California New York Express

Moving 101: Glossary of Moving Terms - S

Sealing Tape
Heavy-duty tape .Used for securely sealing boxes and packages, with some being capable of bearing up to 40 lbs.

Self-Service Mover
Self-service moving companies provide a trailer for you at your origin address. After you load the trailer yourself, the company returns to move it to your destination address. You then unload the trailer yourself and call the mover to remove the empty trailer.

In a self-service move you do not need to pay for any of the loading/unloading labor. However, keep in mind that loading and unloading takes certain experience to be done successfully.

Services Provided - (used with Auto Movers)
Auto shippers are able to transport a variety of vehicles. The following service types are used to demonstrate services offered by each auto shipper:

• Auto Shipping: The moving company primarily transports automobiles
• Motorcycle Shipping: The moving company primarily transports motorcycles or vehicles of similar size
• International Auto Shipping: The moving company offers overseas auto shipping services
• International Motorcycle Shipping: The moving company offers overseas motorcycle shipping services

Shipper
The shipper is the person (customer) whose household goods are being moved.

Shuttle Service
A service offered by moving companies when a location that is not accessible to large moving trailers. In these cases a smaller vehicle is used to haul goods to the final destination. Sometimes an additional charge applies.

Survey
A survey is performed by the booking agent to examine your goods in order to develop an estimate of move charges. See also Estimate.

Stair-Carry Charge
An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs during loading or unloading. This charge is usually determined by the number of stair-flight.

Standard Coverage
This term refers to basic insurance coverage. By law moving companies must provide a minimum amount of free coverage, and refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. The coverage amount is usually 60 cents per pound per article (60 PPPA).

Please Note: This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage. For additional coverage, ask your moving company about addition insurance options.

Storage-In-Transit (SIT)
Storage-in-transit may be necessary when your new home isn't ready to occupy and your items must be stored. Upon your request, your moving company will make all necessary arrangements for storing your shipment for a specified period of time.

Storage time cannot exceed a set amount of days determined by the carrier. Keep in mind that additional charges apply, along with warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

Straight Truck
A straight truck is generally a truck, one half the size and capacity of a tractor-trailer. Straight trucks are single cab and body vehicles.

Back to Glossary of Moving Terms Index