Introduction
Moving can be one of life’s most stressful experiences, filled with logistical challenges and emotional upheaval. Whether you’re embarking on a local move across town or a major relocation across the country or even internationally, the right moving company can make all the difference. North American Van Lines is a well-known name in the moving industry with a long history, and choosing them for your move could be a great decision. But it’s essential to be well-informed before you commit. This post aims to provide a detailed look at North American Van Lines, its services, and what you should consider before hiring them, helping you navigate your move with confidence.
Understanding North American Van Lines
- Who is North American Van Lines?
- Founded in 1933, North American Van Lines boasts a long history in the moving business.
- It is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with more than 500 agent locations throughout North America.
- They are a full-service mover, which means they handle more than just driving the truck.
- Ownership: North American Van Lines is owned by Sirva, Inc., the same corporation that owns Allied Van Lines.
- Services Offered: North American Van Lines provides a wide array of services, including:
- Local, long-distance, and international moves.
- Residential and corporate relocation services.
- Packing, unpacking, and storage services.
- Car transport services.
- Furniture assembly and installation.
- Disposal and donation services.
- Global Reach: They operate in over 130 countries.
- Commitment to Quality: North American Van Lines emphasizes its commitment to safety and customer service.
Navigating the Quote Process
- Initial Contact: The process typically starts with an online form or phone call.
- A basic online quote requires you to agree to receive phone calls.
- An agent will then contact you for more information, including a virtual home estimate survey.
- The Importance of an In-Home Estimate: A physical or virtual walkthrough of your home is essential for an accurate quote.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation requires movers to do a “physical survey of your goods” if they have a place of business within 50 miles of your house. You can waive this requirement in writing.
- Understanding Quote Types:
- Non-Binding Estimates: These are approximate costs that can change. The final cost is determined when the mover weighs the shipment.
- Binding Quotes: These guarantee the price will not exceed the estimate. Be aware that the process for this type of quote may take longer and the mover can charge a fee for it.
- “Not-to-Exceed” Pricing: With this option, your moving expenses may be less, but not more, than the quoted price.
- The Importance of a Detailed Inventory: The accuracy of your quote depends on your inventory list. Be sure to account for every item you plan to move.
- What They Won’t Move: North American Van Lines will not move items like nail polish remover, paints and thinners, propane cylinders, and gasoline.
- Red Flags: Be wary of:
- Low quotes.
- Movers who won’t do an in-home estimate.
- Movers who ask for a large deposit.
- Movers who only accept cash or wire transfers.
Services in Detail
- Packing Services:
- Three options: Do it yourself, have movers pack, or pack everything but fragile items.
- They offer options for wardrobe boxes, dish-pack barrels, and stretch wrap.
- Loading and Unloading: Movers load the truck and unpack it at your new home. You can tell them where to place each box. You can also opt for unpacking and debris removal.
- Installation and Assembly: Movers can help set up furniture and appliances. They may be able to arrange for cleaning services at your new home.
- Storage Options:
- Climate-controlled storage spaces are available if needed.
- “Storage-in-transit” is typically short-term storage offered by the moving company.
- North American Van Lines provides 90 days of storage in transit.
- Auto Transport: They offer door-to-door shipping for cars, SUVs, boats, and motorcycles.
- Military Moves: North American Van Lines offers specialized services for military moves, including free in-home estimates, full-service packing, storage, and furniture disassembly/reassembly.
- Corporate Relocation: They offer on-site coordination, 24/7 shipment tracking, disposal and donation services, and transition planning.
- International Moves: They load your packed items and take them to the departure point. The destination is handled by a third party that is part of North American’s network. Extra costs can include custom crating, duties, and visa fees.
- They provide customers with customs information and tips for what to bring to different countries.
Cost and Pricing
- Factors Influencing Cost:
- Amount of stuff.
- Type of stuff.
- Distance of the move.
- Accessibility of locations.
- Time of year.
- Sample Prices:
- A 200-mile move for a 1-bedroom apartment with 2,000 pounds of belongings may cost around $1,500.
- A 1,000-mile move for a 1-bedroom apartment with 2,000 pounds of belongings may cost around $4,500.
- Long-distance moves can range from $3,200 – $6,000 depending on the season and distance.
- Keep in mind that prices can increase substantially for longer moves.
- Binding vs. Non-Binding Quotes Revisited: Binding quotes guarantee the price, while non-binding quotes are estimates that can change.
- Potential Extra Costs: Costs for storage, packing materials, or additional services can add to the total.
- International moves can involve up to $5,000 or more in extra costs.
- Discounts: Certain groups like The Senior Citizens League, Union Plus, and Veterans Advantage may be eligible for discounts.
- Be Wary of Low Quotes: Unusually low quotes can be a red flag for moving scams, and the cheapest way to move will always be to do all the work yourself.
Customer Experience & Reviews
- Tracking Your Shipment: North American Van Lines offers online tracking, which can be valuable for planning.
- Mixed Reviews: Customer reviews are mixed, with both positive and negative experiences.
- Some customers praise their professionalism, punctuality, and care with belongings.
- Other customers complain about damage, delays, communication problems, and unexpected costs.
- Common Complaints:
- Quote accuracy: Initial estimates can be inaccurate, often leading to higher final costs. Some customers reported being overcharged by thousands of dollars.
- Some customers were charged more at the end of their move.
- Damaged or missing items: There are multiple complaints about damaged furniture and missing belongings.
- Poor customer service: Some customers report difficulty getting responses from customer service, and issues with communication.
- Delays: Some customers have experienced significant delays in delivery.
- Sales tactics: Some customers report high-pressure sales tactics or aggressive phone calls.
- Claims Process: Some customers report a complicated claims process, and issues with getting claims paid, or being offered a low amount for damages.
- Third-Party Concerns: There are some suggestions that North American Van Lines uses third-party trucks and workers, although this is denied by the company.
Tips for a Successful Move with North American Van Lines
- Plan Ahead: Book your move well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Get a Binding Estimate: If you prefer a guaranteed price, opt for a binding estimate and be sure the inventory is complete.
- Thorough Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of your belongings and make sure it matches what’s in your contract.
- Verify Credentials: Check the company’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.
- Payment Schedule: Typically, you should not need to pay a deposit when scheduling your move. Payment should be split between when the movers show up and when they leave.
- Read Your Contract Carefully: Pay close attention to all terms and conditions.
- Take Photos Before and After: Document the condition of your belongings before packing and after delivery.
- Understand Liability: Understand the liability coverage, and consider full-value protection to protect against damage and loss.
- Check Your Shipment Upon Delivery: Do not sign off on the shipment until you have carefully inspected it against your inventory list. Note any missing or damaged items on the inventory form.
- Communicate Clearly: Maintain open communication with your moving coordinator.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, estimates, and contracts.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Understand that delays can occur, and be ready to adjust your plans.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a consumer and the procedures for filing complaints.
- Avoid Moving Brokers: When possible, choose a company that is a direct carrier and not a broker.
- Be wary of very low quotes: If a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Alternative Moving Options
- Consider these other moving companies:
- Allied Van Lines.
- Mayflower Transit.
- Atlas Van Lines.
- United Van Lines.
- JK Moving Services.
- National Van Lines.
- American Van Lines.
- International Van Lines.
- PODS.
- Penske.
- Consider a DIY move to save money by doing all the work yourself.
Conclusion
North American Van Lines is a large, established company with a wide range of services but mixed customer reviews. While they offer a variety of services and have a broad reach, it’s important to be aware of potential issues that some customers have experienced. Thorough research, careful planning, and clear communication are essential when choosing a moving company. Use the information provided in this guide to help you make an informed decision, and ensure a smoother moving process.