--- title: What Is a Bulky Article? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bulky-article/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Bulky article # What is a bulky article? A bulky article is an item so large, heavy or awkwardly shaped that a mover's tariff handles it as a special service, often with its own charge. The tariff, not federal law, sets the list, and 49 CFR 375.505(e) requires the mover to tell you when a special service is needed. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A dresser rides in a standard load. A grand piano, a pool table or a hot tub does not. Movers group those items under a heading like bulky article so the estimate can account for the extra crew, equipment and time they take. ## A tariff term, not a federal one The federal definitions in 49 CFR 375.103 do not define bulky articles. The term lives in carrier tariffs, which 375.103 describes as the issuance containing the rates, rules and classifications for a motor carrier's transportation services. Each tariff names which items count, and what the added handling costs. That is why two movers can list different items under the same words. ## What the mover must tell you Section 375.505(e) says the mover, its agent or the driver must inform the shipper if it reasonably expects a special or accessorial service is necessary to safely transport a shipment. The mover must refuse the shipment if you decline a service it reasonably expects to be necessary, and it makes a written note of the refusal. The rule protects the item as much as the crew: an oversized piece moved without the right equipment is the piece most likely to be damaged. ## Items that commonly qualify O'Brien's moves pianos, organs, pool tables, hot tubs, fine art and household appliances. See [specialty moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/) for how each is handled. - Pianos and organs - Pool tables, which are taken apart and re-leveled - Hot tubs - Large appliances and glass display cabinets - Fitness equipment and oversized outdoor items ## How to keep it off the surprise list List every oversized piece at the estimate, including what is in the garage, shed or yard. Give the real dimensions and the path out: a doorway measured at 30 inches decides whether a sectional exits whole. Mention stairs, tight turns and gates. The itemized estimate then shows each bulky article as its own line, and the inventory recorded at loading matches what was priced. ## Disclosure also protects value If a bulky piece is worth more than 100 dollars per pound, the FMCSA booklet explains that it is an article of extraordinary value and has to be listed in writing to be fully covered. A custom antique cabinet is the classic case. See [high value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.505 bill of lading and special services](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/section-375.505) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.103 definitions](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-A/section-375.103) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Specialty item moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/) - [Piano and organ moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/pianos/) - [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Constructive weight](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/constructive-weight/) - [Tare weight](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/tare-weight/) - [Peak season](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/peak-season/) - [In home survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/in-home-survey/) - [Virtual survey](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/virtual-survey/) - [Permanent storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/permanent-storage/) - [Warehouse handling](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/warehouse-handling/) - [Punch list](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/punch-list/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Is there a federal list of bulky articles? No. The list comes from the mover's tariff, which is why you should ask the estimator which of your items it treats as bulky. ### What if I forget to mention a piano? Tell the mover as soon as you remember. Section 375.405 lets a mover decline to honor an estimate when additional goods appear, so it is simplest to list everything first. ### Does O'Brien's move bulky items? Yes. Pianos, organs, pool tables, hot tubs and household appliances are part of the specialty moving list. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. M Mark S. January 22, 2026 Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job. L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070