How to Speak Language of Movers?
When dealing with movers company you will face some paperwork and certain terms – terms which company and you will use throughout different stages of move. It is your job to know these, as it will help you to lower fees and perform secure move.
Bill of Lading (Lading Bill, BOL, B/L, Waybill, Receipt)
Legal binding contract. A deal of transportation for your personal or business items. Read and understand clearly before signing. Ask questions if in question. Please keep it in safe place, until you get your things back at move destination.
Binding and Non-Binding Estimates
You will get this flat rate during onsite estimate. It will be set amount, regardless of time, that performing of the job will take. Initial quote is based on company previous fees for comparable service and is called non-binding. Mover will provide you with final price upon job completion.
Carrier’s Liability
It is liability taken by your movers company for your belongings. It may differ between companies. Keep in mind – It is not a type of insurance. Ask your representative about exact situations where liability is applicable.
Delivery Window
Period between certain points in time, or time frame is called a delivery window. It means that mover guarantees to load up and unload your goods at final destination in a set period. Please notice that delivery window may be as long as 5 days, depending on the distance to move. In most cases, movers will be able to provide you with a 3 days arrival window.
If your planned move includes borders crossing and customs, window may grow even longer, and you will probably have to change some dates here and there, as set time hardly can be guaranteed in such conditions.
Full Service Move
It is the most widespread move, when company transport all items from your old house to the new one. First, carrier picks up everything from rooms and unloads it to new rooms and destination point. Blankets or other soft paddings are commonly used for protection during transportation. Movers can also dissemble/reassemble you furniture and provide additional fixings for your items – it usually costs extra, however.
Long Carry (Distance Carry)
There is a certain distance, that movers will carry your furniture or other belongings, free of charge. If there is especially long way between your old house and a transport truck, you will be charged extra fees in most cases.
Order for Service
It refers to the original contract. Once you decide to use services of certain mover and price is agreed upon, this document will be prepared – it states most of the details for the move. You will have to sign it, so you would want to discuss all details beforehand. Once order of service is in place – read it carefully.
Short Haul
Term applies to moves shorter than 450 miles. Short Haul based on distance does not certainly mean that long distance charges will not apply. Clarify the system of fees scheme with the company.
Tariff
If you plan to use move inside one state’s borders, you may consider getting copy of moving tariff from the company. It includes rules, conditions, regulations, and all potential charges – along with anything worth of notice about company’s fees policy. Tariff registrations with government is not mandatory, yet company has to provide easy public access to it, if requested.
USDOT Number
Federal Motor Carries Association (FMCSA) is in charge of issue and control actions for USDOT (United States Department of Transport) Numbers. It is unique and given to any commercial vehicle, that is involved in interstate transportation. Does not matter if transport is used for business moves or passengers. USDOT allows for safety data collection, reviews, periodical inspections and timely investigations, if accident occurs.