I used Allied 15 years ago to move from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. They broke one of our items and I suggested a way to fix it that would have cost them about $100. They played hardball and I took them to arbitration and won. It was sent out for repair and wound up costing them $900. I’ll never use them again.
email me and I can give you advice
FWIW, When I moved in 2003 I used a large Penske truck with a towing trailer for my car. I used some guys from a Boy Scout troop to load the truck. Paid them $20 each plus pizza. On this end, paid some guys working on my new house to unload. Everything went smooth as silk, thank the Good Lord.
I actually run a moving company, we are an agent for the second largest van line in the country. I won’t give myself any shameless plugs, but I would be happy to give some advice:
1.) DO NOT shop on the internet. You will end up with every two bit worthless broker trying to guarantee you unbeliveable rates. They’re unbelievable for a reason.
2.) Stick with the major van lines. North American, Atlas, United, Allied, and Mayflower.
3.) Be sure they include Full Value Protection in the estimate they provide, and make sure it is zero deductible. Ask for it specifically.
4.) I would not take the lowest estimate. Estimators make incorrect calls and it ends up costing in poor service and higher charges at delivery. Get at least two estimates (three is ideal) and count on the average of the three being an accurate representation of your move.
5.) Low cost generally means poor service. Experienced and quality conscious professional van operators will refuse to service cut-rate and underestimated moves. What you’ll end up with is a low experience, grumpy, high-claims driver who will aggravate the daylights out of you.
If you PM me the town you need to move the items from and to, I can recommend one of our top quality agents who can service it, or if I can do so, I will service it myself.
Thank you so much for your generous input and thoughtful comments. I knew that Freerepublic was a great place, I just didn’t realize how wonderful it really is. I am learning.