---
title: Order for Service Meaning | Moving Glossary | O'Brien's
url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/order-for-service/
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/)
- Order for service

# What is an order for service?

An order for service is the mover's paperwork that records your request for a move, including the addresses, the agreed dates and the services you want. It comes before the bill of lading, which federal rules require you to sign at least 3 days before loading.

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/)

Of the three main moving documents, this is the one with the least official definition. The federal rules in 49 CFR Part 375 do not use the term, so it is carrier paperwork, and each mover's form looks a little different.

## What the form usually records

The form turns a conversation into a booking, so every item on it should match what you were told.

- Your name, the origin address and the destination address
- The pickup date or period and the delivery date or period you agreed
- The services you want, such as packing, unpacking or storage
- A reference to the estimate it rests on
- Notes about access, such as stairs or a long walk to the truck

## How it connects to the other papers

The order for service sits between the estimate and the bill of lading. The estimate prices the work, the order for service books it, and the bill of lading is the receipt and contract that the driver carries with the shipment. Federal rules require the bill of lading to reference everything on the estimate.

Two dates matter most. Under 49 CFR 375.505(h), the bill of lading must reach you at least 3 days before loading, with a 3-day window afterward to rescind it without penalty.

## Check it against the estimate

Read the form for the details that cause trouble later: spelling of addresses, the pickup period, whether packing is on the same day as loading, and any stair or elevator conditions. Anything that differs from the estimate should be corrected while both papers are still open.

Pickup and delivery are normally agreed as dates or periods rather than 'as soon as possible', and FMCSA's booklet advises against open-ended wording.

## Booking with O'Brien's

At O'Brien's the booking follows the in-home estimate. The estimator records the details you give, and the office confirms dates by phone at 775-359-6683. An itemized inventory and condition report is made before packing begins.

If your move starts in another state and you book it with O'Brien's, the office coordinates the pickup through the Bekins network, and the paperwork reflects that. Your delivery window comes from your written estimate.

### Sources (checked October 18, 2026)

- [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.505](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFR678dd6dec294449/section-375.505)
- [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.601](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-F/section-375.601)
- [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move)

### 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

- [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/)
- [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/)
- [The bill of lading, explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/)
- [Free in-home moving estimate (plus 10 free heavy-duty boxes)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/free-estimate/)

Moving glossary

## Read next

- [High value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/)
- [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/)
- [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/)
- [Shuttle service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/shuttle-service/)
- [Flight charge](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/flight-charge/)
- [Origin agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/origin-agent/)
- [Destination agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/destination-agent/)
- [Booking agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/booking-agent/)

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 an order for service a contract?

The contract for transportation is the bill of lading. The order for service records the booking details, and the two should agree.

### Do I sign it?

Mover forms differ, so read what you are asked to sign and keep a copy of each document.

### What if the dates on it are wrong?

Tell the office right away so the form and the bill of lading can be corrected before the move.

## 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)

J Judy H.

April 7, 2026

I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!!

### Owner's reply

WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know.

F Francie H.

February 20, 2026

We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future.

### Owner's reply

Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity!

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.

## 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
