Van Lines Vs. Independent National Movers

Van Lines
You’ve seen their names on the sides of 18-wheelers on the nation’s highways.

Van lines specialize in commercial relocations and military moves. They usually have a nationwide network of agents who are affiliated with them – similar to a franchise.

They often use “lumper” or temporary labor at either or both departure and arrival points.

While a van line as a whole might have a decent reputation, it’s hard to gauge the quality of an individual agent and how well you will be supported on a local move.

And on national moves you usually won’t know who’s picking up your belongings or delivering them. Then with a bunch of hand offs at interim points, finding someone to take responsibility for losses or damages can be tricky.

Also, these companies tend to make their bread and butter from commercial relocations and military moves so residential customers are often not a priority.

Independent National Movers
(like Exodus!)

Unaffiliated with any chain, independent national movers can be reliable locally-owned businesses with many clients right in the neighborhood or region—ones who can attest to the firm’s trustworthiness.

(One proviso: if you intend to use a national independent mover, make sure they are registered with the Department of Transportation. If they are not registered with the DOT - do NOT use them; they are operating illegally.)

At Exodus, we do not use “lumpers” or labor taken literally off of the street. Our employees are not contracted labor – they are certified Exodus employees who have been background tested, drug screened and trained.

Also, you will always know the name and phone number of your driver. And in most cases, the same driver that loads your belongings will be the one that delivers them!

With a local reputation for quality to maintain, an independent company will be more likely to jump through hoops to satisfy every client.

Lastly, if something should get damaged in your move, an independent moving company is all the more likely to take responsibility.

The finger pointing that can take place with van lines between the agent, the contracted driver and corporate headquarters simply won’t exist when you work with an independent mover.

Internet Broker Vs. Locally-owned Movers

Internet Broker
Many times it’s impossible to tell where these ‘virtual companies’ are actually based.

They’ll most likely subcontract your move out to the lowest bidder – which is often a small (often uncertified) company.

They’re infamous for low-ball estimates which are unrealistic. Prices will likely mount during your move.

Internet brokers are all too anonymous. Too many of these online companies are “fly by night”. Once they’ve gotten your deposit, you may not even hear from them again.

Be extra cautious if you choose to go with an Internet broker—we don’t want you to get burned!

Also do not expect follow up from them if you have any damage to your belongings. They may just leave you in the lurch.

Look at the moving scam website’s ‘black list’ before you consider using an anonymous Internet broker.

It’s at www.movingscam.com

We hate to say it, but in this industry, you truly get what you pay for.

Locally-owned Movers
(like Exodus!)

You win! A local mover can be held accountable. A local mover has an appreciative clientele who can vouch for them.

Their reputation depends on quality service.

You can walk into a local mover’s establishment and get a sense for their customer service right away.

Local movers should have testimonials as well as references from YOUR neighbors on the wall or on their website - that level of endorsement speaks volumes about their reliability.

Note: while many local companies don’t do national or international moves, Exodus certainly does!

Self Load and/or Self Haul Companies Vs. Full-Service Movers

Self Load and/or Self Haul Companies
You’ve probably noticed the amazing low rates of “You Load, We Drive, and You Unload””moving companies. Their come-on prices are plastered on the sides of their well-used trailers.

These “You Do It All ”or “Almost All” companies offer attractive prices but since you do all the packing, protecting of the furniture, the heavy lifting, the loading and unloading of the truck yourself (not to mention often driving the trailer) you don’t end up realizing a substantial savings. Also be aware that the pricing on the trailer, does not include fuel, insurance or moving equipment.

(Plus you’ll need to figure in the cost of several chiropractic visits when you put your back out lifting couches onto their tailgate.)

Question: If you choose to involve friends or college students in the packing and loading, do you have insurance that would cover any injuries that may occur? That’s something to seriously consider.

Unfortunately, there’s also the well known problem of rental truck safety.

If you are going to rent and drive a small truck cross country or even across town, find out how well maintained the well-used vehicle is – too many people have had rental trucks breakdown in transit – this is the last thing you need to deal with during your move.

Also, do you know how to load a container or truck properly? Loading so that your belongings are not damaged takes not only common sense but expertise as well.

Some of your precious belongings may become damaged in transit … and you will have no recourse since you packed it yourself!

In that case… “Do It Yourself” might seem like “Do Yourself In!”

Full-Service Movers
(like Exodus!)

Full-service movers will provide any amount of packing you desire, in addition to loading and delivering boxes. These movers should also be able to offer valuation for everything they pack. Of course, they should have trained, hired employees who are experts in loading, so that your belongings are transported safely.

Professional movers also do all the heavy lifting so you don’t have to!

Still, make sure to research your full service mover and verify that ‘full service’ is also top quality.

Exodus Moving and Storage is diligent about its hiring procedures, is fanatical about satisfying its customers, and follows all the applicable regulations of the Department of Transportation and the Public Utilities Commission …as well as the recommendations of the American Moving and Storage Association.

Also, as our name indicates, we do interim storage. If you are between homes and need dry, secure storage for your belongings—ones that we will ultimately move for you across town or across the country, consolidate everything with us.

We’ll keep your property safe until you make your next move.

TYPES OF MOVES:

Geographic
Exodus is a locally-owned company that does local as well as regional, national and even international moves. Some movers restrict their services to strictly local moves (generally within 100 miles of the client’s home or office). We do it ALL.

Residential
For household moves, you will find varying degrees of packing and unpacking services, move planning, loading and pick-up and delivery of your belongings. Every company should ensure the protection of your property and make efforts to protect the walls, banisters, and floors of your old and new homes.

Commercial
Moving businesses demands an entirely different approach, and organization here is key. Companies who specialize in commercial moves will have more experience in the techniques used to minimize disruption of business and expedite the transition of active files, confidential documents, products and more. Commercial logistics experts are far and few between in this industry, but are crucial to a successful business move.