Some work a move needs is not work a moving crew does. A licensed technician disconnects a gas range, a specialist crates a stained glass window, a craftsman removes a chandelier. When the mover arranges that work, the invoice says so, and the words to look for are advanced charges.
The federal wording
FMCSA defines advanced charges as charges for services performed by someone other than the mover. A professional, craftsman or other third party may perform them at your request. The mover pays for the services and adds the charges to your bill of lading. A related entry, appliance service by third party, describes preparing major electrical appliances to make them safe for transportation, with charges that may be in addition to the line-haul charges.
Two points follow from that wording. The work is done by an outside party, and the mover pays first and bills you afterward.
Common examples
Which of these your mover handles with its own crew and which it brings in a third party for depends on the job and the tariff. Your estimator can name the line items.
- Disconnecting or reconnecting a gas line, a water line or a major appliance
- Removing and reinstalling a ceiling fixture or wall-mounted television
- Servicing a hot tub or pool equipment before it travels
- Adjusting or tuning a piano after delivery
- Specialty alarm, safe or fitness equipment work
Where it shows up on paper
Under 375.401(f), accessorial services have to be determined before the bill of lading is prepared, and under 375.505(b)(14) the bill of lading gives a complete description of any special or accessorial services ordered. A third-party service you ask for belongs in that description, with its charge. If you decide on one later, the mover must tell you the charge first, and it is added by a written attachment.
How to keep it clean
Ask for the name of the outside company and whether it is hired by the mover or by you. If you hire the technician yourself, the charge never touches the moving invoice. If the mover arranges it, the advanced charge appears on the bill, and you can ask for the receipt. Either way, get the appointment time in writing so the crew is not waiting on a disconnect.
A note for Reno and Sparks movers
O'Brien's moves household appliances, hot tubs, pool tables and pianos. On those jobs, the free in-home estimate is the time to list every connection and fixture, so each third-party item is on the estimate instead of discovered on moving day.