Moving
Glossary
Moving comes with its own vocabulary. Use this guide to understand common terms in quotes, paperwork, packing, and moving day—then ask us about anything specific to your move.
Planning & estimates
Plain-language terms to help you ask the right questions.
Accessorial service
An optional service beyond the basic move, such as packing, unpacking, or furniture assembly. Ask whether it changes the quote.
Binding estimate
A written price agreement for the specific inventory and services described in it. Changes to the job can change the agreement.
Nonbinding estimate
A projected price that may change when the actual shipment or work differs from the estimate.
Hourly rate
A price based on crew time. Ask when the clock starts, whether there is a minimum, and what other charges apply.
Inventory
A list of items being moved. A detailed inventory helps a mover plan space, labor, and protection.
Walkthrough
An in-person or virtual review of the belongings and access at each address before a quote is prepared.
Bill of lading
The moving document that records the shipment and agreed transportation terms. Review it before signing.
Moving window
The range of dates or times when pickup or delivery may occur, especially for a longer-distance move.
Moving services
Plain-language terms to help you ask the right questions.
Local move
A move within a nearby service area. Pricing and rules vary by company and route.
Long-distance move
A move over a longer route that requires more transportation and delivery coordination.
Interstate move
A move that crosses a state line, even when the two addresses are close together.
Intrastate move
A move that stays within one state.
Labor-only move
Crew help with loading, unloading, or moving items when the customer provides the truck or container.
Full-service move
A move in which the company handles transportation and selected tasks such as packing, loading, and unloading. Confirm the exact scope.
Packing service
Professional wrapping and boxing of some or all belongings before loading.
Unpacking service
Help removing items from boxes and packing material after delivery, according to the agreed scope.
On moving day
Plain-language terms to help you ask the right questions.
Appliance dolly
A wheeled tool used to help move heavy appliances or other large items.
Furniture pad
A protective blanket or pad placed around furniture during handling and transport.
Elevator reservation
A scheduled period when a building allows movers to use an elevator. Confirm requirements with building management.
Long carry
A longer-than-usual walk between the truck and the home or building entrance. Tell your mover about it before the move.
Shuttle service
Use of a smaller vehicle when a large moving truck cannot safely reach the pickup or delivery address.
Extra stop
An additional pickup or drop-off address included in the route.
Delivery window
The agreed range of time or dates in which a shipment is expected to arrive.
Storage in transit
Temporary storage of a shipment between pickup and final delivery. Ask about timing and handling.
Protection & paperwork
Plain-language terms to help you ask the right questions.
Valuation
A mover’s level of responsibility for loss or damage under the moving agreement. It is not the same as a separate insurance policy.
Released value protection
A limited valuation option whose compensation is based on item weight; review the exact terms before choosing it.
Full-value protection
A valuation option with broader mover responsibility, subject to the written agreement, exclusions, and any deductible.
Certificate of insurance (COI)
A document showing certain insurance coverage. Some apartment or commercial buildings require one before a move.
High-value item
An item that may need special documentation or handling because of its value. Discuss it with your mover in advance.
Claim
A written request for review after reported loss or damage. Follow the process and deadlines in your moving documents.
Weight ticket
A record from a certified scale showing the weight of a truck or shipment when weight is used to calculate charges.
Tariff
A mover’s schedule of rates, rules, and charges for covered services.
Let’s talk through your move.
Definitions are a starting point. The services, pricing, and protection that apply to your move are explained in your Razorback quote and moving documents. We’re happy to walk through them with you.