A third-floor apartment with a working elevator can be easier on the crew than a stairwell, yet the elevator still adds time and rules: reservations, padding, a single car shared with neighbors. The estimate prices that time as an elevator carry when the tariff calls for it.
Why it is called accessorial
FMCSA describes accessorial services as extras such as packing, unpacking, appliance servicing or piano carrying that you request or that become necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances. An elevator carry is the landlord-requirements kind. The building decides that the freight elevator is the only route, the mover follows, and the tariff sets how the handling is charged.
Why it has to be asked about early
Section 375.401(f) says the mover must determine charges for accessorial services such as elevators and long carries before preparing the bill of lading. If the mover fails to ask and fails to determine those charges first, it must deliver your goods and bill you after 30 days for them. The FMCSA booklet repeats the point for unforeseen conditions at the destination, such as elevators, stairs or required parking permits.
The practical message is that the estimate should know about every elevator at both addresses. An estimator who sees only the first-floor entry in a photo cannot price the freight car upstairs.
What the building usually controls
Reserve the elevator yourself the moment the move date is set. A manager can usually give a slot, and the crew will work inside it.
- Whether a freight or service elevator exists, and who holds the key
- The hours it may be reserved, and whether a deposit or certificate of insurance is required
- Whether pads must be hung in the car
- Where the truck may park and how far the dock is from the car
Elevator carry versus stairs and long carry
Each term prices a different effort. A flight charge is for carrying by stairs, a long carry is for distance from the truck to the door, and an elevator carry is for the lift. A move into a downtown Reno condo may meet two of the three at once. Sort them out on the itemized estimate. For the others, see flight charge and long carry.
Telling the estimator
At the free in-home estimate, point out the elevator, the dock and the parking plan at both ends. O'Brien's estimates are itemized, so the elevator line is visible with the rest, and the building details help the crew arrive ready. For apartment details, read apartment and condo moves.