The shifting and logistics sector is not only about tape and trucks in today's quickly changing world. Whether you're moving homes, delivering items throughout the city or managing final mile logistics for a little business, it's a complicated web of technologies, services and tactics meant to simplify travel.
But for most people, this world is full of jargon.
What is a PPO? Why does QR Code Tracking matter? What’s the difference between LTL and FTL? What does ETA really mean when your delivery is delayed for the third time?
This blog covers the most important jargon in the present moving and logistics area, arming you with the information necessary to move more intelligently, monitor better and confidently decide.
Subheading
1. PPO ( Pre-Packaging Order )
Before an official packing or relocation project starts, one early request is the PPO (Pre-packaging Order). One can see it as a soft booking just like before completing the move, consumers show intent, preferences or request a survey.
Almost 45% of moves in metropolitan centers like Mumbai and Bengaluru are made after a first PPO stage including a virtual or in-person survey. An India Relocation Council (2024) paper states that early booking saves consumers on average 10 to 15% over late moves.
2. PoD ( Proof of Delivery )
Your items were sent as promised and the recipient often signed Proof of Delivery, a document or digital confirmation of this.
Why does it matter ?
PoD acts as a legal and service quality assurance given the increasing cases of damage or theft. Packers and movers like BOXnMOVE have integrated digital PoDs with OTP based confirmations, ensuring every delivery is acknowledged in real time building trust and accountability, especially for multi-floor or gated deliveries.
Over 78% of urban Indian consumers sought digital PoDs (through mobile applications or OTP) during moving or logistics reservations in 2023.
3. ETA ( Estimated Time of Arrival )
The predicted time a shipment or vehicle should arrive is referred to as ETA. It considers distance, weather, vehicle type, and traffic.
ETAs in cities such Kolkata or Chennai can vary by 40 minutes during monsoon season because of waterlogging, something clever logistics apps now compute in real time.
For delicate or time-sensitive shipments especially, choose services that offer live ETA updates via GPS.
4. LTL vs FTL
LTL (Less Than Truckload):
- Perfect for lighter loads
- You share the truck among other shipments.
- Cheaper, slower, more handling required
FTL (Full Truckload):
- Whole truck is set aside for one move.
- Faster, safer, and ideal for heavy items or long distances.
72% of intracity SME logistics in India currently prefer FTL, which real estate relocators or interior designers transporting high value goods favor, according to a CRISIL study in 2023 saving expenditures.
Intracity logistics platforms like MOVER let you choose between LTL and FTL options, from bikes and 3-wheelers to 14-ft trucks all via a truck booking app.
5. GRN ( Goods Received Note )
This is a confirmation issued once goods have been received at their destination. Think of it like a PoD but used more by warehousing or B2B clients.
When does it apply ?
If you're moving office equipment, retail inventory or large B2B shipments, always ensure the receiving party issues a GRN especially if insurance or tax deductions are involved.
6. GPS & Geofencing
GPS (Global Positioning System): Enables real-time tracking of the moving vehicle.
Geofencing: Establishes a virtual line. The system alerts the receiver and sender when a truck enters or leaves the area.
Over 80% of tier 1 logistics companies incorporated GPS + geofencing to lower delivery disagreements and increase responsibility in 2024.
7. Load Optimization
Loading trucks so as to maximize space without harming the products is an art.
A study by IIM Bangalore suggests that intelligent load optimization may reduce running expenses and fuel by as much as 18% per movement.
Whether it's a Tata Ace for a studio apartment or a 14-ft truck for a villa relocation, packers and movers like BOXnMOVE use smart vehicle assignment and load balancing to maximize space throughout moves.
8. Insurance Add-Ons
Types of Coverage in Moving:
- Transit Insurance: Covers damages during transportation.
- All Risk Insurance: Covers loading, unloading, handling, theft and damage.
Only 31% of Indian movers in 2022 chose insurance, but claims increased by 48% that year notably in high rise moves with appliance damage.
Particularly for electronics, heirlooms, or imported furniture, always seek item wise insured value documentation.
9. Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal document between the customer and mover listing the goods being carried and the agreed conditions is known as the Bill of Lading.
Why does it matter ?
This document becomes your official evidence in the event of lost packages, concealed fees, delays, etc.
10. Reverse Logistics
It is the mechanism whereby commodities are moved back from customer to source. One may view it as returns, recycling, transporting leased office property back to HQ.
According to Indian D2C companies, 19% of their goods required reverse logistics in 2023 as a result of customer returns, inaccurate shipments or delivery failures.
Why do movers and packers care ?
Packaging supplies, broken equipment or even extra furniture can now be retrieved, recycled, or returned.
11. QR Code Tracking
What does it mean ?
Every package or item bears a distinct QR code. Scan it with a mobile device to:
- Know what’s inside the box
- See where it is in real time
- Confirm delivery or damage
Some smart packers and movers in Bangalore offer QR-coded video logs of packing and loading, giving customers visual proof of how their items were handled.
QR Code tracking is no longer a luxury. BOXnMOVE and similar high trust packers and movers now offer QR coded boxes for premium moves, allowing real-time visibility and reducing post-move disputes.
According to the latest data, QR-coded tracking improved customer satisfaction scores by 27% across Tier-1 relocation firms in 2024.
12. Last Mile Delivery
Usually from the logistical hub to your door, this marks the last stage in a delivery.
Often where delays or damage occur, this stage makes up over 53% of all logistical expenses in India.
Using two wheeler fleets for narrow lanes, last mile delivery is growing - slashing ETAs by up to 35% in congested areas like Old Delhi or Byculla.
13. Rope Pulling & Add-on Services
Unique to high rise cities, rope pulling is used to lower or hoist large items when stairs or lifts won’t work.
Over 12% of relocations in high rises in India now involve rope pulling and skilled teams are trained to handle such high risk tasks with full insurance coverage.
Add-on services also include:
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- Deep cleaning
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly
These are often the real differentiators between a budget move and a professional one.
Why Does This Glossary Matters ?
Whether you're a first time renter, a D2C entrepreneur or a growing family moving homes, understanding this vocabulary gives you control. It helps you:
- Ask the right questions
- Choose the right vehicle or service
- Avoid hidden charges
- Track efficiently
- Claim insurance when needed
Modern moving isn’t about guesswork, it's about intelligent logistics.
Ready to Make Your Next Move Smarter ?
Whether you're moving across the city with BOXnMOVE or booking an instant 3-wheeler for delivery through MOVER, the smarter way to handle logistics today is by understanding what powers them. From QR codes to rope pulling, every detail matters.
Ready to move with intelligence?
Book via the MOVER app for quick intracity logistics.
Get end-to-end relocation, from cleaning to installation, with BOXnMOVE.