Advance Marketing Programs

Programs designed to facilitate employee generated sales of the primary residence. Reduces program costs and the need for the more costly Home Purchase Programs associated with a full buy out of the employee's residence.

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Apartment Locator Services

A local service that assists with locating, analyzing and selecting an apartment. These companies typically cover just their local area and may or may not charge a fee; as determined by local custom.

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Area Orientation

Used for both domestic and international assignments. The program is designed to introduce clients and their families to the community in which they will be living, familiarize them with their new community and provide an effective method for gaining an understanding of the physical and cultural environment of their host city. This program includes an introduction into local activities, social, cultural and business organizations. The programs provide all of the essential information necessary to fulfill daily living and working needs. Area orientation programs take place as soon as possible after the family arrives in the host location to establish residence.

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Cost Forecasting

Assisting corporations in establishing an estimate of relocation related expenses specific to an individual employee's anticipated relocation. Used for budgeting or job offer purposes.

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Cost of Living Analysis

Assisting the corporation with current comparisons of cost between two locations. Information is utilized to determine benefits offered for specific employee relocations.

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Cross-Cultural Training

These programs focus on familiarizing the transferee and their family with the culture of their host country in comparison to the home culture, including basic issues such as communication, customs, traditions and social taboos. For the employee, training can also deal with doing business in the new culture. Programs can be arranged either pre-departure, in the host country or both. Over all scope is to allow for quicker, more effective integration of the employee and their family into the local culture with as little "cultural shock" effect as possible. These culture specific programs are normally presented in a seminar format but are tailored to the needs of the individual families.

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CRP Designation

Certified Relocation Professional designation earned by completing a course of study, and passing a test administered by the Employee Relocation Council.

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Destination Services

Assistance provided to the transferee in the new (destination) location. Including but not limited to Home-Finding Assistance, Movement of Household Goods, and Temporary Housing.

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Direct Reimbursement

A program whereby the Client Company directly reimburses the employee for relocation related expenses. Often a starting point for a relocation program that does not make full use of the dollars allocated to the employee. May also cause undue tax burden on the employee, or lead to "gross up" expense to the Client Company.

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Driving Instruction

Classes taught in the classroom and/or on the road in the host country. The program focuses on familiarization with the local driving practices, conditions, laws, and licensing details. Developed to assist in obtaining local drivers' licenses and to emphasize safe driving skills under local conditions.

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Employee Policy Counseling

Counseling the employee and spouse both from the standpoint of benefits offered by the company as well as the implementation and time frames related to those benefits.

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Employee/Vendor Expense Audit/Payment

Assist corporate clients through the auditing of employee relocation expense reports and vendor invoices and handling payment to the various parties. Incorporated as a key component of most full service relocation programs; ensures accuracy as well as program compliance.

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Expense Tracking

Track and maintain database of all relocation related expenses, taxable and non-taxable, by employee, division, corporation, etc. Customized, comprehensive reporting options are provided to clients, as well as year end reporting for employee tax purposes.

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Government Documentation

A location specific program designed to assist with the preparation of documents as required by government authorities in the host country. This may include support for such things as visas, work permits, employment passes, dependent permits, residence permits, driver's license, tax ID, Social Security and other forms of registration with local authorities. This program expedites the settling in process and assures compliance with documentation requirements in the host country.

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Group Move

The relocation of a significant number of employees, both renters and homeowners, as a group, on a planned and schedules basis. There are both short and long term group moves and can involve several locations. Group moves range from a few individuals to more than 1000 employees.

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Home Management

Managing a property for a client and employee while they are living elsewhere. Can include renting and maintaining the client's home while the client is overseas or on an extended temporary assignment.

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Home Search (Rental or Purchase)

Once needs have been established assistance is provided for locating a new home to purchase or rent. Assistance is delivered by a local real estate representative. An organized, efficient program is mandatory to make the most effective use of employee's home finding trip. The combined effort results in an efficient home finding effort, meeting the needs of the family while staying within company approved budgets.

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Housing Price Survey

Provides a comparative cost summary of different properties and property types within the city or area to which the employee is relocating. An important aspect in helping the employee family set realistic expectations.

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International Tax Assistance

Providing tax assistance to corporations transferring employees between countries, or with employees on assignment outside of their home country. This also includes providing tax preparation assistance to individual taxpayers on assignment or living and working outside their home country.

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Interpreting/Translating

Verbal translating services.

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Language Training

An outsourced program provided to the employee or family in order to learn the new language. These programs are normally provided on an hourly basis in either small groups or private sessions. Language classes can be given either pre-departure, or in country or both.

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Lump Sum Relocation Allowances

A single payment made to the transferee that covers more than one, and often many reimbursable expenses. Can be utilized to streamline the reimbursement process and control related expenditures.

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Move Management

Managing the packing and shipping of the employee's house-hold goods. Includes coordination as well as auditing and claims resolution.

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Personal Mail Service

Overseeing the delivery of transferee's mail on a regularly scheduled basis during the course of an international assignment in order to provide uninterrupted mail delivery.

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Relocation Policy

The company designed, governing document related to relocation policy and related administration. An internal document utilized to manage company wide relocation activity.

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Policy Development

Consulting provides guidance for the development of an effective company relocation policy. Most companies maintain a Domestic as well as International policy. This is a written policy providing guidance for the employee as well as HR Professionals, Hiring Managers, and field managers.

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Pre-Departure Briefing

A program that provides essential information on the practical aspects of living in a new location. Provided to the employee and their family while still in their home city. An effective tool in creating an atmosphere that promotes a successful assignment.

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Relocation Package

A collection of information and materials specific to the city or area to which an employee is relocating. The relocation package provides a foundation for the employee's understanding of the host location and culture.

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Relocation Counselor

Administrator of the Client's relocation program. The relocation coordinator serves as the single point of contact for the transferring family from start of the program to the finish of the relocation process.

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Repatriation

These programs support the employee and their dependents in reintegrating as quickly, smoothly and painlessly as possible into their home culture/country while allowing the employee to adapt and utilize the business and interpersonal skills they developed while abroad.

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Service Provider

Any person or organization involved in the delivery of services to the Client Company or the transferee. A company may interact directly with service providers such as Third Party Companies or indirectly with providers such as real estate brokers and appraiser. In many cases the Third Party Provider manages the down line service providers on the Clients behalf.

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Spouse/Partner Assistance

The company relocating an employee often offers to assist the employee's spouse/partner in finding a new job. Many companies are offering this benefit to unmarried partners and same sex partners as well as spouses.

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Tax Gross-Up

An employee has to pay taxes on certain reimbursements received from the company for relocation expenses. The gross-up is the amount of taxes the employee has to pay -- this amount is given to the employee in addition to the reimbursement.

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Tiered Relocation Plans

Provides a specific set of relocation benefits to a specific category of transferee, also be referred to as a banded program. An example would be a certain set of benefits provided to a new hire, with a completely different set of benefits provided to an existing senior level executive.

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Temporary Accommodations

Short-term housing normally either in a service apartment or hotel, prior to the permanent housing becoming available for occupancy. Most companies limit this to 30-60 days.

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Third Party Relocation Company

A company such as Lexicon Relocation that professional manages the relocation programs for corporations. Includes services such as: policy design, expense tracking and management, move management services, home-sale assistance, home-finding assistance, domestic, and international services.

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Transferee

The employee being relocated to the new job location. Can be an existing employee or a new hire.

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Utilities Connects/Disconnects

Assistance with arrangements for utilities hookups and deposits.

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Real Estate Disposition Terms

Amended Value

This program is a natural extension of the guaranteed offer program. If a bona-fide offer is received during the marketing period, the outside offer is used to "amend" or increase the employee's guaranteed offer. The amended value program affords the transferee the opportunity to better the guaranteed offer, as well as become eligible for any approved equity loan or advance.

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Buyer Value Option

Lexicon administers a buyer value option (BVO) program for companies seeking to reduce tax gross-up expenses. We manage the home-sale process from the start of the move through closing. This approach provides for the separate transactions necessary to meet applicable tax guidelines, thereby creating the opportunity to treat the costs as company operating expenses rather than as employee reimbursement.

Early access to equity allows the employee to move ahead with the new-home purchase, which streamlines the move process and reduces the need for return trips and temporary living expenses.

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Guaranteed Offer

Providing a guaranteed offer program to your employees provides them with a "safety-net" in case there is no acceptable offer from an outside buyer. The company also benefits by having a known date for the transferring family to be settled in the new location.

Independent relocation appraisals are used to determine the employee's guaranteed offer price. Lexicon reduces the financial risks by acquiring the home, then selling the home quickly for the highest possible price. The guaranteed offer program is a standard component of many relocation programs due to the flexibility it provides.

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Equity Funding

The employee may, with client approval, receive loans or advances through Lexicon. Upon execution of a bona-fide sales agreement, the employee may be entitled to equity, or a portion of equity, as determined by your policy guidelines.

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Domestic Household Goods Terms

Accessorial (Additional) Services

Services such as packing, unpacking, extra stop, or shuttle that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation costs.

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Agent

An affiliated moving company authorized to act on behalf of the van line. The agent may handle the booking, origin, hauling and/or destination services..

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Bill of Lading

Customer's receipt for goods and contract for transportation. The customer's signature acknowledges that the household goods can be loaded on the van and "released to the carrier."

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Binding/Non-Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance between the customer and the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect on the day of the load.

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Booking Agent

Accepts the order for the customer's move and registers it with the van line. The booking agent may or may not be the origin or destination agent.

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Bulky Article

to ensure safe transportation, some articles included in a shipment (i.e., big screen TVs, motorcycles, hot tubs, etc.) require extra handling and/or blocking. Our tariff provides a schedule of extra charges for such articles.

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Carrier

The moving company providing interstate transportation of household goods under whose Department of Transportation registration the shipment is moved.

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Claim

Statement of loss, damage, or delay to a household good shipment while in the care, custody or control of the carrier or its affiliated agent.

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COD (Cash on Delivery)

Shipments where the customer pays the moving charges at the time of delivery. For COD shipments, payment is required in cash or by traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. If a credit card is used, it must be arranged with the booking agent because authorization is required prior to loading. Personal checks are not accepted.

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Department of Transportation (DOT)

the federal agency which, through the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) within the DOT, governs the interstate transportation industry, including movers of household goods.

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Destination Agent

The agent designated in the destination area to be available to assist or provide information regarding the shipment to the customer or the van operator.

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Diversion

When a customer changes the destination of their shipment after it is en route, transportation charges shall be calculated from the point of origin, to the point at which the carrier is able to effect the diversion, plus the transportation charge from the diversion point to the new destination point.

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Exclusive Use of Vehicle

Upon request and subject to availability, the customer may request and the carrier may provide an exclusive unit for a shipment. Transportation charges are based on actual weight subject to specific minimum weights.

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Extra Labor

hourly labor charge (15 minute minimum) for performing any requested services for which specific fees are not published. This generally covers activities such as removing/placing items in attics/crawlspaces, packing/unpacking owner's furnished containers, etc.

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Extra Pickup or Delivery

Line haul/transportation charge includes pickup from a single address and delivery to a single address. Additional charges are assessed for each stop or call requiring an additional pickup or delivery.

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Fuel Surcharge

The carrier's tariff provides for a percentage adjustment to the transportation charge (and SIT Pickup and Delivery) to aid in the recovery of the increased cost of fuel. The surcharge, which can change monthly, is based upon the national average cost of diesel as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Full-Service Packing & Unpacking

Hundredweight rates that apply based on the weight of the shipment when the carrier is requested by shipper to pack or unpack the complete shipment. The full-service packing rates include cartons and packing labor. The full-service unpacking rates include the unpacking of carrier packed cartons and the removal of such debris.

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High-Value Article Inventory Form

The carrier's tariff provides for a percentage adjustment to the transportation charge (and SIT Pickup and Delivery) to aid in the recovery of the increased cost of carrier's and van operator's liability insurance expenses.

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Insurance-Related General Increase (IRR Surcharge)

The carrier's tariff provides for a percentage adjustment to the transportation charge (and SIT Pickup and Delivery) to aid in the recovery of the increased cost of carrier's and van operator's liability insurance expenses.

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Inventory

A detailed descriptive list of the items in the shipment and their condition before the van is loaded.

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Method of Payment

Payment must be in the form of cash, traveler's checks, money order, a bank cashier's check or a credit card. Credit card payment must be pre-approved prior to loading. Personal checks are not accepted.

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Non-Allowable (Prohibited Items)

The Carrier will not accept shipment property that will contaminate or damage (i.e., bug infestations, chemicals, propane tanks, etc.) the carrier's property or the property of other customers, nor will it remove items that would damage the article or the premises (i.e., furniture that will not fit through doorways). Further, the carrier will not accept liability for items of a perishable nature (food, wine collections, plants, etc.).

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Order for Service

A document authorizing the moving company to transport your household goods.

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Origin & Destination Service Charge

A hundredweight rate that applies based on the weight of the shipment plus any weight additives and location where the shipment is picked up and delivered. The charges compensate the carrier for basic handling and servicing of the shipment; includes services such as elevator, stair and excessive distance carries, piano and organ flight carries, additional transportation charge (ATC), basic appliance servicing (preparation of appliances to make them safe to ship), and on shipments moving trans-border between the United States and Canada, the import and export service charge.

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Origin Agent

The agent designated in the origin area to be available for preliminary readying of the shipment before movement and/or to provide information regarding the customer's move.

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Overflow

When articles to be shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary van. An additional van(s) is then utilized for transportation and delivery.

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Overtime Loading & Unloading Service

If you request loading or unloading on a specific date which is a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, an overtime charge, based on the weight of your shipment is assessed. This is also true if you request the service to be performed after working hours (i.e., between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.) on any week day, or when prevailing laws ordinances or landlord requirements will not allow loading/unloading during normal working hours on week days.

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PBO (Packed By Owner)

When articles are packed by the customer for moving.

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Reweigh

Before the actual initiation of the unloading of your shipment, you may request a reweigh of the shipment. If a reweigh is performed the actual charges will be based upon the reweigh weight, regardless of whether the reweigh weight is higher or lower than the first weight of the shipment. If you request a reweigh, you must waive your right to witness said reweigh in writing.

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Shuttle Service

Used if the assigned over-the-road van is unable to make a normal pickup or delivery because of physical constraints (extremely narrow road, inadequate parking area for the truck, weak bridge, etc.). A shuttle service is the use of a secondary, smaller vehicle to complete the pickup or delivery. Charges for this service are based on the weight of the shipment and the location where the service is performed.

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Storage in Transit

The temporary storage of your household goods in the warehouse of the carrier's agent, pending further transportation at a later date. SIT service may not exceed a total of 180 calendar days. After 180 days, the interstate nature of the shipment ends and is converted to the rules of the local warehouseman.

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Survey

Performed by an agent to examine the customer's belongings in order to develop an estimate of move charges.

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Tariff

A publication containing the carrier's rates, rules and regulations for services performed, applicable to the customer's move.

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Third-Party Services

Performed by someone other than the carrier or its agents at your request or required by federal, state or local law (e.g., appliance servicing, crating).

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Unpacking

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

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Valuation

A tariff-based coverage for a customer's household goods while they are in the care, custody and control of the carrier. Valuation is NOT insurance.

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Van Operator

Oversees the loading, hauling and unloading of your possessions.

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Waiting Time

If you are unable to accept delivery of your shipment within the free waiting time (i.e., 2 hours) after notification of arrival at destination, you may request waiting time until delivery can be made. There is a charge 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 an agent's 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. The carrier is 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.

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Weight Additive

Some articles included in a shipment (i.e., camper shells, boats, canoes, boat trailers, etc.) are comparatively light and occupy space in the van that is not commensurate with their weight. For instance, 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.

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International Household Goods Terms

Agent

Origin Agent (O/A) - Agent (domestic/international) that provides complete packing service. Destination Agent (D/A) - Agent (domestic/international) that provides complete delivery service.

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Air Waybill Number

The 11 digit airfreight tracking number. The first 3 digits represent the airline code.

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American Flag

American Owned Carrier (APL, Lykes Lines).

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Automobile via Ocean

RORO (Roll on/Roll off) – Automobile should be turned in with less than one gallon of gas plus key. Auto will be “rolled on” vessel platform and secured to floor for transit. Upon arrival at destination, auto will be “rolled off” of vessel. Containerized – Make sure automobile is placed in container last (import/export) for easy access if customs choose to inspect. Auto should be drained of gasoline (or less than one gallon) with battery ends taped back.

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Bingo Cards

Bingo cards or sheets that allow you to track which inventory item is placed in which lift van.

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Bill of Lading (B/L)

A contract issued by a transportation agency listing the goods, shipped place of inception and the promise of delivery in the destination. Ocean – Contract issued for ocean service. Original B/L – When original B/L is issued a hard copy must be provided to steamship line in order for goods to be received. Express – When an Express B/L is issued a copy of express allows the bearer to reserve goods. Short/Straight – Contract issued for line haul/drayage.

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Blind Quote

A quote that is based on weight measurements that are given, no survey (physical or phone) was conducted.

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Booking Number

Booking Confirmation number assigned by steamship line. The number is needed in order to pick up/return a container from/to port or to turn in a LCL to the NVOCC.

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Booking Commission

The commission given to agent/client for booking move.

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Break Point Advantage

A break point is the point at which it may be more advantageous to seek or provide service at a higher weight bracket for a lower price. For example, destination service from warehouse A to residence B will cost the following: Shipment >5,001 lbs. and <7,000 lbs. Rate = $13.00/cwt Shipment >7,001 lbs. and <9,000 lbs. Rate = $12.00/cwt. Assuming a shipment weighed in at 6,950 lbs. The D/A rate would be based on $13.00/cwt. For a total of $903.50. It would be more advantageous to use the higher break point and rate the shipment as it was 7,001 lbs. Therefore, total charges would equal $840.12.

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Bulkhead

A wooden wall /upright partition placed in steamship container at origin which separates shipments and excess space with the sole purpose of decreasing the shifting of the household goods during transit. A bulkhead is typically constructed of plywood and two by fours.

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Bunker Surcharge

Fuel surcharge used by steamship lines. It allows steamship lines to charge/adjust bunker fee when necessary without the hassle of charging their ocean tariff rates.

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CAF (Currency Added Fluctuation)

Currency fluctuation charge used by steamship lines that allows the steamship line to charge/adjust their currency fluctuation when necessary without the hassle of charging their ocean tariff rates.

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Chassis/Wheels

Tires/wheels that a container is set on which enables the container to be moved. The Steamship line always provides wheel s (premier service steamship lines usually never have storage on wheels and always have ample quantities at all ports/terminals.) If not provided, the trucker will charge approximately $50.00-$150.00 for providing wheels. This is in addition to the normal round trip rate.

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Climate Controlled Storage

Air conditioned/heated storage.

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Common Carrier

LTL carrier (enclosed van/covered) with dock to dock pick up. Truck may have a lift gate.

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Conference

An association of shipping lines that have agreed to provide the same rate for the same service.

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Consignee

The receiver of the goods.

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Consolidation/Groupage

The combination of shipments that are moved together with the sole purpose of taking advantage of container rates.

Container Number

Four letters and seven digits code used for steamship container identification.

Crate

A wooden box that is custom made for goods that may need extra protection.

Cube Sheet

A generic form used by surveyors it list all items that will be moved. Form allows surveyor to estimate cube/weight.

Customs Broker

A vendor who will act on the freight forwarders behalf to clear goods through US Customs. They are licensed by the US Department of Treasury. They must possess thorough knowledge of tariff schedules and customs regulations and keep abreast of the amendments made through constant changes in the law and administrative regulations.

CWT Hundred Weight

GCWT – Based on the gross hundred weight NCWT – Based on the net hundred weight VCWT-Based on the volumetric hundred weight.

Debris Pickup

The removal of used packing materials. This is typically completed by the destination agent at the time of the full unpacking. Additional debris pick ups are often requested by the shipper on goods they have unpacked themselves. If the shipper would request a second debris pick up, this would be an additional charge to the shipper/client. The average cost would be between $100 and $250 depending on the residences distance to the agent’s warehouse and the quantity of debris.

Decking

The building of a deck/wooden platform on top of an automobile in a container to allow goods to be stacked. .

Demurrage

Storage charge at pier, port or airport.

Density

Density is a comparison of weight and space. One objective of every pack job is to obtain high density. By achieving a higher density, the cost per pound will decrease.

Discharge Port/Authority

The port or airport of disembarkation /arrival.

Heavy duty, double wall – used primarily to pack dishes/kitchen breakables.

Domestic

Movement within the Continental United States or its territories no customs clearance is involved.

Drain & Disconnect

The drainage of gasoline plus disconnection of the battery of an automobile/motorcycle for ocean transit. Please note the ends of the battery must be either tied back or taped away from each other.

Drayage

Local/short distance transportation in a truck.

Drop/Drop & Pull/Drop & Pick

The round trip service of dropping off of a container at a warehouse and picking it up again at a later date and time.

Duty

Tax imposed on imports.

Elevator

Fee accessed by the agent for the load in and load out of an elevator.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspection

Generally an inspection to check vehicles emissions standards or US conformity.

ETA

Estimated time of arrival.

ETD

Estimated time of departure.

Export

Goods sent to another country.

FCL/FTL

Full container load/Full trailer load

Flights

Fee assessed by agent for flights of stairs (7 stairs), usually one flight is free with each additional flight at a per cwt. Charge per flight.

Flat Bed Trailer

An exposed trailer, the flatbed is the cheapest and most cost effective mode of transportation. It is usually less than the price of a common carrier.

FMC (Federal Maritime Commission)

The federal commission that regulates sea navigation and shipping.

Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Inspection

The federal commission that regulates sea navigation and shipping.

Forklift Charge

Fee assessed for loading (LCL/LTL) shipments. This fee is charged by the deconsolidator’s warehouse on all LCL and LTL imports.

GSP Listing (Generalized System of Preference)

A United States imports list of third-world countries that have exempt duty status.

Hazardous Materials

Materials such as combustible and corrosive liquids, explosives, flammables and gases.

Hoist/Lift

Fee assessed for hoisting or lifting large items (usually furniture) that cannot make it through doorways.

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

Hundredweight rates that apply based on the weight of the shipment when the carrier is requested by shipper to pack or unpack the complete shipment. The full-service packing rates include cartons and packing labor. The full-service unpacking rates include the unpacking of carrier packed cartons and the removal of such debris.

ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission)

Regulates the domestic trucking industry.

Import

Goods from another country.

Inland Portion

The non-ocean portion of through transportation provided by an ocean carrier.

Inventory/Packing List

The listing of the number of pieces plus inventory descriptions for the entire shipment; both the shipper and one crew member must sign and date the inventory thereby verifying that all items listed were packed and received and that all exceptions were duly noted at origin and destination.

LCL/LTL

Less than container load/ less than trailer load.

Lift Gates

Platform that may be raised and lowered on the back of selective common carriers.

Lift Van (LVN)

Wooden crate or container.

Line Haul (L/H)

Long distance transportation via truck.

Live Load

The loading of a container while the trucker waits. Usually the first two hours of load time are free. Each hour thereafter is at an additional cost.

Live Unload

The unloading of a container while the trucker waits. Usually the first two hours of unloading are free. Each hour thereafter is at an additional cost.

Load & Brace/Load & Block

The loading and bracing/blocking of an automobile in a container to withstand movement.

Long Carry

Charge assessed on carrying goods more than 75’. Long carries are billed in increments of 50’ after the initial 75’.

Markings/Stenciling Instructions

Identification instructions that need to be placed on all Air, LCL, and LTL shipments.

NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier)

A Carrier who consolidates LCL shipments into containers; they are required to file tariffs with the FMC but are not required to have their own license.

Ocean/Steel Container

Standardized (20’, 40’, 45’) steel containers used for ocean transport.

Overflow

Excess surface shipment that did not fit into the standard steel container.

Pallet

Portable platform on which goods are stacked for transportation and storage.

PBO (Packed By Owner)

Goods packed by owner, not covered by insurance.

PED (Pre-Existing Damage)

All pre existing damage goods should be noted on the packing inventory. This allows agent and the forwarder to be protected against needless claim expenses. The omission of the PED description indicates that the article is in good condition except for normal wear. Please note there is not a formal definition for “normal” wear.

Per Diem

The daily rental rate; it may refer to containers, chassis, moving vans, etc.

Perishable Items

Items that are able to spoil or deteriorate (such as food and plants).

Pilferable Items

Items that tend to be stolen such as camcorders, computers and cell phones.

Relocation Company

A company that offers multi-services to corporate customers.

RO/RO (Roll On/Roll Off)

Automobiles should be turned in with less than one gallon of gas plus the keys. The auto will be “rolled on” the vessel platform and secured to the floor for transit. Upon arrival at destination, the auto will be “rolled off” of the vessel.

Seal/Seal Number

Numeric sticker placed on a container door that must be broken in order for the container to be opened. Seal Numbers are issued by the packing agent-they are unique-not standard for the industry.

Shipper/Transferee

Owner of the goods that are being shipped.

Shuttle Service

A Shuttle Service is put to use when a container, trailer, furniture van, etc. is unable to get close to the residence (narrow streets, narrow drive, low hanging wires or trees). A smaller truck is then used to shuttle the goods to the residence. This is typically an hourly rate for the van which is considered one man plus the additional crew.

Slot Sharing

Two steamship lines agree to provide service on a specific trade lane and share each others vessel.

Spot

The placing or positioning of a container.

Ocean carrier (no longer a ship driven by steam –however the old terminology remains.

Storage

Permanent – Storage greater than 6 months SIT (Storage in Transit – Storage less than 6 months.

Storage Access

Right to enter or access storage lot (the fee is usually based on an hourly rate for the man and the forklift.

Subrogation

The right of the insurance company to ask any vendor/agent that physically handles the cargo to pay a deductible and participate in the claim settlement.

Survey

A pre-move survey allows an agent to estimate the number and size of containers. Lift vans, tri wall containers and trailers that will be needed. The agent also identifies items that will require special handling, estimate how much and whit kind of packing materials will be necessary, determine of any services are above and beyond the normal requirements and will need prior account authorization. Physical site survey – a pre move survey that must be conducted in person Telephone survey – a pre move survey that is conducted via phone.

Surveyor

Qualified estimator/salesperson who conducts the survey.

Tare Weight

The difference between the gross weight and the net weight.

 

Air – Weight of packing materials/pallet

Surface (LCL) –Weight of liftvan (does not include packing materials)

Surface (Loose) – Weight of container when empty. It may include bracing material but does not include the packing material.

Tariff

Fixed price list.

Telex Release

A request to a steamship line to release a container/LCL to the consignee without the consignee actually turning in an original bill of lading or express release copy.

Third Country Moves

Shipment that originates and delivers outside the United States.

Third Party Services

Services above and beyond an agents realm such as grandfather click timing, waterbed drainage, pool table disassembly and reassembly, satellite dish disassembly and reassembly, ice maker hook up, swing set assembly, etc.

Through Rate

The amount charged by an ocean carrier in connection with the through transportation. See inland portion.

Tri-Wall

Three ply cardboard carton

Trucker

Person/company engaged in trucking.

USDA Inspections

United States Department of Agriculture Inspection, usually checking for snails, gypsy moth, etc.

Van Line

Domestic Goods carrier with agents in various cities.

Vendor

Airline consolidator, NVOCC, steamship line, trucker, etc.