A
Access is how reachable pickup and delivery are: parking, stairs, stair width, and freight elevators. In New York City parking is difficult; Liffey crews know the city. Accessorial services can include extra pickups or drop-offs, custom crating, glass or marble crating, and furniture disassembly or reassembly, charged in addition to the estimate. An adjustor settles insurance claims for damage or loss. An agent is a moving company affiliated with a national motor carrier; Liffey Van Lines is New York City’s exclusive Allied Van Lines agent. Agreed pickup and delivery dates are contracted and confirmed with your coordinator. The American Moving & Storage Association represents professional movers; Liffey is a certified ProMover. An appliance dolly moves heavy items. Assessed value is used when purchasing moving insurance, typically priced per $1,000 of value.
B
A bill of lading is the contract covering dates, services, conditions, notes such as elevator windows, charges, payment method, and extra coverage. A binding estimate is a guaranteed charge based on size and weight after a visual survey; if actual weight exceeds the estimate, a revised charge may apply. A booking agent registers the move with the van line.
C
A cancellation fee can apply after a crew and truck have been dispatched. A carrier is a licensed mover. Carrier liability is financial responsibility for loss or damage. A claim requests compensation. COD means payment at delivery by cash, money order, or cashier’s check, with prior approval for cards. Consignee receives the shipment; consignor is the origin party. Consolidation loads more than one small shipment on a route at a lower combined rate. Crating is custom carpentry for delicate items. CWT is a per-hundred-weight rate.
D
Declared value sets the carrier’s liability limit; if none is declared, basic liability applies. Delivery is unloading at destination. A delivery window may run from a couple of days to two weeks on long hauls. DOT regulates household-goods transportation through FMCSA. A deposit, often about 10–15% of the estimate, books a date. A destination agent coordinates delivery and storage at the far end. Door-to-door is origin-to-destination transport without warehouse handling.
E
An estimate follows an in-home survey and is based mainly on weight or cube, distance, and extra services. Estimated weight can change the quote. Exclusive use of a vehicle and expedited service cost more. Extra pickups or deliveries incur extra charges.
F
FMCSA sets mover, driver, and vehicle rules; Liffey is registered, licensed, and insured. A flight charge is a stair-carry fee. Force majeure covers events outside the parties’ control. Full (replacement) value protection requires repair, replacement, or cash at current replacement value without depreciation. Full-service moving can include boxes, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking. Furniture blankets and pads protect items and floors.
G–I
Gross weight is the loaded truck. Guaranteed pickup and delivery is a premium, often with a minimum weight. A hauler transports the shipment. High-value articles are generally items over $100 per pound and need a high-value inventory. Hourly rates usually apply to local moves. Household goods are personal home property. Hoisting uses specialized equipment for oversize pieces. An in-home survey is Liffey’s free visual inspection. International moves cross a national border; interstate moves cross a state line; intrastate moves typically stay in-state over about 50 miles and are not FMCSA-regulated. Inventory is the condition list signed at origin and destination.
L–N
Line-haul charges cover vehicle transportation on long-distance moves by mileage and weight. Loading secures goods on the truck. A local move is generally under 100 miles in-state. A long-carry fee applies when goods travel more than about 75 feet from truck to door. Long haul is often 450 miles or more. Long-term storage is longer than a month. Method of payment may be cash, money order, cashier’s check, or pre-approved card. Net weight is gross minus tare. A non-binding estimate is an approximation. Non-allowables include flammables, corrosives, explosives, and perishables such as pets, plants, and food.
O–Q
Operating authority is state or federal certification to haul household goods. An origin agent handles survey, paperwork, and pickup. An order for service authorizes the carrier. An order number tracks the shipment. Overflow is freight that will not fit and may ship on another van. Packers prepare goods; PBO means packed by owner. Packing supplies include cartons, paper, bubble wrap, and tape. Peak season is generally May through September. A quote is a free Liffey cost estimate with no obligation.
R–W
Released value is basic coverage, typically 60 cents per pound per article with no extra fee. A scale ticket documents shipment weight. Short haul is over about 50 miles and under about 450. Shuttle service uses a smaller truck when the line-haul vehicle cannot reach the door. Storage in transit is temporary warehouse storage. Valuation is carrier liability, not the same as third-party insurance. A van line coordinates long-distance and international moves through agents; Liffey works worldwide through Allied Van Lines. Waiting time and warehouse handling can add charges. A weight ticket shows loaded and empty weights.
COD customers receive the government booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move when booking. For questions about any term, call (212) 410-3500 or request a free estimate.