Overview

Not sure what your mover means when they mention a "bill of lading" or a "PBO"? Understanding common moving terms can help you feel more confident, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure a smoother moving experience. From binding estimates to dunnage and everything in between, this glossary breaks down the language of the moving industry, so you’re never left in the dark.

Moving Terms You Should Know

Do you know your moving terms? Like many specialized industries, moving and storage comes with its own unique language, terms that may sound unfamiliar if you’ve never worked with a moving company before. Just like the financial world has its share of complex terms, like “fiduciary,” “quadrix,” and “sacrifice ratio,” our industry has a set of commonly used moving terms that might leave you scratching your head.

To help you feel more confident and in control during your upcoming move, I’ve put together a list of the most frequently used moving terms in our field. A little knowledge goes a long way, and understanding this terminology can help make your move a whole lot less stressful.

Bill of Lading

The term bill of lading originated during the early days of international trade, when merchants needed a formal document to confirm what cargo was being shipped and where it was headed. The word lading means “to load cargo onto a ship.” Today, while the vessels have changed, the bill of lading still serves a similar purpose in the moving industry.

For movers, the bill of lading is a legally binding document that outlines the details of your move. It acts as both a receipt and a contract between you and the moving company. It typically includes information such as your pickup and delivery addresses, the agreed-upon services, pricing, payment terms, and mover responsibilities. You'll sign this document before your move begins, so be sure to read it carefully and keep a copy for your records, it’s one of the most important documents in the moving process.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is a written agreement between you and your moving company that guarantees the total cost of your move based on the services and inventory outlined during the estimate. In short, even if the actual weight of your shipment ends up being more than what was estimated, you still pay the price quoted, no surprises on moving day.

However, it’s important to understand that binding estimates are only valid as long as the scope of the move stays the same. If you add items, request additional services, or change your move date or delivery conditions, the estimate may need to be updated. Some customers mistakenly believe that a “guaranteed price” is locked in no matter what, but that’s not the case if the original agreement is altered.

To avoid misunderstandings, be sure to review your binding estimate thoroughly and discuss any potential changes with your mover ahead of time. A good moving company will explain exactly what’s included and how adjustments will be handled.

Non-binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is a type of pricing agreement in which the mover provides an initial quote based on the estimated weight of your shipment and the services requested, but it’s not a guaranteed final price. This estimate gives you a ballpark figure of what your move may cost, but the actual charges will be calculated after your belongings are loaded and weighed.

Under federal regulations, movers who operate using a non-binding estimate must still release your household goods once you’ve paid the amount of the original estimate plus up to 10% more. However, you are still responsible for paying any remaining balance over that amount within 30 days of delivery.

This type of estimate can be useful when the exact details of your move are uncertain, but it also comes with the risk of higher final costs. It’s important to review the estimate carefully and ask your mover how they determine charges so there are no surprises later on.

Dunnage

Dunnage may sound like a strange or even made-up word, but it actually has roots in classical literature and maritime trade. Historically, it referred to loose materials placed between cargo to protect it during sea voyages. In the moving industry, the term has evolved to describe all the protective materials used to cushion, stabilize, and safeguard your belongings during transit.

This can include moving blankets, furniture pads, foam inserts, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, cardboard, and other cushioning supplies. Dunnage plays a critical role in preventing damage during loading, transportation, and unloading, especially for delicate or high-value items.

Good movers will use plenty of dunnage to make sure your possessions arrive safely, so if you see your movers wrapping furniture or tucking padding into tight spaces, they’re doing exactly what they should be. It's one of those behind-the-scenes essentials that can make a big difference in the success of your move.

PBO

PBO stands for “Packed by Owner,” a common term in the moving industry that refers to any boxes or items that were packed by you, rather than the professional movers. While it might seem like a simple detail, it has important implications, especially when it comes to liability and insurance coverage.

Many moving companies will note “PBO” on the inventory sheet to indicate that they did not pack the contents and, therefore, cannot verify the condition of the items prior to transport. As a result, these items may not be fully covered by the mover’s valuation protection or insurance if something is damaged during the move.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack your own items, but it’s a good idea to discuss how your moving company handles PBO boxes. If you’re packing anything fragile or valuable, you may want to ask your mover about professional packing options to ensure those items are fully protected and covered.

Consignor/Consignee

These two terms come from the world of shipping and logistics, and they’re commonly used in the moving industry as well. The consignor is the party responsible for sending the goods, in the case of a household move, that’s typically the moving company. The consignee is the person receiving the goods, usually you, the customer.

While these moving terms may sound a bit formal or technical, they’re often used on legal documents like the bill of lading and shipping paperwork. Understanding who the consignor and consignee are can help clarify your role and responsibilities throughout the move, especially when it comes to things like delivery instructions, signing paperwork, or dealing with claims.

If a moving company representative uses terms you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation. Clear communication is essential for a successful move, and any reputable mover will be happy to walk you through the details. It’s always better to be fully informed than to sign off on something you’re unsure about. Understanding key moving terms empowers you to make confident decisions and helps ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish.

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