Hiring Small Moving Company Vs. Major Van Lines
- American National Movers
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Get a quote from a small moving company and enjoy a better price, good quality service, and a tailored relocation experience. A large van line is more expensive but often has a stronger reputation and years of experience, giving consumers extra peace of mind.
This article will help you decide whether a small moving company or a larger brand might be the best fit for your long-distance move.
Hiring A Bigger Brand Isn't Always Needed For A Good Experience.
If you're on Google searching for "small moving companies near me" to get a reasonable price on your state-to-state relocation, you're not alone. Contrary to popular belief, you don't always need a major national moving company to ensure good results. Small and mid-sized shipping and transport brands can deliver the same results at a fair price.
What Is a Small Moving Company?
A small moving company is a local or regional mover offering long distance services without the hefty price tag of a major van line. Smaller movers are considered for affordable state to state moving and greater flexibility in scheduling.
How To Know If the Company Is Legit?
Just because a brand is on the smaller side doesn't mean they aren't trustworthy or reputable. While they often serve fewer clients, they can still handle out-of-state moves as long as they have:
An active DOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Proper insurance and licensing to cross state lines
At least a few years of experience, enough trucks and equipment.
Benefits of Choosing a Small Moving Company
Here are the key benefits of choosing a smaller business for your relocation:
Lower Average Costs.
Relatively small brands have an average moving cost of $4,000 for an out-of-state haul.—far less than $7,000+ from large van lines. Small businesses have lower overhead costs so they can charge less for their shipping services.
Tailored, Personalized Experience.
Bigger brands take on multiple long distance shipments at once, so they may not provide the one-on-one attention people want. A fun-sized moving company can be more attentive and offer faster direct communication.
Faster Delivery.
Small moving companies can commit to faster and guaranteed delivery dates. This is because they only take the loads they can handle directly without much, if any, subcontracting.
Risks To Consider Before Choosing A Small Mover.
While saving money is a major benefit, there are still some risks with choosing moving companies on the smaller side:
Deceptive Business Practices.
Researching and ensuring the small moving company you're considering is reputable and has no history of hidden fees is important. Data has shown the smallest brands are known for being deceptive in their true initial moving costs to lure you in. Then, they may attempt to dramatically increase costs in a desperate attempt to make more profit.
Less Experience.
A few small movers have been in business for several years, but other companies may have just started. If your moving company has been in business for a short period, your household goods may be at risk of being improperly handled.
Limited Insurance Options.
Bigger moving company brands have full coverage options—other small carriers usually only offer basic insurance coverage. If you need to transport high-value and/or fragile items across state lines, ensure you understand the mover's insurance policy.
Benefits Of Choosing Bigger Relocation Brands
While they are expensive, larger moving companies give people peace of mind because of their nationwide presence and have been in business for 20+ years. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Established Track Record.
Major van lines and nationwide movers usually have 20+ years of experience, meaning they have a better track record and experience.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage.
Bigger brands offer multiple coverage levels, from basic protection to full-value replacement. Full coverage isn't always needed but is necessary for those wanting to ship high-value items across state lines.
National Resources.
Larger companies have warehouses, movers, and customer support teams nationwide. This makes it easier for them to be available in rural areas and other states with limited packers and truck drivers.
Trade-Off: You'll often pay a premium—sometimes double or more compared to smaller companies. Still, for those who prioritize a well-known brand and robust guarantees, the extra cost can be worth it.
Drawbacks Of Choosing A Large Moving Company
Major van lines are generally more trustworthy than small movers, but their costs are high and may not be worth it for the average consumer. Here is a detailed breakdown:
$7,000 to $18,000 Average Costs.
Large businesses average a whopping 7k for smaller shipments and 18k+ for three to four bedrooms moving to another state. Paying that much for state to state moving services is unnecessary for the average persons.
Busy Schedules.
National brands have limited availability and take on multiple loads every month. As a result, a large moving company may not be able to provide a tailored relocation experience, and it may be hard to reach your main point of contact.
Conclusion: Which Moving Company Size Makes Sense for You?
Small moving companies can provide the same value a bigger brand can provide at reasonable costs. However, some still choose a major brand instead of a small mover for peace of mind.
Recommendation: Gather quotes from at least two small movers and one large mover to compare prices, services, and delivery windows. Read online reviews, check each mover's DOT credentials, and ensure you fully understand the level of insurance provided. With the right research, you can balance affordability and professional service—ensuring a smooth, successful interstate relocation.
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