Coming to Terms: Move-Related Word and Phrases

Before, during and after your move, your Mayflower Move Coordinator plays a critical role in coordinating, planning and managing it “Every Step of the Way®.”  However, you may find yourself at a loss sometimes with the various terms and phrases that are part of the moving process – especially if you’ve never moved with a professional long-distance mover before. 

We recently reached out to Jamie, one of our experienced Mayflower Move Coordinators located on the West coast to find out which moving terms she most frequently needs to explain to her customers.  

Here’s what she told us: 

Cartons and Containers 

Jamie finds that customers frequently get confused about the definition of what a carton is.  As she notes, “The ‘carton’ refers to the standard moving box that items are packed into. Knowing what to pack is sometimes difficult for the customer to figure out, especially when they’re doing it themselves. I tell them anything that would fit into a regular box―especially if it’s fragile―would need to be packed into a move carton.” 

What’s meant by containers―and container moves ― is another thing Jamie finds often requires a deeper explanation. “A container move―or in our case Snapmoves―can offer customers more flexibility in terms of loading and delivery date since their belongings can be offloaded to a mover’s secure yard till they’re ready to receive them. We often have to explain dimensions and what the container is. They usually think it’s a metal pod. A lot of people also assume they’ll need to pack the container themselves. They’re so relieved when I tell them we’ll take care of it!” 

Straight Trucks and Big Rigs 

“A straight truck is a small to mid-size box truck for local or shorter distance moves that don’t require a tractor trailer. Basically, a straight truck doesn’t have a separate cab and it’s small-and short- enough to turn corners and maneuver in tight spaces like narrow streets corners.” 

“It’s often referred to as a ‘big rig’ or ‘18-wheeler’―and it’s what’s used to transport shipments for a large house and sometimes up to 4-5 smaller homes.  Some customers think the shuttle truck is the actual truck that’s going to haul their goods interstate. I often have to explain that the tractor trailer is a semi-truck that’s 70-80 feet long.”  

Shuttle Service  

According to Jamie, “When conditions at either end of a move won’t accommodate the size of the truck that will transport the entire shipment, we use a smaller vehicle to move items to the larger vehicle. A lot of times customers tell me that a shuttle was not used, but when they send me a picture it is in fact a shuttle truck.” 

Valuation Versus Insurance 

Jamie finds that many of her customers need to know more about the valuation packages offered by Mayflower.  “We offer our customers a ‘Full-Value Protection’ option calculated at a rate of $6 per pound, multiplied by the estimated weight of their shipment. From there customers can choose extra levels of protection and service for their belongings through add-on packages. This has to be explained a lot because it can be confused with insurance. Insurance coverage usually falls under a customer’s homeowner’s policy and it should be discussed separately with their insurance provider.”  

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