Common Moving Terminology & Charges

Oklahoma City movers know that moving can be stressful on you and your family, and that a lot of moves can leave homeowners extremely disappointed in the moving company they chose. Keep in mind that you chose that company out of a handful of others in your area. Some complaints heard and negative reviews read by professional Oklahoma moving companies are actually in relation to the homeowner simply not knowing the moving process, common moving terminology and charges.

In order for you to have the most pleasant moving experience possible, and for a move that was a smart decision on your behalf, the movers at All My Sons Moving & Storage Oklahoma City have detailed a list of the most common moving terminology and charges so that you are knowledgeable about the moving process.

1. Long-Haul Move

A long haul move can also be called an intrastate move or simply a long-distance move. This sort of move would require your Oklahoma movers to travel and transport your belongings more than roughly 400 miles. In this case, do not be alarmed if your movers charge you by price per pound for the weight of the moving truck with all of your belongings loaded in it, as well as a price per mile for fuel, otherwise known as a fuel charge.

2. Short-Haul Move

This can also be referred to as an interstate move or local move, and means that you are moving within the state and under 300 miles. If you are moving within the state and under a certain amount of miles, it is okay to hire a strictly local Oklahoma City mover rather than one that handles intrastate moves. A local mover is more likely to charge you simply per hour and price per mile for fuel.

3. Tariff

A tariff is the document that outlines the price per pound of your shipment and overall total costs in detail. Your moving tariff should outline all charges, and is also known as a Bill of Lading. The tariff will also outline legal implications; such as: company policy, fine print of the bill of lading, and service order.

4. FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is where you can find whether or not your Oklahoma mover is registered to handle your intrastate (long haul) move. You should check to see if the mover has a USDOT number listed on their website (they should) so that you can look it up on the FMCSA website.

5. Binding Estimate vs. Non-Binding Estimate

Binding estimates give an exact cost for a move and cannot increase in price after negotiated and legal documentation is signed. Binding estimates are not common. Non-binding estimates are the most common because they can be altered and the price can increase as the movers arrive to your current or new residence and notice aspects that they were unaware of; such as flights of stairs or needing an elevator to move (flight charges and elevator charges). It is important to make your Oklahoma City mover aware of all residential conditions ahead of time so that you are not surprised with additional charges that you could have avoided.

6. Flight Charges & Elevator Charges

If you hire a moving company and they have to carry your belongings up or down flights of stairs or through the use of an elevator, you can expect to be charged for it.

7. Moving Season

If you decide to move during the months of June, July, or August, you may hear the movers that you contact for quotes refer to the high cost as due to “moving season” or “peak season,” because these are the months that they are the busiest.

8. Full Service Moving

Opting for full-service moving is typically expensive, but it means that you will not have to pack one single item and that the movers will handle it for you.

Related Reading

The 411 on Full-Service Moving