Many people who are moving out of state and want to hire a long distance moving company do not want to work with a broker. However, even carriers operate as brokers by subcontracting their long distance moves to an independent mover.
Many believe that when you hire a carrier, one company will handle their move from start to finish. Unfortunately, most long distance moving companies operate with a hidden brokerage model, even if they market themselves as carriers. Here's what that means for you as a customer:
How Moving Carriers Operate As Brokers.
Many long distance moving companies that claim not to be brokers still operate as brokerages, even if they own trucks and employ drivers. These movers will pick up your belongings, load them onto a truck, and transport them to their nearest warehouse. Eventually, they'll unload your items, store them temporarily, and reload them onto another truck operated by an independent carrier. This means your carrier is handling your long distance move at pick-up and hiring another company to deliver.
Why Long Distance Moving Company Carriers May Operate As A Broker:
Many moving companies act as brokers because it helps them save money and can be more efficient. Here is how:
18-Wheeler Movers: Many carriers avoid expediting or using straight delivery services for long distance moves. Instead, they operate as brokers and subcontract your move out to an 18-wheeler moving company. This allows them to transport more goods at once long distances, minimizing fuel and labor costs through a shared truckload.
Avoiding Straight Delivery Costs: Expedited long distance moving services are expensive for the carrier and the consumer. Many moving company carriers broker to other transporters who combine your items with other shipments to avoid these costs. This step saves the carrier and the customer money but may extend your delivery time.
National Moving Coverage: Major van lines like Allied, United National, and Mayflower work with agents nationwide. Ultimately, these agents are independent movers or smaller moving companies that they use to broker out their moves. By subcontracting your move to independent carriers, they cut costs on long hauls and can operate nationwide.
Cost Effective Through Shared Loads: By brokering your move, moving companies can combine loads traveling in the same direction. This practice, known as: "shared load moving" or "shared trucking," helps reduce operational expenses such as fuel and labor.
Limited Trucks & Movers: During peak moving seasons, carriers might not have enough trucks or staff to meet demand. Brokering out your move through their "agents" allows them to manage more moves without expanding their fleet. Ultimately, this lowers their overhead costs while allowing them to make money.
Moving Companies That Are Not Brokers: What To Do And What To Know.
Many avoid brokers when searching for long distance movers, preferring carriers who can handle their belongings directly. It's important to know that moving companies calling themselves "carriers" may still operate as a brokerage model. Here's what to keep in mind:
Understanding The Reality: Even well-known brands like Allied, United, and Mayflower broker out portions of their long distance moves. This helps them expand their reach and allows them to operate as a nationwide moving company. So, if you're focused on hiring a "non-broker," remember that most long distance movers use some form of subcontracting.
Ask Questions: When interviewing moving companies, ask questions to see if they will handle your move in-house or if they plan to subcontract portions of it. Questions like "Will my belongings stay on the same truck?" "Will a single team manage my move from start to finish?" can help clarify if brokering is involved. Even if a company does use subcontractors, understanding this upfront can help you prepare.
Look For Trust: Choosing a moving company should focus on trust and transparency, not just their broker status. Reliable companies with positive reputations will be upfront about their process, communicate openly about subcontractors, and take responsibility for your belongings. Check for customer reviews and ratings highlighting how a company handled any issues, particularly for long distance moves.
Think About the Benefits: A shared load move or a brokered model may not seem great initially, but it can be helpful. Combining loads with another customer can help save on fuel and help secure affordable long distance movers. If your delivery timeline is not a top priority, a shared truckload move can be a cost-effective and reliable choice.
How To Know If Your Movers Are Brokers.
Here is how to verify if your moving company is not a broker:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Go to the FMCSA website and enter their name or DOT number to check if they are a carrier or broker.
Read Your Contract: Please read your contract thoroughly. By law, if a moving company is a broker, they must state it on their contract.
Ask: When consulting with your moving company, ask them, "are you a carrier or a broker?" However, please remember that some shady moving companies may lie about not being a broker.
Check Their Website: Reputable carriers will clearly state their services and emphasize that they handle moves directly without subcontracting. If the website is vague or mentions "partnered agents" or "nationwide network," this could indicate they operate as brokers.
Research Reviews for Key Terms: Search online reviews for terms like "subcontracted," "third party," or "brokered." Many customers share experiences if a company used subcontractors without informing them. Seeing repeated mentions of these terms can help identify if a company frequently brokers out their long distance moves.
Better Business Bureau: The BBB often informs the consumer if the moving company is a carrier or a broker. If the moving company you are considering is on the BBB, click their listing. This will help you check if they are a carrier or a broker.
Reliable Movers That Are Not Brokers.
Here are some trusted options if you are looking for reliable moving companies that do not broker their services. However, it's important to note that these companies may occasionally subcontract long distance moves based on logistics or availability. Here are a few options:
Allied Van Lines – Known for its strong reputation and reliable moving services, Allied generally operates its own fleet. However, certain routes or high-demand times may lead to subcontracting.
United Van Lines – United is a highly reputable brand specializing in coast-to-coast relocations. They typically use their own fleet and staff, although specific, remote destinations may occasionally involve subcontracting.
North American Van Lines – Another popular moving company with its own equipment and staff. North American Van Lines handles most moves on its own. However, they may work with other companies in areas where they need extra help.
American National Movers – Specializing in direct moves without brokering their moves, American National Movers focuses on transparency. American National Movers offers non-brokered services in Florida, California, Seattle, New York, Chicago, and more.
Atlas Van Lines – With a vast network of agents across the country, Atlas prides itself on handling moves in-house as much as possible. However, like others, they may work with independent carriers for hard-to-service rural states or unique scheduling needs.
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