Long-distance moving companies?

[mariolatry]

We'll be moving across country this summer and are planning to hire movers. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with any of the national long-distance movers? Cheap or not cheap? Careful or broke all your stuff? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[golfgal]

It isn't so much each company that you want to check into as it is each branch on both ends. We had GREAT luck with United on one move but a week later some friends used a different United branch and had a horrible experience. One thing no matter WHO you use get replacement cost insurance and get a guaranteed price, don't let them "weigh" the truck and charge you that way. Ask around, that is pretty much the only way to check these things out. You can check with the Better Business Bureau but that isn't fool proof-if someone has a court case against a company they can't file a complaint with the BBB, so a company can look great but have a 100 lawsuits out there. Obviously if someone files a negative report, you wouldn't want to use them.

 

[ZachnElli]

We used Allied in 2004 and they were horrible. Broke our bed, the headboard in half, they gave us Mon-Thurs to deliver, but definitely by Thurs. I called Wed to see what time they'd arrived, they hadn't even left yet! Then we had our SUV shipped separately and we didn't see it for 6 weeks! No kidding! I called them and told them I was going to report it stolen, the next morning, amazingly it arrived. We are moving again this week and using Uhaul, we hired packers and loaders using emove.com. And we insured with our home insurance company by taking out an umbrella policy.

Oh, they all weigh, we moved several times and I don't know any company that doesn't go by weight. Like I just said we moved several times and Allied was the only time we had problems. Good luck!

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I looked into PODS... they wanted nearly 7K to move me from florida to california... other companies wanted 1/2 that.

 

[olena]

PODS are very popular. Consumer Advocate, Clark Howard, has great info on his Web site. This is an industry plagued by crooks, so caution is key.

Here's an excerpt from his page:

Help protect yourself when moving
We�re coming into a time of year when Americans tend to move a lot and real estate activity picks up. Consumers have targets on their backs when it comes to hiring a moving company. The moving industry has been infiltrated by criminals who engage in a series of practices that eat up your wallet in a move. There are several different scams out there, but one of the most common we hear about involves the bait-and-switch of moving quotes. A moving broker or broker�s representative gives you a quote on how much a move is going to cost. Then, when the movers actually get there, you�re told it�s going to cost much more. And, the greatest abuses happen to people with very nice stuff. Typically, these thugs will hold the goods hostage until you pay more. Another variation is that a very polite sounding company shows up at your house, loads up your goods very carefully and then takes off with your goods forever. They usually sell it off or fence it for money. There are legitimate movers out there. But the government has very little power in overseeing the state-to-state moving industry. The FBI has gotten involved and busted several rings in Florida, but it still goes on in great numbers. If you work for a big company, be sure to use the company�s mover. If you don�t work for a big company, be sure to hire a mover from AMSA, the certified mover�s association. AMSA�s Web site, moving.org. And before you start the moving process, check out movingscam.com.The site lists all of the rogue movers that have ripped people off, as well as tips on how to avoid getting ripped off.

Source

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I agree with the poster who said it's all about the local branch. I used a branch of Allied when I moved from Wisconsin to California, and they did a great job. I had them pack my stuff because the total cost was cheaper than if I bought the supplies myself and then took the time off of work to do it, plus they had an extra garauntee on anything they packed. They couldn't garauntee items I packed would be safe.

The crew that showed up to pack everything was very efficient and professional, and they were great about asking me questions and clarifying details. I was encouraged to read over all the paperwork before signing anything, frequently contacted to let me know where the truck was and when they expected to arrive in CA, and they arrived on exactly the day they said they would. The team that unloaded everything was wonderful, and did a great job of even putting furniture items exactly where I wanted them in each room.

Two things broke, and they had me fill out a form with the details of each item and the value, and I received a reimbursement check within a few weeks. When I was unpacking one box, I found something else had broken in transit, and I called the branch back in WI to tell them. They faxed me a form, I filled it out and sent it back and got a reimbursement again within a few weeks.
So do your research and find out opinions locally - I'm so glad I did, and the folks I used were amazingly professional!

 

[tmasingo]

Make sure you get all quotes in writing, with details as to what the quote entails. I divorced last year and moved my belongings from AZ to MA. The estimate given was WAY under what the final price was, and they weren't going to release my belongings (AND charge me storage) if I didn't have the final amount. Good luck

 

[RadioNate]

We've used both North American and Allied. Neither were great. But neither were horrible either.

A guaranteed price or binding estimate is a must. If they won't give you one DO NOT do business with them. Your price WILL go up if it isn't guaranteed.

Stick to only the national chains and research the local affiliates who will be doing the move. Like golfgal said that matters a lot.

On one move we delt with 3 brances. The packers/loaders at our original location, the branch were the truck and drivers were from and the unloaders from our destination.

Our first was our worst move but we've never been held hostage for more money at our destination and we've had little broken items.

I always tell people to lower their expectations. Things will break, get dirty, nicked up and it will be stressful and a hassle but I think doing it yourself is MORE stressful and more of a hassel.

I would be wary of any quote that is considerably less than the other.

DH's company recommeds 3 quotes but we've been known to get them from every mover in town. Oh and no phone quotes. They need to see your stuff to do the quote accurately.

I've heard people have been happy with Graebel but I've never used them.

 

[safetymom]

We used Allied to move from PA to FL. They were great!!! Nothing broken, they were fast loading and unloading. They also were great with the setup.

I don't know how all companies work but they get a driver and truck from the area you are moving to.

 

[Chicago526]

A good way to save money is to move less stuff...in otherwords, de-clutter! Why pay to move stuff you don't need or really want, or haven't used in 10 years?

It also saves you time in packing and un-packing.

Just start picking a room and go through it top to bottom, and toss or donate whatever you can't live without. Have a garage sale (or two or three). Don't forget to weed out your clothing, too. Even if you aren't moving for 6 months, start now.

Dont' forget to keep all receipts related to moving. If you are relocating due to work, your moving expenses MAY be tax deductable. And if you donate items to charity, those are tax deductable too.

 

[mommyoeo]

Do NOT use Bekins. I can't tell you how terrible they were! The dented our car, allowed boxes to shift in the truck and ride on top of the car from TX to VA and then they forged the papers to show that the damage had been already there. They broke several things and did the same for them. We paid for the extra good insurance that allows replacement value, not the depreciated value for things, but then we had to go to their state to go to court so we ended up giving up, especially with the forged paper work. My attorney felt we could have won based on some statements that contradicted each other in the contract though, even with the papers though.

This is what they did:
They were rushed to get to NY on a delivery and I mean RUSHED. I told them I was going to inspect the content of my boxes and they said I had 30 days to do that. I doubted that based on something I remembered reading but wouldn't you know-- I couldn't reach anyone by phone when I tried to clarify with the main office. They had a "leave a message and we'll return your call" for every number we could find, and we called in several states to try and get someone. When we saw the dent in the car and the lines from the corrugated cardboard on top, we told them and they were very sorry. They offered paper work and wrote about the condition of the car, etc. They gave it to me and I signed it. When I passed it back to them so they could sign it, they wrote more on it, drawing lines and arrows allover the car diagram to show the flaws had been there before they moved the car!! They signed the paper and gave me a copy, apologizing again. I thought they were marking the damage they caused but instead they marked the initial diagram of the pre-existing conditions. They were sleazy scum. We began to unpack boxes quickly so we could inspect but they drove off.

I could have flown to Illinois or some state like that but the expense would have been too much, especially considering the lawyer! I'm sure they knew that and knew all along that I'd never actually pursue it that far. I had no money to pay for that after a $5000 move!!

Just be sure and never use Bekins.

One day when I can design web sites, I will warn the world about them. I have never, ever dealt with more scummy people in my life!! I would love to scare away all their business and force them out of business.

Oh, and my mover had been mover of the year several times and had been awarded many trips, etc. He was their best. That's why the whole company should go belly up in a hurry. It wasn't just one bad apple if they were awarding this guy as their best of the best. I can't imagine what the others were like!!

If you want more info, please PM me. I remember one guy's name but would never write it here.

Just remember, NEVER EVER USE BEKINS and tell all your friends the same.

 

[hopemax]

My parents recently moved from WA state to Florida, and they had a huge house and tons of stuff. They couldn't uHaul, and full-service moves would be REALLY expensive. So they used ABF http://www.abf.com. They bring a 26ft truck and park it at your house, YOU load it, and they transport it for you. They were really happy with them.

Okay, that was the main webpage, here is the moving specific site

http://www.upack.com/

 

[mill4023]

Anyone else have experiences to share?

 

[2sweetangels]

My husband works as a long-distance mover, he is the truck driver and he has 1 helper. From what I know they charge by the pound, not sure how much per pound and they also charge by the mile. I can talk to my husband for you if you like.

 

[icebrat001]

My husband works as a long-distance mover, he is the truck driver and he has 1 helper. From what I know they charge by the pound, not sure how much per pound and they also charge by the mile. I can talk to my husband for you if you like.

I'd like to know more. We are moving from CA to FL.

Thanks

 

[debabe723]

My parents recently moved from WA state to Florida, and they had a huge house and tons of stuff. They couldn't uHaul, and full-service moves would be REALLY expensive. So they used ABF http://www.abf.com. They bring a 26ft truck and park it at your house, YOU load it, and they transport it for you. They were really happy with them.

Okay, that was the main webpage, here is the moving specific site

http://www.upack.com/

I second using Upack/ABF. They were great! They charge you by the amount of space you use, not weight. We were moving from San Francisco area to Phoenix. They dropped the truck off in the morning, it took us about 6 hours to load it and then they picked it up the next morning (we locked it and hit the road). I could follow the progress via the internet so always knew where they were. Once they got to Phoenix they gave me a call and arranged for drop off. Brought the truck, we unpacked it and then they came and got it. We actually used less space than quoted and they adjusted the price down. The people on both ends were great and their customer service on the phone was too. There was no way I could afford to use a full service mover and otherwise I would've had to drive a Uhaul myself and ship my car, which was about twice the cost.
Check Epinions.com to read other people's experience with most movers. It has a wealthy of information.

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

Anyone else have experiences to share?

I read and responded to your other post about moving (we are also moving to NC in a couple weeks) - the 2 moving companies my husbands new company in Charlotte always uses is United and North American. They both came out and did quotes for us, and we ended up with North American (they can get our stuff there 3-4 days sooner than United). However, they have to do all our packing for us to get full insurance, otherwise we would have no insurance coverage if we packed it ourselves. This was true with both companies. I don't know if this rule is specific to just our move (since DH's company pays full relocation), or if this is true all the time. Personally, I would rather pack myself, but I guess we don't really have a choice.
Good luck!

Jen

 

[CherCrazy]

There are several different scams out there, but one of the most common we hear about involves the bait-and-switch of moving quotes. A moving broker or brokers representative gives you a quote on how much a move is going to cost. Then, when the movers actually get there, you are told its going to cost much more.

My family owns a moving company. We give written quotes...however you wouldn't believe the SCAMS pulled on us by the customers. Talk about bait and switch. How about "we will move that ourselves" then you get there and they want you to move it at no additional charge. Or how about "we have to make a stop to pick up xxx" Gee they never mentioned that before and it sure isn't in the quote. Or how about "I don't like it in this room, I changed my mind, move it here" Obviously, all these things add up the bill but yet some customers think that the MOVERS are the ones who don't deserve to be paid.

Think these problems are obsolete? They're not...we can count on someone trying to scam US every week. Or bounce a check. Or file a false insurance claim for damages for things that were damaged to begin with. It's INSANE.

 

[golfgal]

I read and responded to your other post about moving (we are also moving to NC in a couple weeks) - the 2 moving companies my husbands new company in Charlotte always uses is United and North American. They both came out and did quotes for us, and we ended up with North American (they can get our stuff there 3-4 days sooner than United). However, they have to do all our packing for us to get full insurance, otherwise we would have no insurance coverage if we packed it ourselves. This was true with both companies. I don't know if this rule is specific to just our move (since DH's company pays full relocation), or if this is true all the time. Personally, I would rather pack myself, but I guess we don't really have a choice.
Good luck!

Jen

I don't know of any moving company that will insure your things if they don't pack them. We had some rubbermaid totes of toys and clothing in our last move and didn't have them "repack" them because they were not breakable and they still labeled them "packed by owner".