Moving terms, in plain English.

The words on your estimate and contract, explained the way we'd explain them across a kitchen counter.

Bill of lading

The contract between you and the mover, signed on moving day. It lists the services, the rate, the inventory, and the protection level. Never let a truck leave without one.

Binding estimate

A quote whose total cannot change, even if the move takes longer than expected. Common for long-distance moves; local moves are usually hourly (non-binding).

CAL-T / MTR number

A California household mover permit number issued by the CPUC. Older permits start with CAL-T, newer ones with MTR. No number on the contract = unlicensed mover.

Cargo protection

Coverage for your belongings while in the mover's custody. Basic protection (60¢/lb per article) is free and required by law; full-value protection is available for a fee.

COI (certificate of insurance)

A one-page document proving the mover's insurance coverage. Many apartment and office buildings require one before allowing movers into the elevator.

Cube sheet

The inventory of your belongings measured in cubic feet, used to estimate truck space and time. Also called a table of measurements.

Double drive time

A California rule: instead of charging for the trip from the depot to your home and back, the mover doubles only the drive time between your two addresses. It almost always saves you money.

Dolly

The wheeled workhorse of every move. Appliance dollies for the fridge, four-wheel dollies for stacks of boxes — all included in our hourly rate.

Full-value protection

An upgraded protection level: the mover repairs, replaces, or pays current value for anything damaged — not just 60¢ per pound. Priced by declared value of the shipment.

Foreman

The crew lead on your move. Your point of contact on moving day: walkthroughs, the bill of lading, and any on-the-spot decisions go through them.

Long carry

When the truck can't park near your door and the crew carries items an extra distance. On hourly moves it simply takes more time — reserve close parking to avoid it.

Long-distance move

In California practice, a move priced by flat rate rather than hourly — typically anything beyond roughly 100 miles, like Bay Area to LA or Tahoe.

MAX 4 tariff

The CPUC rulebook governing household moves in California: how estimates, hourly billing, double drive time, and claims must work. Licensed movers must follow it; it exists to protect you.

Minimum charge

The smallest billable job — commonly 3 hours for a local crew. Even a one-sofa move bills the minimum, so batch small jobs together.

Not-to-exceed price

The best of both worlds: an hourly move with a written cap. If the job runs long, you never pay more than the cap; if it runs short, you pay less.

Shrink wrap

Industrial plastic film wrapped around upholstered furniture to protect fabric from dirt and moisture. Included in our standard rate.

Shuttle service

A smaller vehicle used when a full-size truck can't reach your address — narrow SF streets, gated complexes, steep driveways. Flag tricky access when booking.

Storage-in-transit

Short-term storage between move-out and move-in, when the new home isn't ready yet. Your goods stay wrapped and inventoried in the mover's warehouse.

Tare / gross weight

Long-distance moves priced by weight use two truck weighings: empty (tare) and loaded (gross). The difference is your shipment weight.

Third-party service

Work the mover subcontracts to specialists — disconnecting gas appliances, dismounting TVs, crating art. Ask what's in-house and what's third-party.

Valuation

The declared value of your shipment, which sets the mover's maximum liability. Not insurance itself, but the number your protection level is calculated from.

Walkthrough

Two of them matter: the first with the foreman before loading (point out fragile items), and the final one before the truck leaves (check every closet and cabinet).

Wardrobe box

A tall box with a hanging bar — closet to closet without folding a single shirt. We bring them for free use on moving day.