Choosing the right long-distance moving company can be a tricky task. You will need to do your research and compare several professional movers to pick the one that is best for you.
Begin by asking for personal recommendations from trusted friends and family. Then, an in-house survey will be requested to receive precise moving cost estimates.
Allied is one of the top full-service moving companies in the country, and its international network extends all across the globe. Its moving and storage services include packing, labor-only loading, shipping containers, temporary in-transit and long-term storage, corporate relocation, car transportation, and warehouse services. The company also provides third-party assistance for disassembly and reassembly of large items, such as furniture and appliances.
Before putting together a quote for your move, Allied representatives will perform an on-site inspection of your home. They will look behind doors, in drawers and closets to survey every room and item. They will also take into account items in the garage, basement, and attic. This process takes around eight weeks, and is free of charge. The representative will then figure out the weight of your belongings and discuss optional services you may want to add to your package.
In addition to offering a variety of service options, Allied is known for its customer support. It pairs each customer with a personal relocation assistant who will be their point of contact throughout the process. This makes communication simple, and reduces the stress of a move. Allied also offers shipment tracking through GlobalCom, which allows customers to follow their possessions from the moment they leave their old home until they arrive at their new location.
Another advantage of Allied is its guaranteed pricing. Unlike many other moving companies, Allied does not increase its prices after the initial in-home estimate. This means that you can plan your move with confidence and avoid paying more than you expected. Allied also offers extra insurance coverage, which is optional but highly recommended.
Despite its reputation, Allied does have some negative reviews. Some of its carriers have poor review scores, and some have been accused of damage to property. However, most of these complaints are a result of the carrier, not Allied itself. This is a common problem in the moving industry, and it is important to research each carrier individually. Additionally, be sure to read moving company reviews in your local area before selecting a carrier.
United Van Lines
United Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the world. It has been around since 1928 and is licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate as both a carrier (using its own trucks and staff) and a broker (contracting with third parties). The company is also a General Services Administration-approved carrier, meaning it can move members of the military and government personnel between temporary assignments or permanent changes of station.
The company’s website offers a variety of helpful resources for customers who are planning a move. In addition to a detailed cost calculator, the site features a series of articles that discuss how to prepare for a move, questions to ask a moving company, and more. While some of these articles are geared toward steering customers to use the company, others offer valuable guidance for anyone planning a move.
During the process of requesting an estimate, customers can schedule a visual survey for their home on the website or through the MyUnited Move Portal app. After the inspection, a local United agent will create a customized quote for the move. The cost of the service will depend on factors like the size of the original and new homes, what services are needed, and other details.
In addition to offering full-service residential moves, United Van Lines also provides a number of options for commercial moves. These services include office relocation, corporate relocation, and specialized packing. The company also offers a variety of storage options, including both short-term and long-term storage. For those looking to relocate a family vehicle, the company can provide door-to-door auto shipping.
Another unique feature of United is its Snapmoves service. This service is aimed at helping individuals who are relocating on a tight deadline. It is offered as part of a full-service move and includes a dedicated move coordinator, packing and unpacking services, storage options, and more. In addition, customers can take advantage of a variety of discounts, such as a 10% discount on select boxes and an introductory rate on storage units.
Atlas Van Lines
The company’s blue and silver trucks are some of the most recognizable in the industry. Their professional staff members are background-checked and screened to ensure that they can treat your belongings with care and respect. Their services include local and interstate moves, storage in transit, packing and crating services, and auto transportation. They also have a full range of international moving options for corporate relocations, military moves, and government assignments.
Atlas’ website is easy to navigate and offers many online tools to assist you with your move. You can start by supplying your address on the map to find an agent near you. Once you have located an agent, you can request a free estimate. The estimate depends on the distance your movers will have to travel, your level of insurance coverage, and any add-ons you’ve selected.
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to schedule a video survey or an in-home estimate with your agent to receive the most accurate quote. During this time, you can provide your Atlas agent with an inventory of items to be moved, including the condition and amount of each item.
Another feature of Atlas’ service is the No Strangers in Your Home® program, which guarantees that only professionals approved by Atlas will handle your belongings. They are background-checked and screened, and undergo extensive training in moving practices and customer service tactics. Additionally, they must meet strict requirements to be hired.
The Atlas website also provides a wide variety of informative blogs and moving tips to help you with your move. They also have a mobile app where you can upload a virtual inventory of your belongings and get a free estimate without an in-home visit. You can also use the mobile app to track your shipment and access the customer portal for your Atlas account.
American Moving & Storage
American Moving & Storage is a full-service company that provides local and international moves for both homes and offices. Its team also handles packing, crating, disassembly and reassembly of furniture and other items. Its website features a mobile app that allows you to create an in-home virtual estimate and add details for a customized quote. You can request a quote online, by phone or in person.
The company’s crew is made up of professional movers who have been trained to pack, unpack and transport items. Its movers also provide free insurance and secure, climate-controlled storage. Its employees wear uniforms and are background-checked. They are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board. The company is also a member of the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
AMSA is a non-profit trade association that represents members of the household goods moving industry based in the United States. Its membership includes van lines and their agents, independent movers, forwarders, industry suppliers and certain individuals and organizations. AMSA’s services include professional training and certification, statistical industry reporting, arbitration services for loss or damage claims, state and federal government rate filing, and professional conferences. Its Moving & Storage Institute provides research, scholarships and publications. AMSA was formed in 2008 from the merger of three predecessor organizations: the National Moving & Storage Association, the American Movers Conference and the Household Goods Carriers’ Bureau. It was absorbed by the American Trucking Associations in 2020.
Aside from its residential and commercial moving services, American Moving & Storage also offers long-distance move shuttles between major cities. Its shuttle service has weekly trips to Florida, Los Angeles and Dallas. Its movers are knowledgeable about customs and paperwork and can assist you with international moves.
Its movers are also experienced in office moves. The team uses protective foam and other materials to ensure that your technology and equipment arrives at its new location in good condition. Its staff is trained to unpack and reassemble furniture, and it can handle a wide range of special requirements, including moving antiques and heavy equipment.