Independent Long Distance Moving Carriers, No Agents
- American National Movers
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Many state to state moving companies work with what they call “carrier agents,” meaning they work with other brands and do not operate independently. Although consumers prefer to work with independent carriers, this business model is becoming increasingly common. This can be problematic for consumers who wish to work directly with one moving company rather than through a middleman or broker.
What Is An Independent Carrier?
An independent carrier works independently and handles your move directly, without handing it off to another company. Independent carriers are a great moving option because they provide straight delivery, easier communication, and don't require separate pickup and delivery companies.
One Moving Company From Start To Finish
You get one point of contact; the state to state moving company you book with is the one hauling your things.
Straight Delivery
The same crew that picked up your household goods is more than likely the one dropping them off in your delivery state. This is very attractive to someone interested in a direct long distance moving service with straight delivery.
Higher Costs
Independent long distance carriers tend to charge higher rates because they drive your load straight through without outsourcing it to subcontractors or delivery companies that may do it for cheaper.
What is A Carrier Network Or Agent?
Carriers are now brokering moves to other moving companies, even though they are not registered brokers. Many carriers pass moves to other moving companies to actually perform the relocation. This is legal through interlining — where the partner company operates under the booking carrier's DOT authority — or through proper broker authority if the company is arranging the move as a go-between. Here's how the process works:
You Book
You book with the long distance mover, get a quote, sign the contract, and pay a deposit. If you need to make any changes to your pick-up dates or inventory, you contact the company you booked with.
They Outsource
The carrier contacts one of their carrier agents and sells your load in exchange for a percentage ranging from 30-50%. The carrier accepting the job collects the remaining balance through the carrier or through you via certified funds at pick-up or delivery.
Communication
For updates regarding delivery or potential increases in the estimate, contact the carrier you booked with or the carrier's agent. Either is fine, although many consumers choose to do both.
Why It’s Hard To Find An Independent Moving Company
Many long distance moving companies prefer not to work independently because it can be cheaper and more efficient to have another company do some of the work for them.
Please see the content below for a detailed explanation:
Avoiding Straight Delivery
Many movers do not want to drive your move straight from its origin to its destination because it’s expensive and time-consuming. Instead of having a foreman spend several hours transporting household goods, companies prefer to outsource the job and let another mover handle it for a percentage.
National Scale
Many national moving companies operate across the country through their carrier networks or agents. This is an easier way to scale the business without needing multiple warehouses and trucks across multiple states.
Cheaper Rates
Some of these carrier agents are willing to haul your move for much cheaper than the actual company you’re booking with (if they were doing the move directly). While working with one company is more appealing, sometimes allowing the brand to subcontract may be cheaper.
How To Verify You’re Working With An Independent Carrier
Being that a carrier can technically act as a broker by interlining and working with carrier partners, the only true way to confirm you’re dealing with an independent carrier is in writing and by asking questions.
Will The Same Truck and Crew Handle My Move From Pickup to Delivery?
A true independent carrier does the move itself. If the answer is vague, that's your sign that the load may be passed off.
Will Your Movers Provide Straight Delivery?
If the long distance moving company does not provide straight delivery, your belongings will eventually be transferred to another delivery company.
Is The Company Showing up on Move Day The Same One I'm Booking With Right Now?
This forces a clear yes-or-no on whether there's a handoff. If the move is being brokered to a carrier partner, they will have to tell you or provide written notice.
Finally: Read Reviews
Complaints like "a different company showed up" or "my move got passed to another mover" are the clearest real-world signs of an agent or network model.
American National Movers Is A Independent Carrier
At American National Movers, we handle your long-distance move directly, so the same crew that picks up your household goods will deliver. This results in quicker deliveries, better communication, and a better experience for our customers.
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