While we try our best not to use too much industry jargon, it’s always important to familiarize yourself with these important moving industry terms as you’re looking to hire a moving company to relocate your home or business.
Additional services — services that may result in additional charges, that are needed either per your request or building regulations; like packing, unpacking, and appliance servicing.
Appliance dolly — a special dolly with straps to help load and unload large items like appliances and oversized furniture
Bill of Lading — the contract between the mover and the customer that also acts as a receipt (it's important to understand everything on the bill of lading before you sign it.)
Binding/non-binding estimate —
- Binding - a flat price based upon a given inventory meaning no matter how long the job takes, the flat price is always paid (it's given only when an onsite estimate is performed.)
- Non-Binding - estimates based upon the movers' previous experience (these estimates are subject to change.)
- Hourly Rates - charging by the hour, per person, per truck
Full-replacement value coverage — the amount of money to purchase a new replacement for a damaged item regardless of the age of the item (Most valuation policies require the entire load be covered -- not just specific items. Ask your carrier for terms.)
Full-service mover — most common type of moving company (Movers will relocate all household goods from your old address to your new address. Your items are picked up from every room in your old home and delivered to the appropriate rooms in your new home. Individual pieces of furniture are wrapped. Full service movers will also provide, at additional cost, full packing and unpacking services.)
Inventory — the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the quantity and condition of each item.
Interprovincial move — any move that crosses a provincial boundary, regardless of the number of miles.
Intraprovincial move — a move within a provincial boundary.
Packing service — many full-service movers provide customers the option of having all of their possessions packed before the move and later unpacked at the destination.
Stair-carry charge — an extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs. (TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® does not charge extra to move items up or down stairs, though this could affect the time it takes to move, which would affect the price of a move.)
Standard coverage — movers are required by law to provide a minimum amount of complimentary coverage (This number, typically 60 cents, refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage. For example, if you have a priceless vase that weighs two pounds, you would only be entitled to $1.20 of compensation if the vase is damaged in transit.)