Subcontracting Issues With Long Distance Movers
- American National Movers
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the most common concerns people have when hiring long distance movers is the fear that their move will be subcontracted, “handed off,” or brokered to another company without their knowledge. Many customers worry that once their move is booked, a different company will arrive on loading day — or that their furniture will be transferred to an unfamiliar crew or driver after pickup. This uncertainty often raises valid concerns about accountability, including who is responsible for furniture damage, delivery delays, or unexpected price increases.
What most people don’t realize is that subcontracting is extremely common in long distance moving — even among well-known, reputable carriers. In this article, you’ll learn why movers subcontract long distance hauls, how the process works, and how to avoid it if you want direct transport.
How to Avoid Subcontracting (Direct Transport).
To avoid working with movers who subcontract, here is what you need to do:
Avoid brokers
Brokers do not transport household goods themselves. They arrange moves and then assign the job to another carrier. Because brokers do not operate trucks or drivers under their own authority, subcontracting is unavoidable.
Ask Your Carrier To Not Subcontract.
As mentioned previously, though carriers are not brokers, they still sometimes subcontract by hiring another brand to pick up or deliver your items. To avoid this, be clear about your expectations and ask the carrier to include in your contract that they will handle your load from start to finish without third-party handoffs.
Prepare For Direct Transport.
If you want your furniture to stay on one truck with no third-party movers involved, you’ll need direct or dedicated transport. This moving option is charged at a premium because your long distance movers won't be able to share your load. With American National Movers, direct transport averages around $7,800, and it is generally more expensive with other brands offering this service.
Remember:
If avoiding subcontracting is important to you, this should be discussed before you book, and the terms should be clearly stated in your contract.
Most Movers Subcontract Long Haul Relocations.
What most consumers don’t realize is that almost all long distance moving companies subcontract their hauls to some degree. Even large, established brands such as Allied, United, and Mayflower operate using subcontracted networks. These companies refer to their subcontractors as “agents.” An agent is basically a smaller moving company or an independent carrier that works under the authority of the carrier you hired and is legally permitted to transport your shipment. In some cases, this model is successful, but because your load is being handed off to another moving company, it comes with risks.
Why Movers Might Use Third-Party Agents.
Long distance movers rely on third-party moving companies because it's cheaper and easier for them to combine your shipment into an 18-wheeler and subcontract it to a carrier with a CDL. Instead of running a direct truck for each load, this process is cost-effective because they can pay the driver a cheaper rate since there are multiple shipments. Sharing your load with other customers is cheaper for the brand and the consumer, but it does come with cons.
This Is Why Movers Give Vague Delivery Windows.
Consumers looking for long distance moving companies commonly ask, "Why do movers take so long?" Some relocation brands take a long time because of their shipping process. Instead of transporting your items directly from pick-up to drop-off, they combine shipments and subcontract your load to a third-party mover for delivery. This process can take anywhere between one and three weeks, which is why long distance movers are given about 21 business days to deliver your goods. But, in some instances, it can take longer if you hire the wrong brand.
How The Subcontracting Process Works
When you hire a carrier for a long distance move, the company you book with usually handles the initial portion of the job:
Packing and padding furniture.
Disassembly.
Loading your household goods.
Once your items are loaded, the original crew generally does not drive the shipment directly to your destination. Instead, your furniture may be:
Transported to a holding or consolidation facility.
Reloaded into an 18-wheeler with other shipments.
Assigned to a third-party CDL driver or independent carrier for delivery.
Your shipment may still travel under the same DOT authority, but the driving and unloading may be performed by a different long distance moving company than the one you originally booked. This is what many people refer to as “brokering” or subcontracting.
Many Clients Don’t Want Subcontracting, Here’s Why:
Many customers prefer direct long distance movers because subcontracting can cause issues with accountability and liability. When a move is handed off to a third-party company, responsibility can become unclear. If something goes wrong, customers may find themselves dealing with multiple companies, each pointing to the other.
Another major concern is trust. Before hiring a long distance mover, customers often research reviews, licensing, and reputation. If that mover later assigns the job to a third-party company the customer has never heard of, it can feel like the vetting process was pointless.
Unfortunately, Subcontracting Is Common.
Unless you’re willing to pay for direct transport, some level of subcontracting is common in long-distance moving. What matters most is transparency and the reputation of the company you’re signing the contract with.
If a mover plans to subcontract any portion of your relocation, you should ask them to disclose the company or operator who will be involved before move day. This gives you the opportunity to conduct your own due diligence and verify the company's licensing, reviews, and credibility for handling your shipment.
Being informed upfront allows you to avoid surprises and ensures you know exactly who is responsible for your move.
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