Additional Transportation Charge (ATC): This charge may apply when the mover provides services which were not foreseen in his quotation, or not included in his published tariff or rates schedule. It may also be used to compensate a carrier for any additional costs incurred due to traffic congestion or additional time and distance when the area for pickup or delivery is remote.

Blanket wrapping: This is a method of packing furniture to prevent damage in transit. If you are shipping by air or sea, goods will be export-wrapped, but when going by van, the use of blankets is common for padding furniture because they can be re-used.

Bonded warehouse: Goods arriving in a different country need to be cleared by Customs. If this requires the goods to be unloaded from their container and inspected, it must be done in a bonded warehouse under the control of the Customs Authorities. Some movers have their own warehouses bonded by Customs, which means that shipments can be sent to them directly to await clearance.

COD (Cash On Delivery): This applies to shipments where the customer pays all or part of the moving charges at the time of delivery. Payment is usually required in cash or some similar method to ensure that the delivery agent receives payment in full before he releases control of the shipment. The whole question of COD shipments is fraught with potential problems and you should proceed with care.

Carrier: A company providing transportation for the goods between origin and destination

Chargeable Weight: It is the weight by which the kg/lbs-rate is multiplied with (can be either gross-weight, volume-weight or next higher weight-bracket).
Claims: If a customer's goods are lost or damaged, a claim may be made. All claims should be made within the time limits set out in the contract between the mover and the customer, or in the insurance document.

Consignee: The person to whom the shipment is to be consigned to (can be either destination agent or customer).

Container: Steel containers of either 20-ft or 40-ft in length, and constructed in accordance with the international ISO standard, are normally used for shipping by sea. They are also increasingly being used as part of a modular system for moving goods, with the same containers being suitable for transport by road and rail, as well as sea. In Europe also more and more used for storage.

Containerised storage: This is a system of storing goods in large wooden liftvans, or even in ISO containers. It reduces handling and improves security.

Conventional storage: Seldom used nowadays, this is the traditional method of storing goods in a stack on a designated space and then covering them with sheeting.

Cost per cubic metre/cubic foot: Many moves are quoted on this basis. The rate applies to the estimated volume the household goods will occupy in a truck or a container and is multiplied by the number of cubic metres or cubic feet. Usually, there is a list of the items on which the rate has been based.

Cost per 100 lbs: Alternatively, a quote based on the weight of the goods may be given. This method is mainly used in the USA, and when the shipment is loaded into its container or into the vehicle, the customer is given a Weight Ticket confirming the net delete t weight. Unless otherwise specified, this net weight is the weight of the goods and packing materials, but excluding outside containers and cases. The eventual charge for the move is based on this weight. For airfreight the 100 lbs-rate often applies on gross weight.

Crate: This is a timber box made specifically for an article of high value (such as a picture) or great fragility (such as a mirror or marble top). Alternatively, it may act as a container for a number of items, to transport them from origin to destination.

Cube Sheet: This is a simple table of measurements of typical household items designed to make the estimator's job easier.

CWT: An abbreviation for "per 100 pounds" (cent weight)

Declared valuation: The customer is expected to provide a valuation of the goods being shipped. This establishes the contractor's maximum liability for loss or damage to the shipment. If no value is declared, the liability is then governed by the terms of the contract under which the shipment is moved.
Difficult access charge: If the destination agent has to use an outside elevator when this was not foreseen in his quotation or tariff, this describes the extra charge he will make.

Excess: In order to reduce their insurance premium, customers may opt to pay the first part of any claim. For instance, they may agree to pay the first USD 150 in return for a lower premium. This USD would be called the 'excess'.

Expedited service: For an additional fee, many carriers offer an expedited service which means a quicker transit time.

Export wrapping: Full packing of all household goods including furniture, etc. Always applies for overseas- shipments, but can also be used for road-moves.

Extra stop (extra pickup or delivery): If the moving van has to make any extra (additional) stops or deliveries other than those contracted for, additional charges will be made.

Foam moulding: This is system of packing where fragile goods, particularly marble figures or sculptures, are put into a special box or carton which is filled with expanded polystyrene foam. This provides a light, form-fitting layer of protection.

Full Container Load: This term is used when you have the sole use of a container, even if it is not full. It is for your exclusive use and you can therefore plan and book the transportation dates according to your customer requirements. Also called FCL.

Full Cover: This is often known as comprehensive insurance cover. It offers total insurance protection against loss, theft, fire and breakage, (although breakage is usually restricted to items packed by the mover). There will be restrictions and exclusions which must be explained to the customer.

Groupage: This is the term used when a shipment is wrapped and prepared for shipment, but then loose-loaded into a container with other small lots. Groupage brings about considerable cost savings, but transit times may be longer and less predictable because the container is unlikely to be shipped until it is full.

Insurance proposal form: Before providing insurance cover, the insurer may require the customer to complete a proposal form, which gives details and values for the goods to be moved, and the extent of cover required. Encourage customers to complete this form with care. It can form the basis of any claim, and therefore needs to be as detailed as possible.

International: Any move which crosses a country boundary, regardless of the number of miles.

Interstate (applicable in the USA): Any move which crosses a state boundary, regardless of the number of miles.

Inventory: A detailed list of the household goods that are to be shipped or stored. It will normally include remarks on the condition of the items. Very often called packing list.

Less than Container Load (LCL): This applies to a small shipment which does not justify the exclusive use of its own container. In contrast to a groupage shipment, which is loose-loaded with other small household goods shipments, an LCL shipment is loaded into cases or liftvans and delivered to an NVOCC for co-loading into a container. The cost is higher than for groupage, but control and security may be better, and the transit time may be more predictable.

Liftvans: A specially constructed wooden case for single or multiple items being shipped overseas.

Linehaul: Overland transportation, by road or by rail, and applying particularly to transportation from origin depot to port of shipment or from port of arrival to destination depot.

Lump sum: This describes an all-inclusive charge quoted to a customer to move his or her possessions. Based on information provided, or gathered by the estimator, it will remain unchanged provided that the information (e.g. the goods to be shipped or the destination address) is not changed. Also used by forwarders or carriers for rates with the same meaning in regards to transportation.

Maid service: Many enterprising moving companies provide a maid service for customers. At origin, this can provide for the residence to be thoroughly cleaned after the household goods have been removed. At destination, it can provide for china and glasses to be washed and put away after unpacking, and for the home to be cleaned after the delivery crew have left.

Marine insurance: This covers an international shipment moving from one point to another, whether by road, sea or air.

NVOCC: Standing for Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier, this refers to a forwarder who offers consolidated services for LCL cargo from one point to another in sea-containers. Each shipment would have its own House Bill of Lading (HB/L). The container would be consigned to the NVOCC's agent at point of destination for unloading and handing over the LCL shipments to the various consignees against presentation of the appropriate HBL.

Origin Agent: The agent providing origin services, including packing and local transport.

Overflow: Articles that can not be loaded into same unit due to insufficient space in a van or container. Reasons for overflow: customer has added items after survey or inaccurate estimate.

Owner packing: Often referred to as "Packed By Owner" (PBO), this is where customers choose to pack some cartons or boxes themselves. Such cartons or boxes would be marked 'PBO' on the inventory and normally would result in limited coverage by the insurance company.

Packing list: A numbered list of the goods being shipped. It will include their condition at the time of packing, so serves as an attachment to the insurance certificate. It is essential to get the customer to sign the list at the time of collection and delivery, noting any exceptions, and to give enough detail on the list to satisfy customs clearance purposes at destination.

Pantechnicon: A term hardly ever used, but actually refers to a specialist removal van.

Part load: The mover consolidates several small shipments for the same destination and loads them into the same container. This reduces the cost for small shipments but may mean a longer transit time.

Relocation consultant: A company that provides a wide range of services to companies moving personnel at home or overseas. These services can include house disposal, finding a new residence, home funding, organising schools and, of course, the move itself. Many international moving companies have relocation divisions.

Re-weigh: Where a shipment will be weighed for a second time to ensure the accuracy of shipping charges.

Shipper: The person/company shown on transport document as 'shipper'. Can be the customer, can be the origin agent.

Shuttle service: If the residence is in a location where access is limited, it may not be possible to bring a conventional moving van or a container close enough. In these cases, a (second), smaller vehicle will be needed to act as a shuttle between the moving van/container and the residence. Usually, the cost of this (second) vehicle (and any additional labour expense) is charged on an hourly basis.

Slow Payers programme: this is a scheme unique to FIDI. Affiliated companies pay an annual premium for a guarantee which protects up to 80% of their invoices to other FIDI affiliates, provided they observe reporting procedures.

Storage in transit (SIT): Where the customer's shipment cannot be delivered immediately, temporary storage will be needed. This can be at either origin or destination.

Surveyor: Also known as an estimator, this is the person who calls at the customer's house prior to any moving services being provided. He gives information, gets information and books the move

Tariff: Most moving companies have a printed tariff giving their destination and origin services rates. These rates would apply to any services provided by the mover unless a particular quotation had been given.

Total loss Insurance: This provides protection against the total loss of a shipment, or of individually identified packages.

Transit time: The time a shipment takes from origin to destination.

Valuation: The valuation a customer gives for his or her goods being shipped. This establishes the mover's maximum liability for loss or damage. If no valuation is given, the level of liability is as specified in the terms of the contract between the customer and the mover.

Van Line: Usually, a group of domestic movers who operate under the colours and name of a major moving group. Their interstate and international traffic is co-ordinated by the van line which also provides marketing support.