Understand Moving Terms Before You Pack
A well-informed client is a confident one. Whether planning a move within Croatia, across Europe, or overseas, having a clear understanding of key moving terminology helps ensure a smoother experience.
This glossary, based on AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) standards, is tailored to the Croatian market to help individuals, expats, and corporate clients navigate their relocation with clarity — from the first estimate to storage-in-transit. For a walkthrough of the moving process itself, see the Moving Checklist.
Glossary of Key Terms in Moving
Accessorial Services. Any extra services like packing, furniture disassembly, or transport of unusually shaped items, charged separately from standard moving.
Advanced Charges. Fees paid by the mover to third parties (e.g., crane operators or piano tuners), passed on in the final invoice.
Agent. A local moving company in Croatia representing the Allied global network and handling local service delivery.
AMSA Certified Mover. Although based in the U.S., AMSA standards guide Allied’s global quality commitment. Certified movers comply with best practices and legal safety protocols.
Appliance Service. Prepares fridges, washing machines, and ovens for safe relocation — see the full moving appliances guide for details.
Bill of Lading. The central contract for a move. It confirms costs, services, and terms of liability, and should be reviewed carefully before transport begins.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimate. A binding estimate is a fixed quote. A non-binding one is subject to change based on actual volume and added services.
Booking Agent. Schedules and oversees the move. May not be located in Croatia, especially for international relocations.
Carrier. The moving company that physically transports the items.
Change Order. A modification made to the move plan after the initial quote (e.g., adding more boxes or changing the destination address).
C.O.D. Cash on Delivery. Payment is required when the shipment is delivered, typically for private moves.
Destination Agent. Handles delivery, documentation, and customer communication at the new location.
Estimate. An upfront cost projection. May include storage, packing, and insurance depending on the request.
Expedited Service. Fast-track delivery with guaranteed timeframes, recommended for urgent or corporate moves.
Flight Charge. A fee for carrying items up or down stairs in multi-story buildings.
Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery. A premium service guaranteeing exact dates, with delays potentially qualifying for a refund.
Hauling Agent. The company responsible for the truck and drivers who carry out the move.
High-Value Article. Any item over $100 per pound in value (e.g., paintings, tech gear). These must be declared separately for maximum protection.
Inventory. A complete itemized checklist created during loading, used again at unpacking for accountability.
Linehaul Charges. Charges that apply to the main transport leg, not including local handling or extras.
Long Carry Fee. An additional cost when movers must carry items further than a standard distance from the truck.
Order for Service. The authorization form allowing Allied to perform moving services — read and sign before work begins.
Order Number. A tracking ID that connects a shipment across internal documents.
Origin Agent. The team handling packing, labeling, and paperwork at the current home in Croatia.
Peak Season Rates. Expect higher prices from May through September, when demand for moving services peaks.
Pickup and Delivery Charges. Additional costs when items are transferred between a storage facility and the home.
Registration Number. Appears on the bill of lading and order forms, used for tracking or customer support.
Relocation Consultant. The dedicated Allied contact for managing the move, resolving concerns, and updating the quote.
Shuttle Service. Used when direct truck access isn’t possible — items are transferred using a smaller vehicle.
Storage-In-Transit (SIT). Short-term storage before final delivery, often used in long-distance or phased relocations.
Valuation. The declared value of a shipment, affecting insurance coverage and the mover’s liability.
Van Foreman. The team leader responsible for supervising the loading, transport, and unloading process.
Warehouse Handling. Fees related to item movement in and out of SIT storage facilities.
Have a term that’s still unclear, or ready to get a number for the move itself? Request a quote and an Allied relocation consultant can walk through it.