Nationwide companies provide moving services in 52 states and are usually the best option for long distance movers. However, if you're wondering, "Who is the best national moving company?" be advised that national movers take a high volume of loads, resulting in a mix of good and bad reviews. So, how do you know which national mover is best?
This guide will help you in your search for the best national moving company for your needs and what to consider before deciding:
Many National Moving Companies Under Fire With 1-Star Reviews
According to reliable sources on Google, the best national movers are Allied, United Van Lines, and Atlas. However, each national mover averages a 1.5-2.8 star rating, which is very low. Here is why these national companies are getting bad reviews:
Over Booked: National brands are popular, so people utilize their long distance moving services often. As a result, national movers overbook and cannot guarantee a positive moving experience.
Agents: Instead of employing movers in every state, national movers broker their long-distance loads to agents. This method is deemed more cost-effective for the business and customer. However, outsourcing your load to another moving company is risky and can result in a negative experience.
Lost Items: Since several national companies use agents to deliver their loads, people report lost inventory. This typically happens when your move gets brokers out to another company and gets transferred to another truck.
Damaged Furniture: National companies are selling your load to another company to deliver it, and people report damaged items. This happens because the company subcontracted the hauling of the items and is not handling them carefully.
Hidden Fees: According to online reviews and reports, even the best national moving companies may attempt to double your quote. Allied, United Van Lines, and Atlas all have reports of alleged hidden fees.
National Movers Complaints:
Here are the bad reviews you can find from Allied Van Lines, Atlas, and United Van Lines:
Allied Van Lines: Average 1.8-star rating on Yelp. Common complaints are delivery delays and broken and lost items.
Atlas Van Lines: Average 1.2 star rating on consumer affairs. Common complaints are communication issues at delivery and significant quote increases.
United Van Lines: Average 1.9 star rating on Yelp. Common complaints are poor communication with subcontracted movers and trucking and delivery issues.
Review Analysis: If you want to work with a national moving company, it's best to ask them not to broker out your load. Many of these complaints stem from their hired agents, who may not provide the high-quality service you want in a national mover.
Despite The Complaints, Many People are Still Hiring National Movers
Though these major brands are getting numerous complaints, many people still use them and consider them the best; why?
Resources: Established nationwide companies have the resources many small long distance movers can't match. These resources include full coverage options, GPS tracking, storage options, branded trucks, and more.
Professional Movers: Larger companies typically provide experienced movers with years of experience in packing and moving.
Trust: Though national movers tend to get a high volume of bad reviews, their brand is popular, which makes people feel safe. Smaller companies may have fewer negative reviews because they take fewer loads and have been in business for a shorter period.
Branded Trucks: Nationwide companies brand their trucks, which provides a sense of legitimacy and security, unlike a small company that may rent a U-haul, making a customer feel uneasy about the mover's professionalism.
How To Tell If A National Moving Company Is Reputable?
Many national movers boast about their ability to operate nationwide, but their moving service quality can fluctuate. Here is how to know if your national moving company is a good fit for your relocation needs:
Online Reputation: Google the national company's name and check for reviews and online feedback. Remember, even the best national movers will have negative reviews. But it's about how the company handles the complaints and if the positive reviews outweigh the negatives.
BBB: A reputable moving company providing services nationwide will have a Better Business Bureau listing. Their listing should be at least an A rating, and they should be BBB accredited. An accreditation with the BBB shows that the national company takes its business seriously.
Their Quote Process: The batter national movers will give you an in-home or virtual estimate. The company will view your items in person or via video call to give you an accurate quote.
FMCSA Data Base: Verify your national mover's reputation at FMCSA's website here. This database will show registered complaints and whether they have engaged in hostage moves or deceptive business practices.
Conclusion: Even The Best National Movers Get Bad Reviews.
-Having a good relocation experience is not just about hiring the best movers. Unfortunately, luck plays a role in it, too. Whether you hire the largest moving company or a small local brand, negative things can happen. As a final recap, this is what you need to consider when searching for the best national moving company:
Reviews: Consider the nature of the reviews, and if the national mover has many complaints, check how long they have been in business.
BBB Rating: The better national moving companies are listed on the BBB with a favorable rating.
Important note: Despite doing all of this, moving household goods to another state comes with its risks. Following the tips and steps in this content will help reduce the chances of something wrong happening, but it does not guarantee it.
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