When choosing a moving company there can be many different decisions to make. One decision that is often overlooked is whether to choose a moving company that is affiliated with a VAN LINES, or one that is an INDPENDENT mover. So what is the difference between the two? And how can you make the best decision for your moving needs?
What is a VAN LINES moving company?
A van lines moving company is a business partner affiliated with a much larger network of many other moving companies. Each moving company in the network is independently owned; however, they are governed by strict rules set by the van lines. They are held to a higher standard than the average independent moving company and have the ability to professionally move your personal belongings anywhere in the county as well as internationally. Van lines agents have higher safety regulations to follow because their vehicles must meet state and federal government laws in order to operate.
The best way to choose a van lines company is to first research the van lines itself. This can be done by going to a van lines website or contacting the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau can tell you the rating of any van lines moving company. Some of the larger van lines include: United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines. You probably recognize these names, as you have probably seen these van lines while driving on major highways traveling from state to state.
In addition to providing long distance moves, either from state-to-state or internationally, van lines movers also provide services on a local level. Van lines moving companies do commercial as well as household moves. Another idea to note is that Van line movers tend to offer more options to their customers than an independent mover because they have the large network of other companies at their disposal.
What is an Independent moving company?
What is an Independent moving company?
Independent moving companies are privately owned and operated. As such, while they are bound to follow state or federal laws, they do not have to uphold the same strict and high standards as a van lines moving company. For the most part they tend to be smaller companies without the benefit of help from other networked companies as in a van lines moving company. They may provide services for international, interstate and/or local moving needs—however, independent movers, (depending on the size of the moving company) tend to conduct more local services and are somewhat limited with long distance destinations. For example, if you had to move from New York to Kansas, it would be very difficult for an independent mover to get your shipment there without sub-contracting the work out to a mover who goes to that destination on a regular basis. Often times, independent movers will hire a van lines to get shipments to out of state destinations. Their vehicle supply and resources are limited to what they own, nor do they have access to a network of other moving companies with extra resources when needed. This is not to say they are inferior to a van lines moving company, just different.
Independent movers can be very good at what they do. Most make their money on local moving. When choosing an independent moving company, ask what services they offer and what services they sub out. Independent moving companies are usually smaller and less able to accommodate your requested loading and delivery dates or provide only some of the services a van lines can offer. An independent moving company constructs it own set of rules and guidelines, so make sure you check out their policy before booking a moving job with them, especially as their guidelines relate to filing a claim. Make sure you check out a prospective independent moving company with the Better Business Bureau to ensure choosing a solid moving company. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
