You’ve chosen your destination, decided what to bring on your international move, and gathered quotes to find the moving company that’s right for you. Then you open those estimates and find terms like “Accessorials” and “Destination Charges” scattered throughout the paperwork – with little idea what they mean or what you’re being charged for.
At Arpin, your dedicated move coordinator is always available to explain the process and break down unfamiliar terminology. But if you’d rather familiarize yourself with the language of international moving at your own pace, we’ve put together explanations of some of the most common moving terms our customers ask about.
Moving Estimate Glossary
Accessorial Charges (Accessorials)
Accessorials are extra charges for services beyond basic transportation. Examples may include packing, crating, shuttle service, storage, customs-related services, fuel adjustments, or special handling requirements.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A Bill of Lading, or B/L, is one of the most important documents in international shipping. Think of it as a receipt, a transportation contract, and a shipment record all in one. It confirms that your household goods have been received for transport and outlines key details about the shipment: where it’s going and who is authorized to receive it at the destination.
Binding Estimate and Non-Binding Estimate
A binding estimate is a moving quote that guarantees the price based on the services and shipment volume identified during the survey. As long as the scope of the move doesn’t change, the final cost should match the quoted amount.
A non-binding estimate is an approximation of moving costs based on the information available at the time of the survey. If the actual shipment volume, weight, services, or moving conditions differ from the original assessment, the final cost may increase or decrease.
COD or Cash on Delivery
The term COD refers to individual residential movers who finalize the payment upon delivery of the goods.
Container Freight Station (CFS)
A Container Freight Station, or CFS, is a facility where shipments are consolidated, separated, loaded, or unloaded from shipping containers. If your belongings are sharing container space with other shipments, they may pass through a CFS during the journey. You may see the term appear on shipping documents or tracking updates.
Customs Clearance
Customs clearance is the process of obtaining approval from government authorities to bring your belongings into a country. During this process, customs officials review documentation, inspect shipments, and determine whether duties or taxes apply. Every country has different import requirements, so working with an experienced international mover can help avoid delays and complications.
Declared Value
Declared value is the amount assigned to your household goods for valuation and insurance purposes. When purchasing transit protection, you may be asked to declare the total value of your belongings. This amount helps determine compensation in the event of a total loss.
Debris Removal
Debris removal refers to the disposal of packing materials after your shipment has been unpacked. This includes emptying cartons, packing paper, crates, protective wrapping, and other moving materials.
Demurrage
Demurrage is a fee charged when a shipping container remains at a port or terminal longer than the allowed free storage period after it arrives. Delays caused by customs inspections, missing documentation, or scheduling issues can result in demurrage fees.
Destination Charges
Destination charges are fees that apply once your shipment arrives in the destination country. They cover services such as customs processing, terminal handling, warehouse fees, documentation, and local delivery arrangements. Depending on the destination and the type of move, destination charges may be included in your quote or listed separately.
Door-to-Door Service
Door-to-door service means your belongings are picked up from your home and delivered to your new residence abroad. This service includes packing, transportation, customs coordination, and final delivery. It’s the most convenient option because you don’t need to arrange transportation between ports, warehouses, or terminals yourself, as opposed to door-to-port service. When comparing moving quotes, confirm whether all legs of the journey are included.
FCL and LCL Shipping
FCL (Full Container Load) means you have exclusive use of an entire shipping container. This option is chosen for larger household moves.
LCL (Less than Container Load) means your belongings share container space with other customers’ shipments. This option is more cost-effective for smaller moves.
Your choice between the two will depend on the size of your shipment, budget, and timeline.
Full Value Protection
Full value protection is a coverage option that generally provides repair, replacement, or reimbursement if items are lost or damaged during the move. Unlike basic carrier liability with limited compensation, Full Value Protection is designed to reflect the actual value of your belongings. Coverage details vary by provider.
Sea Freight and Air Freight
Sea freight transports household goods by cargo ship. It’s generally more affordable and best suited for larger shipments, but transit times take longer.
Air freight transports belongings by airplane. The delivery is much faster but may incur higher costs unless your moving company is IATA certified. This shipping method is best suited for smaller and/or time-sensitive shipments.
Port Fees
Port fees are charges associated with handling a shipment at the port of origin or destination. They may include terminal handling charges, security fees, container handling costs, and other charges.
Survey and Virtual Survey
A survey is an assessment conducted by a moving company to determine the volume, services, and logistics required for your move.
A virtual survey is a remote version of an in-home moving survey. Using a smartphone, tablet, or video conferencing platform, customers walk a moving consultant through their home so the shipment can be evaluated without an in-person visit.
Shuttle Service
A shuttle service is used when a large moving truck cannot safely or legally access a residence. In such situations, a smaller vehicle transports household goods between the home and the larger truck. Shuttle services are required in areas with narrow streets, limited parking, steep driveways, and other vehicle restrictions. Because shuttle services involve additional labor and equipment, they may incur additional charges.
Understanding International Moving Terms
International moving is a complicated process, and while the terminology can seem overwhelming at first, understanding it makes it easier to evaluate quotes, ask informed questions, and avoid surprises.
The best international movers take the time to explain everything clearly. If a term on your quote doesn’t make sense, our team is available to explain it in plain language and help you feel confident about every stage of your move.
