Skip to content

Descriptive symbols

The handling badges (PRI, DBO, TPS, HV, CRATE) that describe a whole item rather than a defect, and when to use each.

A descriptive symbol is a handling badge that describes the whole item rather than a specific defect. Unlike a condition code, it does not mark damage. It flags how a piece should be treated, for example that it is high value or needs a crate. On the printed inventory the badges appear in braces after the item name, like Grandfather Clock {HV CRATE}.

You add these in The Item Editor.

The descriptive symbols

Badge Meaning When to use
PRI Priority The item needs priority handling or must load or unload first.
DBO DBO Disassembled by owner, so the crew does not take it apart or reassemble it.
TPS Third Party Serviced A third party services the item, for example a piano tuner, appliance tech, or electronician.
HV High Value The item is worth more than $100 per pound. Flagging it protects both the shipper and the carrier.
CRATE Crate The item is crated for the move.

Important: HV means high value under the carrier standard, an item worth more than $100 per pound. Small, dense, valuable pieces (jewelry, coins, electronics, art) cross that line easily. Flag them so they are handled and documented as high value.

Note: The inventory's symbol key at the end of the PDF lists only the descriptive symbols this job actually used, so an inventory with no crated items will not show CRATE in the key. See Reading the inventory PDF.

Related articles