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What To Do if Your Movers Are Late (Or Don’t Show Up at All)

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Your highly anticipated move date is finally here. You woke up early, have all your ducks in a row, and can’t wait to get started. But where are the movers?

Waiting for 15 minutes or so past the contracted ETA isn’t a big deal. But delays longer than that— especially when paired with a lack of communication from the moving company — may be a sign of something more serious.

First up: Check in with the moving company to get an update. They may be delayed by weather or traffic. However, if they don’t communicate, you might need to start thinking of a plan B for transportation or contact someone to get started on a claims process for your belongings.

If you’re worried about this happening to you, don’t panic just yet. From contacting your moving company to reaching out to friends and family for help, we’ll explain the steps you can take to get your move back on track.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Moving Company is Late

a woman sits on the floor surrounded by boxes with a phone in her hand

If your movers are late by 15 minutes or so, don’t worry. Instead, use the time to complete any last-minute cleaning or other tasks still on your to-do list. In many cases, the team is on its way and just running behind due to traffic or another job going over. If the delay goes beyond the 15-minute mark, it’s time to start looking for answers and, depending on what you find out, alternative solutions.

If you’re a HireAHelper customer, call us and we’ll help you work toward a resolution. Even though movers work independently of HireAHelper, we’re here to facilitate a smooth and stress-free moving day whenever possible.

Here’s what else you can do if your moving company is late:

  • Verify your appointment details. Double-check that you have the right date, time, and location for your meet-up with the movers.
  • Call the moving company for an update. Contact the company directly, explain the situation, and ask for an updated time of arrival.
  • Begin documenting everything. To make sure you don’t forget any details amidst the chaos, write down everything that happens once your movers are officially late. That includes documenting who you called and when, just in case you need to escalate the issue.
  • Keep your landlord and service providers in the loop. You may have a cleaning crew, maintenance workers, or your landlord waiting to access an empty property. Let them know you’re experiencing a delay and that you’ll update them as things develop.
  • Review your contract. While you wait, reread your contract’s delay policy. Use this information to inform your next steps.
  • Create a backup plan for help loading and/or unloading your stuff. If the initial delay turns into a no-show, you need to have a plan B. Contact anyone who can help you load and unload your truck — including HireAHelper, if you booked through us.
  • If your belongings are missing, call the authorities. If your movers showed up to load your belongings but never made it to your new home, and there’s no other reason for the delay, it’s time to contact the authorities and other governing bodies.

Hopefully, your minor delay never turns into a major problem. But if your best-laid plans truly have gone awry, it will be helpful to have a game plan already in place.

Your Backup Plan if Your Moving Help Doesn’t Show

A man looks glumly down at his phone while sitting on a plastic covered couch and surrounded by moving boxes

If your moving company is late or doesn’t show at all, that likely means you no longer have hired help to assist with your move. How you tackle this depends on the nature of your relocation.

  • For a local move: It’s time to activate your local network. Call friends, family members, long-time coworkers, or reach out through your church group or neighborhood social media page. Explain the situation and see if anyone is available to jump in. HireAHelper may also be able to help you find same-day movers.
  • For a long-distance move: You may need to hire help at your destination unless you already have friends in your new city. Just like with local moves, HireAHelper may be able to assist in booking moving labor at the last minute, so don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.

If you planned on loading and unloading yourself but needed a truck and driver, you may:

  • Rent a truck and drive it yourself.
  • Reschedule your move through a more reliable company. HireAHelper can connect you with a trusted provider, ensuring a smooth and dependable move without any bumps.

It may be worthwhile to begin formulating your plan B while you’re putting together plan A. Take note of your second and third choices of moving companies just in case. Let friends and family know your move date, your general plan, and that you may need some last-minute help.

My Stuff is Missing — Now What?

If the issue evolves from movers being late for your final drop-off to not showing up at all, you have an even bigger problem at hand. Assuming you invested in a full-service move (that is, your movers are handling the transportation in addition to loading and unloading your belongings), the no-show means your stuff is missing. This can be a uniquely distressing situation.

A moving truck sits empty except for one lone boxFirst, know that the moving company cannot legally keep your stuff unless you’ve violated the terms of your contract. In some jurisdictions, moving companies have the right to hold onto your belongings if you:

  • Haven’t arranged a delivery time yet.
  • Agreed on a delivery time, but weren’t there when the movers arrived? In this case, you must schedule a new delivery time.
  • Haven’t paid the outstanding charges owed to the moving company.

If none of those scenarios apply, then your movers are legally required to return your belongings to you. Here’s what you should do if your moving company and belongings are nowhere to be found:

  • Call the authorities. Contact the police and inform them of the situation. Have all the important details handy, including your contract, the moving company’s name, the agreed-upon delivery time, and any steps you’ve taken to make contact and resolve the situation.
  • Buy the essentials. Put your and your family’s comfort first. Buying essentials, such as toiletries, clothes, and comfort items, may help you feel more at ease while you await a more permanent resolution. Furniture can be rented if you need a place to sit or sleep, or you can get blow-up mattresses and linens at a big box or secondhand store.

While it’s impossible to foresee every possible issue ahead of time, creating and sticking to a moving checklist can make it easier to bounce back from adversity. Creating an inventory list of everything you pack and put onto the moving truck will result in an invaluable resource if you need to make an insurance claim or sue.

Prepping to-go bags packed with essentials that travel with you instead of on the truck is a smart play, too. That way, you’ll have important items like medications, your child’s favorite bedtime books, and a change of clothes handy, just in case.

What to Do if You Can’t Reach the Moving Company

The only thing worse than a late moving company is one that also doesn’t answer the phone. Here’s what to do if you can’t make contact.

  • Try alternate contact methods. If your moving company is late and you can’t reach them using the originally supplied contact method, try a different approach. Reach out via social media, email, or by texting the number instead of calling.
  • Check online reviews for common complaints. Read online reviews to see if lateness or no-shows are commonplace for the company. This may help you decide how soon to escalate to the authorities.
  • Consider reporting to the Better Business Bureau or FMCSA. In case of serious lateness or a total no-show, report the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If your move crosses state lines, you can file a report with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Recourse When Movers Are Late or Don’t Show Up

A couple sits on the front steps of their home with a laptop. Several boxes and other items are stacked all around the yard

If you’re seeking a resolution due to delayed or missing movers, start by reviewing your contract. This is your documented proof of the agreed-upon delivery date and time. Some contracts include a built-in grace period, which means a slight delay (such as a day or two) is not technically a breach of contract. This doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to be unhappy, only that you likely can’t pursue compensation.

Depending on your contract and local laws, your options for recourse may include:

Reporting your issue to the BBB or FMCSA.

When contacted, the BBB will forward your complaint to the moving company within 2 business days and request that they submit a formal response within 2 weeks. The moving company is not obligated to respond, but many do to maintain a favorable BBB rating. Complaints filed through the FMCSA are thoroughly investigated and can become part of a company’s permanent record.

Contacting the authorities (police)

The police can help determine if the moving company has committed a crime, such as fraud, extortion, or theft, or if you’ve been the victim of a moving scam. They may be able to help you locate the movers and recover your belongings. If the crime occurred in another jurisdiction, like your origin city, you can file a report online or request a courtesy report.

Filing a lawsuit

This really only applies to missing belongings, as moving companies typically aren’t required to compensate you for a late delivery. There may be an exception if there’s a significant delay that causes you personal or financial harm, or if your items arrive seriously damaged. You can sue in small claims court if your damages fall under the small claims court cap for your state. This method is often preferred because you don’t need to pay a lawyer. If your claim is higher than the small claims limit, you can file a lawsuit in state court.

 

“…[K]now that the moving company cannot legally keep your stuff unless you’ve violated the terms of your contract…[If that doesn’t] apply, then your movers are legally required to return your belongings to you.”

 

Note that many contracts have a clause requiring the contracted parties to resolve complaints through arbitration rather than a lawsuit. Your options for recourse may be limited by the terms of your contract, local statutes of limitation, and the laws in your state. It’s always best to contact a lawyer for more details if a lawsuit is something you’re considering pursuing.

Common Reasons Movers May Be Late

Trucks and several other cars are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic

Figuring out what to do when your moving company is late may be easier if you have a general understanding of what could’ve gone wrong. Some common reasons movers are late include:

  • Traffic or route delays. Life happens, and an accident on the highway or construction could be a perfectly reasonable explanation for a late arrival. This is even more common with long-distance moves.
  • Delays on the previous job. Local movers often stack moves, meaning they have one job after another. If the appointment before yours runs over, your crew may arrive late. However, they should communicate this as it happens.
  • Poor scheduling or overbooking. Sometimes, moving companies accidentally overbook, accepting too many jobs without enough workforce or trucks. This is why it’s important to know what’s in your contract regarding no-shows and delays before you sign on the dotted line.
  • Weather conditions. Stormy weather can make it difficult to execute a timely move, or, in the case of hurricanes and blizzards, cancel your move altogether. In either case, movers should be proactive about informing you of delays or changes. Also, be aware that damage from weather, such as floods and tornadoes, is typically not covered by moving insurance.
  • Mechanical or equipment issues. If a truck breaks down or gets a flat tire, the company should inform you of the delay and their new ETA.

The bottom line is that delays happen, but great communication can make a huge difference in how the delay is perceived. Try to be patient if your movers call with a valid explanation for the delay — it’ll pave the way for a better day for all involved.

Protecting Yourself from Mover Issues in the Future

Even if it’s too late for this move, it’s never too early to prep for the next one. A few smart steps now can help you avoid no-shows, delays, and miscommunications down the line:

  • Do your homework. Look up the company ahead of time. See where they’re based and check out what past customers have said in online reviews. A little digging can save a lot of trouble.
  • Build rapport with your movers. Take an interest in them as professionals (and as people!) during your pre-move conversations. A little appreciation can go a long way in keeping your move top of mind for them.
  • Ask the right questions. Wondering what kind of equipment they’ll bring? Or if they’re comfortable handling a specific item? Ask! Professional and reputable movers will be happy to answer questions about their services and your move. This is also a good time to make sure you understand the fine print on things like damage protection.
  • Confirm your booking. Movers often call the day before to confirm, but it never hurts to take the lead. A quick call is all it takes to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
  • Use a vetted service. You can check a mover’s business license if they’re operating a vehicle, but one of the easiest ways to avoid issues is to book through a trusted network like HireAHelper.

What To Do When Your Stuff Gets Lost or Damaged While Moving

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After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.

These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move. 

If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?

Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.

1. Document the damage

For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.

Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.

If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.

My stuff is missing!

But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.

Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim. 

 

“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”

 

If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good. 

(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)

2. File a claim

Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.

Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.

How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:

  • Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
  • Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
  • Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
  • Bekins Van Lines: Claims can be filed online. For assistance, call (833) 425-4982 and dial option “3”, or email claims@wvlcorp.com
  • HireAHelper: You can fill out their online claim form. There’s also the option of calling (800) 995-5003 or emailing customer-support@hireahelper.com  
  • Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
  • Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”  
  • North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
  • U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
  • United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
  • Wheaton World Wide Moving: Claims can be filed online. For help, call (855) 284-4011 and dial option 3, or email claims@wvlcorp.com

How To File a Claim With Local Moving Companies:

Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.

However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.

3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)

If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.

The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.

Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

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You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.

If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report. 

4. You can also seek arbitration from the government

Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)

What about moving insurance?

If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck. 

Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:

  • Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
  • Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
  • Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.

Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.

See prices for movers by the hour—instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

Easily book your help online.

 

On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.  

Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)

What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?

In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue. 

After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):

  • The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
  • They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim

Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.

Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important

You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)

Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable. 

2021 Long Distance Moving Review: Should I Move With northAmerican?

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North American Moving Services, also known as “northAmerican” or “North American Van Lines“, is a full-service moving company with experience and a breadth of services, but it also offers the personal touches and ability to negotiate, typical of a small business.

Like its competitors, Mayflower and Allied, it now provides a pick-and-choose menu of options to help you plan your long distance move. Yet overall, it remains known for its full-service package. The crew packs your stuff, dismantles furniture, puts it on the truck, takes it to your final destination, puts back together furniture, and unloads your boxes into the appropriate rooms in your new home. Phew! Not too shabby! (Have you read our picks for best moving companies?)

Does North American Van Lines operate during COVID?

North American Van Lines is not only operating during the coronavirus crisis, it is busy, even in the traditionally slower winter months. In fact, you’ll have to call as early as possible to get on the schedule for both your estimate and move. In the meantime, you can learn about the new safety precautions North American has put in place to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, at this time, you can only get an estimate through online, video, and virtual estimates to ensure proper social distancing.

PROS

  • Get a lower price with a little conversation and flexibility
  • 88 years of experience and a reputation of reliability
  • Widespread availability
  • Great customer service

CONS

  • You can still end up with empty pockets
  • Getting a base estimate is a hassle
  • Experience varies by location

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of North American interstate moving services, based on my first-hand experience. 

What Types of Moves Does North American Van Lines Do?

    • Household Moving 
    • Corporate Relocation
    • International Moving
    • Moving Resources
    • Moving Services
    • Local Moves
    • Interstate Moves

Moving far away?

Do it cheaper.

HireAHelper.com can save you up to 40%, compared to traditional interstate van lines.

Compare our long distance moving company options.

What Other Services Besides Moving Does North American Van Lines Do? 

Here’s the whole menu, from their website:

  • Local, Interstate, and International Moving
  • Full-Service Packing
  • Fragile-Only Packing
  • Assistance with Self-Packing (such as determining quantity and type of boxes and supplies)
  • Boxes and Moving Supplies
  • Appliance Disconnection and Reconnection
  • Loading and Unloading
  • Storage
  • Auto Transport
  • Custom Crates
  • Crane Vans for Large Items
  • Transportation and Shipment Tracking

You can pick and choose from these options to fit your needs and budget. (You might not need services like appliance disconnection and reconnection.) But the company is best known for its full-service package, which also includes the packing, loading, unloading, and transportation. 

northamerican van lines

What Insurance Does North American Offer? 

For the protection of your stuff, North American has four options: 

  • Maximum Value Protection (MVP) with $0 deductible 
  • MVP with $250 deductible 
  • MVP with $500 deductible 
  • Basic Coverage

Your homeowner’s or rental insurance may cover your move, but if not, you can turn to one of the options offered by North American. The basic coverage is only for $0.60 per pound per article if something is lost or damaged while moving. This means you could get a bad deal if say, something expensive like a personal computer gets broken in transit. With full MVP, anything lost or destroyed would be repaired or replaced. 

“For an interstate move of a 3-bedroom home in early December with all (my) stuff, my cost was $8,700…”

If that’s not possible – like if Grandma’s serving platter is no longer for sale anywhere – you’d get a cash settlement for the current market replacement value. “The cost of full value may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost,” according to the website. You can ask your moving coordinator for more specifics. 

How Much Does North American Cost? 

“northAmerican Moving Services” encompasses all their different offerings

Interstate or long-distance moves tend to cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per move, according to HomeAdvisor.com, and that’s roughly what you can expect to pay. North American’s prices are on par with competitors, which means its full-service package can be break-the-bank expensive. 

Here’s what is taken into consideration when you are given an estimate: 

  • Distance of your move – How far does the driver have to go to get your stuff to the final destination? 
  • Amount of packing – How much stuff will the staff have to box for you? How much loading and unloading will staff have to do at both destinations? 
  • Weight of your stuff – How much will the entire load weigh? 
  • Miscellaneous – Will you need add-ons like auto transport? Will you need van transport because a big truck can’t be parked on your street? 
  • Insurance coverage – Additional coverage will cost you more.
  • When you are moving – A move in the summer, which is peak season, is going to cost more than a move in the winter, which is usually slow for those in the moving industry.  

Quotes will be different based on the pricing set by your local agent, and the size (weight) and distance of your move. Full-package estimates from northAmerican will always include:

  • Labor and Transportation
  • Packing
  • Valuation
  • Miscellaneous

What’s “miscellaneous”? It refers to a lot of things, including upsells and fees. You can control what kinds of miscellaneous services or overcharges fall into that category if you plan well. 

Ultimately, flexibility regarding when you move and a willingness to take on some of the chores yourself could significantly bring down the price. In addition, should your stuff weigh less than the estimate, northAmerican van line will go with the lowest cost.

How My North American Van Lines Estimate Went

To minimize the spread of the coronavirus, I signed up for a virtual home tour with my local North American agent, which is called Beltmann Relocation Group and is the company’s largest location. 

Their pledge is to “Be the customer by striving to understand customer expectations and meeting them consistently.” I definitely got the sense that the rep with whom I spoke was trying to fulfill the promise. He was courteous, provided a detailed explanation of the estimate, and tried to help me get a lower price. 

“Ultimately, flexibility regarding when you move and a willingness to take on some of the chores yourself could significantly bring down the price.”

We conducted the tour over What’sApp Duo, but we could have done it on Zoom (It’ll be up to you). I could have also provided a video if a live online call was not possible. 

Quickly, we got into the weeds…literally. I brought my phone outside to my front yard to show him the entrance and parking area. Knowing that my town is very much a city, he was simply confirming that parking would be a problem. He’s right, but he had solutions for getting around it (a smaller truck that would make more trips) and had experience with this kind of situation. He also took note of the size of the home. I was able to get a price – and less sticker shock – by the call’s end. 

My own northAmerican estimates for full-service packages included: 

  • Weight of the load
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Assembly and disassembly of furniture
  • Loading and unloading
  • Transportation
  • Liability coverage (MVP with $0 deductible) with maximum protection of $50,000 
  • Miscellaneous

For an interstate move of a 3-bedroom home in early December with all that stuff, my cost was $8,700, which is more or less in line with their competitor’s prices.

The rep brought the cost down by $400 by offering me a limited-time discount. If I was willing to move in January instead, I could bring down the cost another $300, so my grand total would be about $8,000. If I opted for the basic coverage instead of the MVP with $0 deductible that the rep automatically includes in the estimate, then I would bring down the cost to about $7,960. This was all based on transporting 8,000 pounds of stuff. 

The ability to bring down the cost that much was a huge relief. I know it’s still a lot of money, but it’s less than it could have been and less than some competitors. Also, I still would be doing little more than overseeing the move and labeling boxes. That’s not too shabby if you ask me. 

Pros of Moving with North American

Some northAmerican vans have doors on the back and the side. beltmann.com

They give you room to bring down the cost of your move. 

The representative who conducted the home tour was helpful and willing to work with me to reduce the price. He kept saying he wanted to help and win my business. Then, he actually unlocked a discount to decrease the price by $400! With added flexibility you can also save. Ask and ye shall receive, especially if you can move at a different time and there are deals available. 

With 500 locations (!), you can probably find an agent near both destinations. 

North American has widespread reach, so you should be able to find an agent near your starting and ending points. 

Great customer service.

Moving is not always pleasant. But when you can rely on the customer service representatives and the staff with whom you are working, it eases some of the tension. My rep helped me lower the cost and was willing to go the extra mile to win my business. He also answered all my questions and tried to address any concerns that I had. That is a great way to get an edge on the competition.

Cons of Moving with North American

You might break the bank. 

No matter how you look at it, full-service moving packages are expensive. Even the cheapest route offered by North American has me paying in the neighborhood of $8,000. That’s super expensive. If you have the money, however, it’s a worthy luxury. After all, you save your back and your heart by reducing stress levels. 

The timeline to get an estimate is a turn-off. 

You have to jump through hoops with scheduling a date for a home tour and then go through with it. Then, you sometimes even have to wait for the written estimate to be certain of the breakdown. In a world where we’ve become used to immediate, easy answers, this is a hard pill to swallow.  

Experience varies by location

You will have to do your homework. Each North American location is run by a different company. With agents all over the country, you will find the experience will vary from place to place. Check out reviews about your local agent to find out what your experience might be like.  

Should You Choose North American to Move?

A full-service move is a big investment. It’s worth it if you can afford it. After all, who wants to lose days of their lives packing and unpacking? And North American offers competitive prices for full-service packages. 

Are they better than other long distance movers? You have to consider the cost and the drive of the local North American agent working with you. In my case, the agent was the largest among North American’s roster, which made them skillful at dealing with multiple clients at a time. Your (literal) mileage may vary.

You also need to be about six weeks away from your move date to consider hiring North American right now because the company is super busy. You will need time both for getting an estimate and scheduling your actual move. 

Obviously, choosing one company over another is a personal decision. But if you can afford a full-service move and have a reputable North American agent to work with, they may be willing to undercut other van line quotes in your areas.

 For more info, check out Moving101 and our picks of long distance moving companies.

Every Major Moving Report of 2017 Analyzed: Where Is Everybody Going?

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Migration reports are out in full force, including the famous United Van Lines yearly report.

But while United handles more moves annually than any other mover network in the country, their numbers are not definitive across the industry board.

North American, Atlas and Allied all see slightly – and in some cases, wildly – different results in their migration study results. Not a surprise, because as a Full Service move provider, United handles a somewhat different clientele compared to companies like ABF, U-Haul and PODS – companies whose numbers might look a lot different. Then there’s that little thing called the Census.

Yep, the state-to-state migration numbers for 2017 are out – and folks, we have new inbound state champions! Here are the results:

United Van Lines

Vermont Takes United 2017 Inbound Crown

In 2015 they came in at third on the inbound rankings. In 2016 they inched their way up to number two. Now, this tiny state known mainly for skiing and maple syrup has captured the coveted top inbound spot on United’s 2017 National Movers Study.

Yes, the champagne is indeed flowing like syrup in Stowe, Killington and Montpelier as Vermont looks back on a year that saw a whopping 68% of their interstate moves coming in. 

Reasons

According to United’s survey, “family” was the most common reason respondents gave for relocating to the Green Mountain State. Retirement, lifestyle and job also figured fairly evenly into the equation.

On the other hand, a full 75% of people moving out of state gave employment as their reason. This helps explain why half of all outbounders fell into the Under-35 age category – and another 25% were between 35 and 45 – while 40% of those moving into the state were 65 or older.

Those mountains may be green, but with those unemployment numbers, it looks like the valleys are starting to turn gray.

But before we start replacing all those ski lifts with wheelchair-friendly escalators, let’s take a step back and look a little closer at where the stats behind Vermont’s inbound crown come from. Keep in mind we don’t know how many moves Vermont actually saw by their report. (68% can be broken down to 17 inbound moves and 8 outbound moves – which hardly amounts to a mass migration to this land of wooden bridges and Bernie Sanders.)

Inbound:

1. Vermont
2. Oregon
3. Idaho
4. Nevada
5. South Dakota
6. Washington
7. South Carolina
8. North Carolina
9. Colorado
10. Alabama

This past year saw some familiar names on United’s Top Ten Inbound States list. Oregon, Nevada and North Carolina are all there, as they have been every year since 2011. Washington, Idaho, South Dakota, South Carolina and Arizona are also back after making 2016’s inbound list. Newcomers include Alabama and Colorado. Meanwhile, Florida has dropped off the inbound list after a strong three-year run.

This past year’s top inbound states are also fairly spread out around the country. The same cannot be said about United’s outbound states.

Outbound:

1. Illinois
2. New Jersey
3. New York
4. Connecticut
5. Kansas
6. Massachusetts
7. Ohio
8. Kentucky
9. Utah
10. Wisconsin

As with the previous few years, the major exodus seems to be coming out of the Northeast and the Midwest, with Utah adding a little “outbound yellow” to the otherwise blue western region on United’s interactive migration map.

Perennial outbound states New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois have been the most unfortunate ones; we’d have to go back to 2010 to see any of them as balanced. (New York and Connecticut were both spared the shame that year).

North American Moving Services

northamerican.com

Arizona Takes North Americans 2017 Inbound Crown

North American’s inbound champ is Arizona, with 67% of their interstate moves coming into the Grand Canyon State. Other top inbounders not on United’s list include Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Texas – all south and southeast states. (Those North American drivers must really love the south.)

Inbound:

  1. Arizona
  2. Idaho
  3. North Carolina
  4. South Carolina
  5. Tennessee

Outbound:

  1. Illinois
  2. Connecticut
  3. New Jersey
  4. California
  5. Michigan

Like United, North American has Illinois, New Jersey and Connecticut at the top of their outbound list (with New York a notable #8). But the rest of their top outbounders – California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Maryland (#4-8 on the map) aren’t even on United’s radar.

Interestingly, North American’s #10 outbounder is Washington, which ranks #6 on United’s inbound list.

In accounting for these discrepancies, it is worth noting what North American says of their report’s methodology:

“We define the top inbound and outbound states as those that have the highest proportion of moves where the absolute value difference of inbound and outbound moves is greater than or equal to 400. This weeds out states that had a small number of moves but would have a high ratio of inbound/outbound moves.”

This may explain why United’s 2017 champ Vermont and #5 South Dakota (United’s #1 in 2016 by the way) aren’t anywhere on North American’s Top Ten.

Atlas Van Lines

atlasvanlines.com

Washington Takes Atlas 2017 Inbound Crown

Atlas Van Lines offers some relative surprises too. Idaho, Washington and Nevada as their top three inbounders may not raise any eyebrows. But Alaska, Maine and New Hampshire at #5, #6 and #10? Oregon is a familiar name, but seeing them at #8 seems in contrast to their recent United Van Lines inbound championships.

Atlas’s top outbounder, meanwhile, is Illinois (same as both United and North American – those Fighting Illini have a real stranglehold on that top spot!). And their #2, West Virginia, was a strong outbounder for United for six years straight before balancing out in 2017.

But Nebraska at #3? Nebraska has been balanced for United since 2001! And #4 outbounder South Dakota has been an inbound darling for United the past three years.

Rounding out the Atlas top outbound list are Hawaii, Indiana, Delaware and Louisiana, all of them somewhat surprising since three of them have spent the last ten years on United’s “balanced” register. Only Indiana has managed to make a blip on United’s outbound radar in that time frame.

Inbound:

  1. Idaho
  2. Washington
  3. Nevada
  4. Tennessee
  5. Alaska
  6. Maine
  7. North Carolina
  8. Oregon
  9. Alabama
  10. New Hampshire

Outbound:

  1. Illinois
  2. West Virginia
  3. Nebraska
  4. South Dakota
  5. Hawaii
  6. Indiana
  7. Delaware
  8. New York
  9. Louisiana
  10. Kansas

In contrast to the percentages United and North American provide, Atlas gives actual numbers of inbound and outbound moves for each state. Here we see that Vermont has seen just a fraction of the moves so many other states see, so it’s easy to imagine why they wouldn’t have made it onto North American’s list. (Meanwhile, once again, Canada’s Yukon Territory has seen zero moves. We’ll blame it on the roads.)

Allied Van Lines

allied.com

Florida Takes Allied 2017 Inbound Crown

Allied Van Lines keeps it all very short and sweet. They report only their top fives:

Inbound:

  1. Florida
  2. Arizona
  3. North Carolina
  4. South Carolina
  5. Texas

Outbound:

  1. California
  2. Illinois
  3. Pennsylvania
  4. New Jersey
  5. Michigan

Based on this limited report, we’re able to come to at least one solid conclusion: Allied’s drivers love moving people south even more than North American’s do.

U-Haul

Texas Takes U-Haul 2017 Inbound Crown

Because news outlets predominately focus on Full Service van lines, it can easily be argued this eliminates an entire sector of the migrating public. (In fact, Full Service van lines actually conduct less than half of all moves performed in the US every year.)

Do U-Haul’s numbers reflect what the van lines suggest are moving trends?

Nope.

Inbound:

  1. Texas
  2. Florida
  3. Arkansas
  4. South Carolina
  5. Tennessee
  6. Washington
  7. North Carolina
  8. Connecticut
  9. Colorado
  10. Vermont

Outbound:

  1. California
  2. Illinois
  3. Pennsylvania
  4. Michigan
  5. Massachusetts
  6. New Jersey
  7. New York
  8. Arizona
  9. Maryland
  10. Georgia

Texas tops U-Haul’s 2017 Growth States list. This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, as Texas has fared well recently in the inbound-outbound game. In 2017 their inbound percentages with United, North American and Atlas were 54, 53 and 53, while Allied put Texas down as their fifth biggest inbound state.

Oddly, Texas won U-Haul’s Growth State crown by bringing in – get this – a whopping 50.3% of all one-way truck rental traffic crossing Texas’s borders. That’s right. Fifty. Point. Three.

This hardly lends a whole lot more understanding to the migration trends we’re trying to dissect. But here we are, so let’s keep moving.

U-Haul rounds out its top five Growth States with Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina and Tennessee. Yes, Arkansas – which has been balanced on United’s report 37 of the last 40 years. Then again, Arkansas remained balanced in 2017 on United’s ledger with a 54% outbound rate, so that they are U-Haul’s #3 Growth State is rather surprising no matter how minuscule their positive U-Haul balance might have been.

And who comes in at #8 on U-Haul’s list? That big loser with United and North American (but not with Atlas), Connecticut.

On the flip side, U-Haul has Colorado at #9 – exactly where United and North American have them.

United States Census Bureau

Idaho Takes United States Census Bureau 2017 Inbound Crown

Yes, the Bureau has all the moving numbers we could possibly want. So many, in fact, that it could take until next January to weed through them all.

But thanks to Business Insider we don’t have to.

In this piece with the strangely long title: While the Bureau considers “a variety of components” in determining what’s happening among the more than 325 million people who make up the US population, Business Insider brings us what we need: domestic migration.

Here we see the net population gain or loss for each state for 2017. Births, deaths and international immigration are not counted; this is simply and strictly an account of how many people moved into or out of each state. (Again, not moves, but individual people.)

Inbound:

  1. Idaho
  2. Nevada
  3. South Carolina
  4. Oregon
  5. Arizona
  6. Washington
  7. Montana
  8. Florida
  9. Colorado
  10. North Carolina

And in this, the winner is Idaho, with a net domestic migration gain of 14.6 people per 1,000 residents. In second place comes Nevada, with South Carolina, Oregon and Arizona rounding out the top five. The second half of the big ten winners are Washington, Montana, Florida, Colorado and North Carolina.

These results actually mirror the van lines’ findings to a striking degree. Only Arizona, Montana and Florida don’t show up in United’s top ten. Seven of the Census top ten are also on North American’s top ten. Unbelievably, Colorado is #9 on all three lists.

As for the Net Domestic Migration losers? Yes, Illinois is up there, but at #5, maybe this is the survey they should be talking about in Chicago.

Outbound:

  1. Wyoming
  2. Alaska
  3. New York
  4. Hawaii
  5. Illinois
  6. North Dakota
  7. New Jersey
  8. Connecticut
  9. Louisiana
  10. West Virginia

The big loser in the 2017 migration tournament is Wyoming, a surprise since the Equality State doesn’t show up on any van line outbound lists – or inbound for that matter. United had them at 53% inbound for 2017. North American had them at 54% in. Only Atlas has them as outbound – based on a grand total of 330 moves.

The Bureau’s next three biggest net migration losers are Alaska, New York and Hawaii. Alaska and Hawaii, neither of which show up anywhere for United or North American, are Atlas’s #5 inbound and #5 outbound, respectively. North Dakota, New Jersey, Connecticut, Louisiana and West Virginia complete the Bureau’s top ten.

Again, while there are outbound wild cards, we still see some consistency between the Bureau and the van lines. Atlas and the Bureau actually have seven migration losers in common between their top tens. Looking at the US Census Bureau’s Net Domestic Migration map we can clearly see the winners clustered in the south and west with the losers dominating the northeast and midwest.

What’s The Takeaway?

Remember, the numbers put together by each of the van lines represent the migration trends among the customers they’ve served. Van lines count moves, the Bureau counts people.

This may not account for the reason United’s inbound champion Vermont is somehow a net loser according to the Census Bureau’s numbers, but it does suggest that, despite the discrepancies, the van lines and the Census Bureau can give a decent overall on what is going on out there.

But in the cases where data remains too contradictory to be meaningful, evaluating regions rather than individual states might give us a slightly more reliable picture of the migration trends playing out across the US. At the end of the day, we are only looking at a mere slice of the American migratory pie.

There’s More Realistic Data Out There

We need another, more encompassing way to look at where America is moving to and from.

DIY Moves and Hybrid Moves (besides U-Haul), which by far and away are the more common ways to move, are sorely misrepresented. When you move, do you routinely call up $2,000+ movers? Have you ever saved money by having your friends move you? What are these Full Service reports actually reflecting?

That’s something to keep in mind when the local news sounds off on “moving trends” based off a single Full Service Moving company’s report. 

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