net weight × per-pound rate is the basis of the linehaul charge.

Non-Binding Estimate FMCSA

A pre-move estimate where the actual cost is calculated after pickup based on real weight. The mover may charge up to 110% of the estimate at delivery (the 110% rule); any overage above 110% is due within 30 days. Higher risk than binding estimates because final price isn't fixed.

Origin Agent FMCSA

The local mover who picks up your goods at the origin on behalf of a van line. May be different from the booking agent or destination agent.

Order for Service FMCSA

The pre-move authorization document signed by the customer listing services to be performed and the agreed estimate. Becomes part of the bill of lading at pickup. Required for interstate moves.

PBO (Packed By Owner)

Cartons packed by you, the customer. Movers typically will NOT pay damage claims on PBO contents unless there's visible exterior damage to the carton — they have no way to verify the items weren't already broken. Pack high-value items yourself only if you can document them or carry separate insurance.

PBM (Packed By Mover)

Cartons packed by the moving crew using their own materials. Mover liability is the same as for any item under your chosen valuation — they own the packing quality. Almost always recommended for fragile or high-value items.

Peak Season

May 15 through September 30 — the months when moving demand is highest (school year, summer relocations). Rates are 15–25% higher and trucks book up 4–6 weeks ahead. Off-peak (October–April) often sees better availability and lower prices.

Reweigh FMCSA

Your federally-protected right to have the shipment weighed a second time on a different scale before paying the final bill. Granted under 49 CFR §375.519. If the reweigh is significantly lower, the new weight is used for the bill.

Read more: Demand a Weight Ticket

Released Value FMCSA

The default minimum valuation: 60 cents per pound per article. Free, but the math is brutal — a 50-pound, $1,200 TV pays out $30. Almost never the right choice for household moves; sign the FVP upgrade.

Read more: Insurance vs Valuation

Rated Weight FMCSA

The weight used to calculate the linehaul charge — usually the net weight from the certified weight tickets. For binding estimates, the rated weight is the agreed estimated weight regardless of actual.

Self-Pack

You pack everything; mover only loads and transports. Saves money but voids most damage claims (see PBO). Best for: cheap items, books, clothing. Never self-pack: glassware, electronics, art, antiques.

Shipper FMCSA

Federal regulatory term for the customer (you). Confusingly inverse: in moving, the shipper is the person whose goods are being moved, not the mover.

Shuttle Service

When a smaller truck transfers goods between the origin/destination and the line-haul truck because the big truck cannot access the driveway/street. Billed per pound or as a flat fee. Common in urban areas, narrow streets, low overpasses.

Spread Dates FMCSA

The pickup and delivery date ranges agreed at booking. Pickup spread is usually 1–3 days; delivery spread depends on distance (3–14 days typical). Listed on the bill of lading and enforceable.

Storage in Transit (SIT) FMCSA

Temporary storage at the destination warehouse if you're not ready to receive delivery. Federal law allows up to 180 days under the original bill of lading; after that the goods convert to permanent storage at a different (often higher) rate.

Surcharge

An extra percentage added to the linehaul charge for fuel, peak-season demand, or specific routes. Listed in the carrier's tariff and disclosed on the bill of lading. Common surcharges: fuel (3–10%), peak-season (10–25%).

Tare Weight FMCSA

Truck weight BEFORE your shipment is loaded — including driver, fuel, equipment, and any other shipments already on board. Subtracted from gross weight to get your net weight. Insist on observing the tare weighing if you've requested presence at weighing.

Tariff FMCSA

The carrier's published rate schedule — the official price list for linehaul, accessorials, and surcharges. Filed with FMCSA for interstate moves. The discount you negotiate is applied to the tariff to get the actual price.

Third-Party Services FMCSA

Specialty services performed by contractors hired by the mover — appliance servicing, crating, piano hoisting, etc. The mover bills you for these (advanced charges) and is liable for damage caused by the third-party while in their control.

USDOT Number FMCSA

A unique identifier issued by FMCSA to interstate carriers. Required for any company moving household goods across state lines. Verify at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/find-mover before booking — operating without one is a federal violation.

Valuation FMCSA

The mover's contractual liability for loss or damage. NOT insurance — it's a federally-mandated liability program (49 CFR §375.701 et seq.). Two levels: Released Value (60¢/lb, free) and Full Value Protection (replacement value, ~0.5–1% premium). Required to be offered for every interstate move.

Read more: Insurance vs Valuation

Van Line FMCSA

A national moving company brand (e.g., Allied, Mayflower, North American, United, Atlas) that operates through a network of local agents. The van line provides long-distance transportation; the agents provide local service.

Weight Additive FMCSA

Extra pounds added to the rated weight for items that take more space than weight (skis, kayaks, jet skis). Listed in the tariff. The additive ensures the mover gets paid for the truck space these items occupy.

Weight Ticket FMCSA

A certified scale receipt from a public weighmaster (typically a CAT scale at a truck stop) showing tare and gross weights. Required by federal law (49 CFR §375.519) for non-binding interstate moves. You have the right to be present at weighing AND to a reweigh before paying.

110% Rule FMCSA

Federal law (49 CFR §375.407) limiting how much a mover can collect at delivery on a non-binding estimate: no more than 110% of the original written estimate. Any overage above 110% is billed and due within 30 days, giving you time to dispute. Demand the 110% calculation in writing if it's invoked.

Crating

Custom-built wooden crates for fragile items — large mirrors, marble tabletops, art, glass shelving. Usually a third-party service billed as an advanced charge. The crate itself becomes part of the inventory and is delivered with the goods.

Damage Claim FMCSA

A formal written demand for compensation when items are damaged in transit. Must be filed within 9 months of delivery. Mark damage on the inventory at delivery before the driver leaves — undocumented damage is much harder to claim.

Pickup Date

The agreed date the mover loads your goods. Locked in on the bill of lading. Most movers offer a 1–3 day pickup spread; the actual day within the spread is determined the day before pickup based on truck routing.

Delivery Date FMCSA

The agreed date (or earliest date in the delivery window) the mover delivers your goods. The bill of lading must specify either a guaranteed date or a window of dates.

Booking

The act of confirming a moving company for your specific dates. Usually requires a deposit (5–10%, sometimes refundable). Federal law prohibits movers from requiring more than the deposit before pickup; full payment is COD at delivery.

Deposit

An upfront payment to secure your dates. Reputable interstate movers require 5–10% (refundable up to 7 days before pickup). Anyone demanding more than ~$100 cash up front, or non-refundable deposits over 25%, is a red flag.

Federal Maximum Rate FMCSA

The maximum rate a mover can charge under their FMCSA-filed tariff. Most carriers discount this rate substantially; a quote at the federal max with no discount is a major red flag.

Mileage Rate FMCSA

The per-mile component of the linehaul calculation. Usually combined with weight to produce the total linehaul: weight × mileage × tariff = base price. Distance is calculated using HHG mileage tables (not Google Maps).

Storage

Holding your goods at a mover's warehouse before, during, or after the move. Storage-in-transit (≤180 days) keeps the original bill of lading and valuation. Permanent storage requires a new contract and often different liability terms.

Trip Insurance

Third-party coverage purchased separately from the mover's valuation. Provides actual insurance (regulated by state insurance commissioner, not FMCSA), often with broader perils, higher limits, and an independent adjuster. Recommended for high-value moves or PBO scenarios.

Truck Number

The unique identifier on the side of the moving truck. Photograph it at pickup AND verify it matches the truck arriving at delivery — switching trucks mid-route is rare for legitimate carriers but a red flag for scams.