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Moving 101: Glossary of Moving Terms - B

Bill of Lading
This is the term used for the contract between you and your moving company. It includes all details regarding the transportation of your household or business goods. While your items are in transit, this documents also uses as your consent for the moving company to have your items in their possession temporary. Be sure to gully understand the bill of lading before signing it.

Binding / Non-Binding Estimates

A Binding Estimate
A binding estimate is given only when your inventory is taken by an estimator of your moving company. It can only be give if an estimator was onsite, saw, and calculated your inventory. A binding estimate is flat price/rate based upon that given inventory. This flat rate is not dependent on how long did the job take.

A Non-Binding Estimate
A non-binding estimate is a basic quote provided by your mover based on pat experience performing moves similar to yours (i.e. same number of bedrooms, same origin and destination, same volume, etc.). A non-binding estimate is usually given without performing an onsite estimate and the price is finalizes upon completion of the job.

A non-binding estimate is common in local moves that are by an hourly rate, based on the crew size and number of trucks.

Booking Agent
A booking agent is the person that accepts your order for moving services and registers it with the moving company. The booking agent is often a sales person, certified to represent your moving company. It is possible that the booking agent is not located in your origin; in this case the term used is "Destination Agent".

Bulky Articles / Items
Bulky articles or items are, as suggested by the name, heavy, oversized items such as boats, golf carts, campers, etc. some companies will consider a piano or a large screen TV as bulky articles. Bulky items usually carry an extra charge due to the difficulty of loading and unloading.

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