Glossary

An additional charge beyond the Line-haul charge levied when we must carry belongings from the moving vehicle to the destination (or from the origin to the vehicle). Threshold distance is 100 feet. This doesn’t apply for local moves.

The basic tariff fees for long-distance moves. Determined by the mileage traveled and weight of the shipment. Usually combined with additional charges.

A measurement of the transportation cost rate per 100 pounds used by the transportation industry when shipping and moving goods long distance.

Method of payment where you, the customer, pay the movers with cash after your belongings arrive. Generally, cash, preauthorized cheques (traveler’s cheques), and money orders are acceptable forms of payment.

The responsibility that the movers assume for the customer’s shipment. The amount of liability varies depending on the Transit Protection option that is chosen by the customer. It is different from insurance, which protects the shipment from a wider variety of potential problems. Please consult with your account manager or moving coordinator in order to choose the most appropriate Transit Protection option for your move.

Term used to describe the articles packed into boxes, crates or cartons by the movers. Incurs additional costs beyond transportation cost when it comes to a non-local move.

Statement of loss or damage to any items in your shipment during the loading, transportation, storage or unloading process. Details any discrepancies that occur while the movers have care of your belongings. It is very seldom that our customers experience a loss or damage. In any case, please let us know your claim as soon as possible, and we will assist you to complete the appropriate claim procedure.

The term refers to the movers in the insurance documentation: Ellis Moving or Atlas VanLines in case we act as Atlas’s Agent. The carrier is liable for loss and damage pursuant to claims process and insurance.

Person who takes receipt of the shipment at the destination. May be the same as the consignor.

Large, heavy items including automobiles and trailers. They are especially difficult to handle and they take up large amount of space in transit. In case of a non-local move, they may involve additional charges.

Person who initiates the shipment at the origin. May be the same as the consignee.

The binding contract between you, the customer, and Ellis Moving. Indicates the vehicle or vessel on which the freight is to be shipped, its intended destination and all other terms for the transit of your  household goods. It must be carefully read and examined before signing and formally approving.

International regulations and procedures which have to be followed when transporting shipments across international borders. Based on the regulations of the individual origin and destination countries, custom clearance requires specific documentation.

The distance, the number of kilometres and miles traveled by our unloaded truck in order to arrive to the origin of the move. Ellis’s account manager will always advise you in advance if there is deadhead involved in your move incurring a special charge. Our service dispatching makes sure that deadheads occur in only seldom and special situations.

Services to ensure the safe disconnection, hauling and subsequent reconnection of large electrical devices such as washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers. In the case of a non-local move, fees connected to this service are separate from other transportation costs and are detailed separately on the bill. Our account manager or sales coordinator will advise you if a Third Party vendor is required for the specific appliance service job.

Ellis Moving is an authorized Agent of Atlas VanLines. As a Vancouver BC mover, we conduct business on behalf of Atlas VanLines for trans-Canada and cross-border moves. We handle all customer-company interactions and may act simultaneously as the origin agent, booking agent, and destination agent. Origin Agent: As Origin Agent, Ellis Moving works on the originating end of your move. We Provide information concerning individual moves and prepare the shipment prior to movement. Booking Agent (also known as the Writing Agent): As a Booking Agent, Ellis takes the details of your move, creates the moving contract and registers the order with Atlas Van Lines. We may also act as origin or destination agent. Destination Agent: Ellis works on the receiving end of the move, when your destination is in Vancouver or in South West British Columbia. We assist or provide information to you after the arrival of your shipment. We coordinate between you and Atlas VanLines and we provide unpacking and shuttle service if needed.

When you need to change the destination of the shipment after it is en route, transportation charges are calculated from the point of origin, to the point at which we are able to effect the diversion, plus the transportation charge from the diversion point to the new destination point.

Fees that are charged for services not performed by Ellis Moving but by a third-party contracted by us at your request. Third-party services include special services and insurance policies. Charges are paid by Ellis and the amounts are then added to your final bill. We never contract a third party without your explicit consent and always make sure you are given all the information so that you can make an informed decision about the third party service related to your move.

Services such as packing, unpacking, appliance services, vehicle hauling, or pet services that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of special circumstances). When it comes to long distance moving, charges for these services are in addition to the transportation costs.

The estimated cost of your move. The main part of the estimate in a local move is based on the amount of time it will take to complete the move. The cost of the long distance move, the line-haul charge, is usually based on the weight of the shipment, the distance it’s shipped and any additional services the customer wants, such as packing. We always make sure that our moving estimate is comprehensive, so there are no surprises when we finalize our bill.

Linehaul / transportation charge, in case of a long-distance move, includes pickup from a single address and delivery to a single address. Additional charges for each stop or call requiring an additional pickup or delivery.

A low-budget moving service in which goods are transported only from original location to destination. Packing, reassembling and placement options are the customer’s responsibility and are not covered by the moving company. Goods must be packed in advance of arrival. Safety measures such as furniture wrapping are not performed by the movers.

The specific number assigned to the bill of lading for identification. Also used to track the shipment.

Ellis Moving will have you fill in a high-value inventory form to list items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $5,000. This will ensure safe, appropriate protection.

Belongings that do not fit on the original van of the moving company because of inadequate space. Must be left behind, discarded or shipped on a second van. Additional fees if needs to be shipped separately.

Term used to describe items packed into boxes, mobile storage units or cartons by the shipper, not the moving company.

A written document which catalogues a detailed description of all received items. Usually in the form of an itemized list with condition notes attached. Must be verified by the customer before signing.

As full-service Vancouver movers, Ellis Moving offers packing service in which the entire packing and unpacking processes are completed by the moving company’s staff.

A relocation of less than 150 miles. Customer charged per hourly basis.

The customer`s approval for the movers to transport a shipment. Not legal and binding. Can be cancelled, rescheduled or changed per the customer’s demands. Certain conditions apply. Please consult with our Account Manager for further details.

A move that is over 150 miles. Long distance moving may involve road and sea transportation. Ellis Moving provides trans-national, cross-border as well as overseas moving services.

The individual or entity whose freight is being transported from the origin to the destination. Must initiate move-related business transactions and approve all accessorial charges that a moving company may suggest. Incurs all fees associated with relocation.

Service provided by the moving company in which a smaller vehicle is used to transport the shipment from the main mode of transportation (such as a tractor trailer) to the destination. Occurs when there are narrow streets or other obstacles blocking the path from an accessible road to the destination. Relative to long distance moving, it usually incurs an additional charge beyond the line-haul charge.

Ellis Moving will not accept moving items that contaminate or damage (e.g. bug infestations, chemicals, propane tanks, etc.) our property or the property of other customers, nor will it remove items that would damage the item or the premises (e.g.. furniture that will not fit through doorways). Further, the carrier will not accept liability for goods of a perishable nature (food, plants, etc.). Movers, as household goods carriers, are prohibited by law from transporting the following goods: Explosives: fireworks; ammunition including, bullets, shotgun shells, etc.; railroad or road flares; blasting caps; detonators, etc. Gases: any gases under pressure or liquefied; propane; quick start; oxygen; acetylene; helium; household or industrial fuel; aerosol cans; hair spray; antiperspirant; paint cleaner; butane lighters; propane tanks, etc. Oxidizers: bleach; pool chemicals; hair bleach; disinfectants; organic peroxides; fertilizers; chlorine in any form, etc. Flammable Solids: fuel tablets; barbecue starter pellets; hay or; matches; wood chips, etc. Flammable liquids: gas; alcohol; cleaning fluid; lamp oil; lighter fluids; paint; paint thinners; barbecue starter; acetone; glues; naphtha; resins; kerosene, etc. Corrosives: oven cleaner; toilet cleaners; liquid plumber; drain cleaner; household cleaners; lye; acids (sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric muriatic); car, boat motorcycle batteries, etc. Poisons: pesticides; herbicides; fumigants; wood preservatives; photographic chemicals, etc. Items subject to spontaneous combustion: oily rags; charcoal, etc.

Service provided by the movers for accelerated transportation on a specific date. In exchange, customer pays a higher rate to have a set date for the arrival of the shipment. If set date is not met, the fee is nullified and only standard charges apply.

Coverage against damage or loss of the property provided by the movers to the customers in accordance the applicable Canadian or US legislation. As a mandatory coverage, it does not incur any fees. The coverage is $0.60 per pound, the weight of the given good, regardless of contents, in both Canada and the US. We, at Ellis Moving, recommend to our customers not to rely on this coverage for protection. Please call us to discuss the appropriate moving protection plan for your property and household items.

Additional insurance that may be purchased if belongings are placed into storage for a longer duration than initially predicted. Can be purchased separately or extended from existing coverage in certain cases.

Services performed by someone other than Ellis Moving, in general, other than the carrier or its agents, at your request or required by federal, state or local law (e.g., appliance servicing, crating). Please refer to Advanced Charges.

Service in which a storehouse is used to hold shipment articles for a temporary duration. Used when the destination is not yet ready to be occupied (either due to delay in the availability of the destination or if the shipment arrives ahead of schedule). If unavailability of the destination is the cause, the mover will levy an additional charge for the service. Must be requested by the customer. Amount of time in storage may be limited by the carrier.

Insurance for shipment based on the complete loss or destruction of belongings due to a catastrophe such as fire, flood, accident, theft or other such event. Only covers shipment if it is 100% damaged and does not apply to individual items. Low-cost insurance package that is purchased mostly when there isn’t a full-service moving company involved in the move.

A larger long haul vehicle used for both large local shipments and most long-distance moves over 150 miles.

Liability coverage provided by the mover that protects the shipment during the transportation between the origin and the destination. There are different levels of Transit Protection available by Ellis Moving. For your convenience, consult with our account manager to identify which is the most appropriate option for you. Below, please read the main Transit Protection options we offer. All moving companies, (including Ellis Moving), is obligated to provide a standard coverage, sometimes called “valuation” or “Standard Transit Protection”. It is provided by the moving company at no cost to the client, but it only provides limited protection to the home owner. In most cases, further coverage is advised. Such coverage is available by Ellis Moving in three forms: “full replacement value coverage”, “assessed value coverage”, and “declared value coverage”. For those looking for comprehensive protection, full replacement value coverage is the way to go. This can be more costly but it provides full financial compensation for damages or loss of any of the goods in transit, and provides the sum for replacing the damaged property. In other words, the valuation program of full replacement value coverage does not factor depreciation into claim settlement caused by loss or damage. Amount reflects money required to purchase a replacement product, regardless of the item’s age. Generally applies to entire shipment. Deduction values are declared next to the cost-per-$1000 figure on the Transit Protection documentation. Assessed value coverage provides a fixed sum for the value of the entire shipment and is usually purchased per one thousand dollars in value. Declared value coverage is based on the weight of the household goods and requires a per pound payment. For example, a ten thousand pound cargo is insured for three dollars a pound, meaning that the moving company is liable for thirty thousand dollars in coverage against any damages or loss.

Removing the customer’s articles from containers and placing them on a flat surface, as well as the disposal of containers and packing materials. If ordered, unpacking service is performed at the time of delivery unless requested otherwise.

Smaller truck that is approximately half the size of a tractor-trailer. Truck cab and body are permanently attached. Half the capacity of a tractor-trailer but much easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Usually, straight trucks are used for local moves, whereas tractor trailers are used for long distance moving.

Performed by one of our moving coordinators to examine your household and home in order to develop an estimate of moving charges.

Under full value protection, items that cost more than $5,000. Must be disclosed by the customer at the time of the move to ensure that they are packed appropriately by Ellis Moving. We are not liable for the damage of an unlisted High Value Article.

The worth of the shipment as declared by you, the shipper. Establishes Ellis Moving’s liability for loss or damage except in cases of civil unrest, riots, strikes or extreme climatic conditions such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.

If you are unable to accept delivery of your shipment within the free waiting time (eg, 2 hours) after notification of arrival at destination, you may ask for waiting time until delivery can be made. There is a fee for the vehicle and manpower for each hour between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time (excluding Sundays or state/national holidays). The alternative is unloading your shipment at our warehouse. You will have storage, handling and delivery from warehouse expenses, and consequently it may be less expensive to pay for waiting time, if it is not for an excessive length of time. We are not obligated to provide waiting time, but we will do so when it does not result in the delay in the delivery of other customers’ shipments or does not cause other undue inconvenience to the carrier.

The excess charges that apply every time storage-in-transit (S.I.T.) services are used. Compensate the moving company for the physical placement and removal of shipment articles within the warehouse.

Some items included in a shipment (i.e., camper shells, boats, canoes, boat trailers, etc.) are relatively light and occupy space in the vehicle that is not commensurate with their weight. For example, one might load 4,000 pounds of furniture and cartons in the space taken by a 1,500-pound boat. To compensate for this inequity, our tariff provides a schedule of additional weights for such articles.