Movers have their own terminology. Some is easy to recognize. When it comes to movers and storage in NYC, it pays to understand the basic language.
Additional (Accessorial) Services: Refers to such services as packing, unpacking and even carrying items up stairs.
Bill of Lading: When you contract a mover, you sign a bill of lading. This acts both as the contract and a receipt. –
Carrier: This refers to the moving and storage company you hire for the job e.g. American Moving Van Lines – movers and storage, NYC.
Cost of Move: The actual cost of the move. You can obtain a binding or non-binding before the actual move takes place. Unless otherwise included, this does not encompass other costs including insurance.
Estimate – binding and non-binding: A binding estimate is a quote that is what you will pay at the end of the move. A non-binding estimate is simply that – an estimate. It is always subject to any change the company wishes to impose.
Flight Charge: This is what the company will charge if they must carry items up or down a flight of stairs. It applies to both the point of moving origin and the final destination.
Full Service Mover: This type of mover will move everything from every room in your home to its destination. If you arrange for it, they will also, for additional money, pack and unpack your items for you.
Inventory: refers to a detailed and highly descriptive list of the contents for moving and storage. NYC companies are among those who require these.
Interstate Move: Moving across a state boundary
Intrastate Move: A move within a state that generally is greater than 40 miles
License: Essential to demonstrate the legitimacy of a moving company. The presence of such numbers provides easy identification of the type of insurance coverage as well as the authority to operate.
Local Move: A move that occurs within a state but no further than 40 miles from the point of moving origin.
Stair-Carry Charge: The charge when movers have to carry items up or down a flight or more of stairs.
There are other terms specific to the trade of moving. Make sure you understand them before you hire a company for moving and storage in NYC. It will make the move more understandable and, maybe even smoother.
